Master Code Professional Robert Sterioti

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. Robert Sterioti is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Robert to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Robert Sterioti
Building Inspector
Village of Plainfield
Plainfield, Illinois, United States
International Code Council member for six years
SBOC/SSBOA

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Sterioti: While I was studying for a plan review exam at an institute the instructor was discussing the MCP certification, and I asked him more about it. When I heard how few people had achieved the certification, I wanted to pursue it.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Sterioti: Mostly study guides and going through the codebooks and becoming familiar with the sections. Tabbing the books was a big help. I would also ask a few mentors a lot of questions when I was having trouble with some areas of the code. I tried to get as much information as I could.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Sterioti: It means a lot achieving a goal that I set for myself and worked for on my own time. I was taught and raised not to settle for mediocrity and the MCP is a step up from the norm.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Sterioti: That is yet to be seen. I know the mentors that I asked a lot of questions of are happy for me to receive it. But you also have to realize that you have to continue learning after obtaining a certification, even the MCP.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Sterioti: Keep at it, one step at a time/ one exam at a time. You can do it at your own pace.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Sterioti: Six years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Sterioti: The difference between more innovative materials used today compared to when I was working in the field. With tilt-up concrete panels so abundant. The use of more engineered products in single-family construction.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Sterioti: Learning and seeing those new products being used. And what will be next.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Sterioti: Have an open mind when someone is using new products or newer technology.

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?
Sterioti: I hope that what I am a part of today will always be evolving for better and safer buildings and structures.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Sterioti: I am continuing to study at a more relaxed pace and choosing some topics that interest me and can help me gain more insight into things within the community where I work.

BSJ: Thank you, Robert, 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 Robert 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.