Masters of Code: Russell Curtis achieves the gold standard of code certification

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 900 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. Russell Curtis, senior combination inspector/plans examiner for the city of San Marcos, is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Russell to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Russell Curtis
Senior Combination Inspector/Plans Examiner
Planning & Development Services
San Marcos, Texas, United States
International Code Council member for 12 years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Curtis: My first certification examination was taken while I was a student at Texas State Technical College in their Building Construction Technology program. One of the classes offered was a building code class. We studied the Southern Building Code. A representative of SBCCI came to the Waco campus and administered the examination. A requirement for the class was to do a two week ride-along with a city inspector. The city inspector I rode with became my supervisor approximately two years after my graduation from the program. My first inspector job had a direct correlation to the building inspector certification obtained, while in school. Since that time, I have made it a point to study for and obtain certifications through the years. The Master Code Professional certification is a reminder of the time that I have invested and the experience obtained in the profession.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Curtis: Preparation for the exams was by a combination of code classes and independent study. Additionally, working in the inspection field allowed the opportunity to see the application of the codes in action.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Curtis: The Master Code Professional designation means that I am a determined student. It means that I have continued to keep up with the changing technology over the years. It means that I have continued to grow and keep moving forward.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Curtis: The value is mostly personal at the present. I will be soon utilizing this designation for professional opportunities that have become available.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Curtis: Stay focused on your goal. Be open to learning new things. Continue to grow with the profession. Be determined to accomplish your goal. Enjoy the experience.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Curtis: 30 years

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Curtis: One of the major changes I have seen is the combining of the three code organizations into one. Another major change is the type of building materials being utilized in construction (from plywood to OSB).

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Curtis: How do you keep up with the current demands on the industry and maintain an adequate safety level? How do you educate future professionals in the industry?

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Curtis: Learn the practical application of the building codes!

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?
Curtis: It is a public service that is oftentimes not appreciated until a tragedy occurs. The International Code Council has helped to keep me aware of what others are doing to address similar issues. I have grown and learned along with the International Code Council.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Curtis: Throughout the years I have been trained by others and have trained others myself. I will continue this process.

BSJ: Thank you, Russell, 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 Russell on achieving this important and significant accomplishment,” said Autumn Saylor, program services manager of the Code Council’s Assessment Center. “I challenge and encourage all code professionals to strive for this level of achievement, and I look forward to congratulating more Master Code Professionals in the future.”

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