Master Code Professional Jon Sayler

It’s considered the Ph.D. of building safety codes certification. The Master Code Professional (MCP) is the highest level of designation the International Code Council offers and is the “gold standard” for demonstrating proficiency in the code profession. The Code Council has certified thousands of individuals, but only a small select number have attained this high level of achievement: just over 800 MCP professionals worldwide. Their achievements are a benefit to the code enforcement profession as well as their communities.

To obtain this level of certification requires and demonstrates a commitment to the profession, diverse knowledge of codes and a high level of self-initiative. Jon Sayler is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Jon to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Jon Sayler
Inspection/Information Compliance Administrator
North Dakota State Electrical Board
Bismarck, North Dakota, United States
International Code Council member for nine years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Sayler: I have always thought of myself as an ambitious person. I enjoy taking the initiative to further my knowledge and education in the code enforcement field. Becoming a Journeyman Electrician was the first personal goal that I achieved in my twenties. I then moved the bar to become a Master Electrician in my early thirties. Once this was completed I contracted for a while and then entered the Inspection Industry with a local municipality as an Electrical/Building Inspector. Passing the B1 exam was a requirement for employment but once I passed it I wanted to learn more and further my career. Obtaining the MCP was the highest bar I could set for myself and decided to make a personal decision to dedicate myself to reaching this goal.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Sayler: In addition to my professional duties I would also use my personal free time to read and study the appropriate topics. Using the ICC guides, study materials and practice tests proved to be invaluable for successfully completing the exam(s) process.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Sayler: Reaching this goal and being part of an elite group of only 900 in the world means a tremendous amount to me. It means I have met the requirements and have proven my knowledge of building codes to achieve the highest honor the ICC has to offer. My Uncle who has also proven himself very successful in the investment industry once told me the best investment you can make in life is investing in yourself.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Sayler: Aside from the personal value it adds to my life having achieved this milestone, it also carries much potential to advance my career.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Sayler: My advice would be to start with whichever code or trade you are confident in and branch off from there. For instance, if you have electrical experience begin with the E1 exam, if you have mechanical experience begin with the M1 exam etc. You will slowly see how all the I-Codes correlate with each other.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Sayler: Twenty-seven years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Sayler: A lot of changes have happened within the life-safety parameter, especially with the electrical codes since I began in the construction industry. The energy efficiency of buildings has made huge strides forward as well. Another really good change is the number of publications out there to really help people understand specific codes and their intent.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Sayler: I think we are going to see many advancements in construction technology which I am excited to see and learn about. I believe the inspection industry will try and continue to educate and promote the importance of code enforcement as well.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Sayler: My best advice is to make contacts and learn from the people who have a lot of experience. Most professionals will be happy to educate and guide you. We all start at the same place and so did they. I have many people I look up to that have helped me on my way and I still learn new things to this day. Another piece of advice is when you are looking for a specific code reference make sure you are in the correct area of the code that applies to your situation. When you find what you are looking for, be sure you keep reading to make sure you are not missing something in the exceptions.

BSJ: Building safety is the focal point of our mission here at the Code Council. What is the importance of building safety to you? How has ICC helped you in your career and commitment to public safety?
Sayler: Building safety is the whole point of what we do. This should be priority one whether you are a code enforcer, designer or contractor. We are all human and we all make mistakes. A plan reviewer may find something a designer has missed. An inspector may find something in the field a plan reviewer has missed. A contractor may find something we all missed. So the point is we should all be on the same team to ensure a code-compliant build.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Sayler: I am going to continue to grow and learn. I will never stop investing in myself and I never know where it’s going to take me but I am going to enjoy the ride!

BSJ: Thank you, Jon, and congratulations. You have definitely been an encouragement to us all in your pursuit of excellence.

To earn the Code Council’s elite MCP designation, a candidate must first pass 10 core Code Council exams plus a number of elective Code Council exams. Typical Master Code Professionals hold 17 or more Code Council certifications. The Master Code Professional designation requires certified individuals to complete an additional 60 hours of Continuing Education Units every three years to maintain active status.

“The Master Code Professional certification is the pinnacle of all Code Council certifications, representing a level of effort, knowledge, and dedication that elevates not only the individual achieving it but the code official profession as a whole,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO.

Master Code Professionals are typically responsible for all technical and management aspects of code enforcement with duties that range from the management of a code enforcement department to the supervision of inspectors and plan reviewers.

“Congratulations to Jon on achieving this important and significant accomplishment,” said Autumn Saylor, Director of the Code Council’s Assessment Center. “I challenge and encourage all code professionals to strive for this level of achievement, and look forward to congratulating more Master Code Professionals in the future.”

To learn more on how you can join this elite group and let us help you open the door to increased professional challenges and career advancement, click here.