ICC Certification Matters
It Saves Lives, It Can Save Yours Everyday

What Is a ICC Certification?

State and municipal governments around the United States and now, 55 countries which affects over 2 billion people model their construction requirements on the International Code Council's standardized building codes. ICC not only drafts building codes, it certifies the various inspectors including those that review and approve construction projects for industry and government. International Code Council certification is proof the inspector is qualified for the job he is certified in.

The ICC certifies that building officials – including inspectors – have taken courses, over a extended period of time, and then passed a proctored ICC test in their particular fields. ICC offers more than just building inspector (structure) certification; it also offers exams for a all-in-one Combination certification for (structure, mechanical, electrical and plumbing) rolled into one and others for commercial buildings, fire safety, etc.

Does ICC Certification Matter?

Absolutely! The ICC is the governing code that builds your home or commercial building in the US and other countries. When governments look for building inspectors, plan reviewers and other code-trained staff, they want them ICC certified. So do the courts. Why hire a less than marginally qualified inspector with only a occupational license? Getting code (minimum standards) decisions wrong or even missing them doesn't work out well for anyone.

A minimum standard TREC licensed inspector is not trained in these building standards but the TREC inspection standards of practice* is based on codes and standards. Go figure that one out. Being a certified ICC inspector demonstrates proof of superior education and knowledge over a standardized occupational license.

* Texas Real Estate Commission Chapter 535, General Provisions, Rules Adopted at the October 27, 2008 Meeting, Page 01, Excerpt - "The reasoned justification for the new sections is increased clarity for inspectors and consumers alike regarding what a home inspector is and is not required to inspect, as well as standards that more accurately reflect current technology, codes, an practices that form the basis of many of the standards.

The International Code Council in its "Legal Aspects of Code Administration" admonishes the public by saying, "it is up to the purchaser to determine the soundness of the building prior to the finalization of the purchase and/or to hire a professional inspector". (i.e. A professional inspector versed and certified in the codes.)

If not then you are simply getting smoke and mirrors wooed by a cheap fee promoted by those who stand to gain a financial reward for a soft inspection devoid of substance. Ask if your home inspector will inspect for and report obvious code violations (i.e.minimum standards). Violations of code are life safety concerns and life safety concerns are a defined deficiency under the TREC 535.227(b)(5) - Inspection Standards.

Jim Hime
Combination Code Certified R-5
Residential Construction Consultant
Construction Inspector
Certified Master Inspector
TREC 1646
21+ years homebuilding*
*Publicly documented.

Dr. Swift @ PorterValley

"Some inspectors are merely incompetent others may be criminally negligent."

The International Code Council (ICC) was created from the following which was rolled into one national and international building code:

• COUNCIL OF AMERICAN BUILDING OFFICIALS (CABO)
• BUILDING OFFICIALS AND CODE ADMINISTRATORS (BOCA)
• INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BUILDING OFFICIALS (ICBO)
• SOUTHERN BUILDING CODE CONGRESS INTERNATIONAL (SBCCI)

The ICC created a singular building code and adopted by each state and in 55 other countries. If you are lucky enough to be code certified then you are in the top 20% internationally.