News & Information

General C&T Contractor/Trades Testing State-specific Certification Cert Renewal

General C&T

PRONTO and Assessment Center FAQs:

Assessment Center

Who is the Assessment Center, and what happened to Certification and Testing?
- The ICC Assessment Center will take the place of the ICC Certification and Testing division as a newly integrated, one-stop shop approach to simplify user access to services.
Will I lose my certifications?
- No; the ICC Assessment Center will maintain the same strong credentials as the previous system, with an updated look and name. All certification and testing activities previously conducted by ICC will now be available from the Assessment Center, along with new and enhanced services.
Why did ICC change the certification department name?
- The Assessment Center name more accurately reflects that credentials aren’t just tied to testing, but to various means of assessment. New credential types will be available soon in the Assessment Center – watch for more information.

PRONTO

What is PRONTO?
- Proctored Remote Online Testing Option (PRONTO) is a new program offered by ICC that allows individuals to take an ICC certification exam in the privacy of their home, office or other secured location. Instead of having to travel to one of the current testing sites, some of which have limited hours and may not be convenient for many test takers, candidates can take an exam at their convenience.
Why is ICC interested in online testing?
- This new test-taking platform will remove one of the barriers to individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the building trades, which could help reduce the current shortage of qualified individuals for jobs in these fields.
What do I need in order to test through PRONTO?
- To participate in PRONTO, individuals need to have a computer, web cam, microphone and high-speed (broadband) internet access. Users will be able to test their computer system to see if it works for PRONTO prior to purchasing the exam.
Why should I consider taking an exam through PRONTO?
- PRONTO makes taking a certification exam easier, more convenient, more comfortable and saves time by enabling individuals to take the exams in their own location. The new test-taking platform eliminates the geographical barrier of travelling to a testing center to take an ICC exam, which is especially helpful for testers who live far away from a testing site or can’t easily schedule an exam due to limited testing hours.
Who else is offering online testing?
- While online proctored testing is being successfully used at companies such as Microsoft and Cisco, ICC is the first model code organization to offer secured online proctored exams. ICC is also currently the only model code organization to offer this convenient service at an entirely new, accessible level to testers.
When can I take an exam through PRONTO?
- PRONTO services reflect the demand for flexibility and control over scheduling for the modern-day tester, making exams accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
When do I get my exam results?
- Individuals will find out their pass/fail status immediately upon completing their exams through PRONTO.
What’s happening to computer-based and paper-and-pencil testing?
- In addition to PRONTO, ICC will continue offering other options for taking certification exams via computer-based testing and paper-and-pencil examinations to provide testers with the highest variety of options.
Can I take any ICC exam through PRONTO?
- PRONTO services are now available for 24 different exams. Even more types of exams will begin to become available in the future, making certification exams more convenient and accessible than ever before.

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New Combination Designation Going Green: Certified Sustainability Professional

The International Code Council is set to launch a Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP) designation on July 1. The CSP was designed to provide portability for professionals holding ICC and/or California certifications to show proficiency and interest in sustainability across the nation without having to obtain another license or designation.

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Coming Soon: New Code Specialist Designations

Beginning July 1, 2017, ICC will launch six additional Code Specialist designations as part of its Combination Designations. These designations offer a streamlined path of achievement in the exam process by comprising a quality Code Specialist (CS) exam that combines legal, management, and customer service elements to present a robust module. The new Code Specialist designations will require passing the CS exam module as well as the appropriate trade examinations.

Click here for the full article

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Increase in Exam Attempts for Certification Exam Candidates

Published July 7, 2017

As of July 1st, 2017, the frequency of exam attempts for Certification programs has increased. Instead of two (2) exam attempts in a 6-month period, candidates taking a National Certification Exam, CALBO exam, or UST/AST exam now have the opportunity to take an exam six (6) times in a 6 (six) month period if needed to pass.

PLEASE NOTE: Result letters from Pearson VUE may still reflect the old rule of 2 exam attempts in a 6-month period. If you have already used one or two of your exam attempts within your 6-month period of retesting upon July 1st, you will still be allowed to continue retesting until your six attempts are fulfilled in the 6-month period.

