Which ICC certification is most relevant to doing contract AHJ inspections for new construction? Can anybody recommend a good test prep course for ICC certification? I have an opportunity to do contract work for a small city and would like to be ICC certified when I talk to them.

Thanks,

Darrel Hood
DILIGENT PROPERTY SERVICES

Hi Darrel,

I suggest you get R-5 Combo certified. This certification includes Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical code certification.

It consisits of an exam in each of the areas. Be forewarened, these are tough exams, even though they are open book. The exams have time limits. Study, study, and study some more. Get a copy of the ICC code study guide (available at ICC website). If you can, take a study course from ICC.

I did not take the study classes and passed the exams the first time but I studied my you-know-what off in preparation, I would still recommend the classes.

Good luck with the exams,

Eric

__________________
Jerry McCarthy
Construction Consultant
www.expertbuildingconsultants.com

J-Mc,

I agree. I know this subject has been discussed before and it seems that someone always throws out the idea that being code certified does not make one a better home inspector than someone who is not code certified.

While there is truth in that idea, I found that getting my certifications did make me a better inspector in general and really boosted my interest in the codes and standards which are used to build these structures that we inspect.

I certainly do not have the code book memeorized but I definitely have a much better understanding of the codes and how to find information that I need in the code book.

I know that HIs in general are not "code compliance inspectors" but I remember when I took my HI state licensing exam thinking "Man, there sure are a lot of code related questions on this thing.

Getting to know the code better has also definitely been beneficial in the phase and new construction inspections I do.

I encourage others to pursue their certifications just as they would pursue continuing eductaion requirements.

Eric

OK. Now I see that getting the code certs is not a quick and easy process, but I am convinced it is worthwhile. As far as making me a better inspector, it has been my experience that whenever I expose my self to information that is new to me or is presented in a new way to me, I gain and, more importantly, my clients gain.

I looked on the ICC web site and did not see any reference to Combo or R5 certification. Is there a place where I can find the types of certifications and plan my training to attain them?

Darrel Hood
DILIGENT PROPERTY SERVICE

ICC Online | Certification & Testing
Go to and click on "certification and testing"
It's all there.

__________________
Jerry McCarthy
Construction Consultant
www.expertbuildingconsultants.com

Thanks to everybody for the info. Now I guess the ball is in my court. I'm not really the book worm kinda guy, but sometimes it's worth it. This looks like one of those times.

Darrel Hood
DILIGENT PROPERTY SERVICES

Darrel,

Take the 4 exams to get the ICC Residential Combination Inspector certificate. Builders like it and you can become a TRCC dispute inspector with it. Take 2 exams a day and you will save a little money. I only studied the code book and passed on the first attempt. Test tip - on the first pass through the test read every question and answer the ones you absolutely know without looking up. Then go back and answer the questions that require looking up. Good luck!