The Certification Committee (CC) of the ICC Professional Development Council (PDC) approved this change in a December 2016 meeting, to allow candidates greater access to testing. For more information on the CC or PDC, please click here.

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Coming Soon: New Code Specialist Designations

2017 New Code Specialist Designations:

B8 - Building Code Specialist (BCS)
E8 - Electrical Code Specialist (ECS)
F8 - Fire Code Specialist (FCS)
M8 - Mechanical Code Specialist (MCS)
P8 - Plumbing Code Specialist (PCS)
H8 - Housing and Zoning Code Specialist (HZCS)

These new Code Specialist Designations will be joining our suite of Combination Designations that we will continue to offer:

Building Inspector (B5)
Electrical Inspector (E5)
Mechanical Inspector (M5)
Plumbing Inspector (P5
Residential Combination Inspector (R5)
Commercial Combination Inspector (C5)
Combination Inspector (C8)

Combination Plans Examiner (C3)
Energy Code Specialist (G8)
Permit Specialist (T6)
Master Code Professional (MCP)
Master of Special Inspection (MSI)
Certified Building Official (CBO)
Certified Fire Marshal (CFM)

What will happen to the Certified Code Official designation?

For professionals who currently hold the Certified Code Official designation, your title will remain valid and will be honored by the ICC as a Legacy Certification. While this designation will officially retire on June 30, 2017, you will still be able to maintain your designation title as a Certified Code Official through appropriate renewals via the Code Council.

Code Official Designations Retiring June 30, 2017:

Certified Building Code Official (B6)
Certified Fire Code Official (F6)
Certified Mechanical Code Official (M6)
Certified Plumbing Code Official (P6)
Certified Housing Code Official (H6)
Certified Electrical Code Official (E6)

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Increase in Exam Attempts Starting July

Published February 28, 2017

Effective July 1st, 2017, the frequency of exam attempts for the National Certification program will increase. Instead of two (2) exam attempts in a 6-month period, candidates will have the opportunity to take an exam six (6) times in a 6 (six) month period if needed to pass.

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Are you in the Newport, RI area? Interested in taking a National Certification Exam?

On April 12^th, 2017, The International Code Council will be administering Paper-and-Pencil National Certification at the Examinations at the Eastern States Building Officials Federation (ESBOF) Annual Conference at the Newport Harbor Hotel. If you’re in the area and would like to take a Certification Exam during this event, please fill out the application below and send the form along with appropriate fees to the address located on the form.

ESBOF Special Examination Administration Application

Registration for taking a certification exam at this event is open until March 10, 2017. Register today to guarantee a spot for your examination!

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Retired Exams

Published January 4, 2016

The following National Certification Exams have retired, effective December 31st, 2016:
- 01 Legal/Management Module
- 02 Technology Module
- DR Disaster Response Inspector
- FM Certified Fire Marshal

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Preferred Provider Program Now Available

ICC’s new Preferred Provider Program, which launched in November 2014, offers onsite and online educational courses to meet your training needs and provide ICC CEUs. Beginning in 2015, 20 percent of CEUs used for an ICC certification renewal must be earned from training by ICC or ICC’s Preferred Provider Program (PPP). Review the revised Certification renewal schedule and the FAQs about the Certification program changes.

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Please Read: 2015 Program Changes

ICC Certification and Testing will be making program changes to more closely align with the values and goals of ICC, as well as continuing to maintain the validity, fairness, reliability, and credibility of your exam programs. Please take a few minutes to read through the list of upcoming changes, and let us know if you have questions.

Contractor/Trades Testing

Upcoming Changes for Contractor/Trades Examinations

Beginning January 1, 2018, The Assessment Center is expanding its offerings of National Contractor/Trades examination titles for code years 2012 and 2015.

At the same time, many jurisdiction-specific examination programs will be transitioned to the National standard examination program. The exams will be equivalent in content to the jurisdiction-specific exams, and will provide a simple registration process and exams that are recognized across the nation. In addition, ICC will offer select 2009 titles through our new proctored online testing system, PRONTO.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact lhudson@iccsafe.org.

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New Style for Nevada ID Cards

Published January 4, 2016

Starting January 2017, identification cards for Reno and Clark County, Nevada candidates are transitioning to a new style that constitutes big changes in issuing ID cards.

Candidates up for renewal and first-time candidates will receive the new card upon sending their application in 2017.

Check out what’s new for Nevada ID cards below:

New ID Card Format

New Standard Style: All cards will now be a standard green color and will still include photo identification
New Record Number Issued: the record number on your Nevada ID Card will change to a completely new one in order to improve ways to access your ID information online.
Access to Temporary Card: Once ICC sends you a letter of confirmation that your application has been processed, use your email address to access a digital version of your card online at verify.iccsafe.org. You will be able to print a temporary card to keep on hand while waiting on your official ID card to be sent to you via mail.

Process update on issuing ID Cards

Mailing Process: FedEx option is no longer available. Cards will be sent to you via mail within 6-8 weeks.
Electronic Option for Sending Photos: You will have the option to scan and email your photos to certexams@iccsafe.org

Please remember to fully complete the application according to your jurisdiction so that your ID card will be successfully processed.

If you have questions about the new process, please contact ICC’s Certification & Testing Department at certexams@iccsafe.org or by calling 1-888-422-7233, ext. 5524.

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Effective October 1^st, 2016, for Kansas Jurisdictions:

Effective October 1^st, ICC will no longer administer jurisdiction-specific exam programs. All candidates will be required to take the statewide exam.

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Clark County, Nevada Identification Cards

All working electricians in Clark County must apply for an identification card.

You must renew your identification card every three years.

Reno, Nevada Identification Cards

All working electricians in Reno must apply for an identification card.

You must renew your identification card every three years.

State-specific Certification

Exam Information for Florida DBPR Exam Candidates

Published January 19, 2017

Starting January 22, 2017 all candidates who are scheduling their examinations on-line with Pearson VUE will need their Pearson VUE Client Candidate Identification Number (DBPR Entity Number) to be able to complete their transaction.

Please Note: If your Client Candidate ID (CCID) is less than 9 digits, please add preceding zeroes so there will be a total of 9 digits.

EXAMPLE: If your CCID is 123456, you will enter 000123456 when registering for an exam on Pearson VUE.

You will find your Client Candidate ID on the Confirmation letter you will receive either via email, if available, or regular mail.

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New: California and International Code-based Certification Transition

ICC is now offering a newly reworked transition program for certification holders that wish to receive an ICC National Certification or California Certification. If you hold specific certifications based on the International Codes or California Codes, you can receive the equivalent certification on the California Codes or International Codes. See the program information for more details.

California Codes Examination Information

The California Certification Program meets the intent of Assembly Bill No. 717, which requires certification and training of construction inspectors, plans examiners, and building officials. It was designed for those jurisdictions requiring knowledge and application of the California Codes, and is deemed substantially equivalent to the corresponding Code Council certifications.

Cert Renewal

CEU and Renewal Links

Watch how-to videos on logging in, entering CEUs, and submitting renewal applications.

Read CEU and renewal instructions, including FAQs here.

Beginning in 2015, 20 percent of CEUs used for an ICC certification renewal must be earned from training by ICC or ICCPreferred Providers. This percentage will increase to 50% by July 2016 through a smooth transition. Review the revised Certification renewal schedule and the FAQs about the Certification program changes.

Exciting news for all Renewal applicants!

You are now able to complete the certification renewal process entirely online. You can enter and keep track of your continuing education unit (CEU) credits, and fill out the renewal application, all on a password-protected, secure site. Tutorials on our website will show you how to work in this system, and will answer any questions you might have. View details.

Exception: Certifications that cannot be renewed online include AACE (61, 72, 73, 76), NAFED (FE, FK, FN), and all UST certifications (except for the UI program).