Earn a Building Inspector certificate (one-year)*
The Building Inspector certificate provides students with knowledge and skills in commercial and residential building codes that are necessary for entry level inspector positions. Application of code knowledge in the inspection process is stressed throughout the four terms of the certificate program. The certificate is designed for students with extensive and diverse construction background or for those currently working in the building inspection industry that want to move into an entry level inspector position.
Earn your AAS degree and begin your career as a building code professional
Through classwork, hands-on instruction and internships, Chemeketa’s Building Inspection program gives you the education and skills needed to launch your career as a construction plans examiner and building inspector.
You will earn your Building Inspection Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in 21 months while you prepare to take International Code Council (ICC) certification exams. With your degree and certifications, you may be eligible to work anywhere in the world ICC certifications are accepted.
Career opportunities
From reviewing construction blueprints to performing on site inspections, code professionals work in a variety of positions that ensure residential and commercial construction meets building codes and ordinances. You could work in an exciting career as a—
- Building official—Associates or bachelor’s degree preferred
Oversees the building inspection department of a city or county. Manages budgets, operations and personnel and act as the chief code compliance officer for their area.
- Building inspector—Associates degree
Makes professional judgements about whether a building meets building code requirements.
- Plans examiners—Associates degree
Verifies that blueprints and construction documents meet code requirements prior to construction of the building.
- Specialty inspector—Associates degree
A building inspector that specializes in a specific field of construction such as electrical, concrete or other specialty area.
- Permit technicians—High school diploma or GED
Reviews and processes construction project permits including processing permit fees, providing department information to the public and reviewing permit applications.
Potential salary
Your salary will depend on your location and certification level. In Oregon you can expect to make—
- $22–29 per hour (entry level)
- $36 per hour, $74,565 annually (average)
- $42–49 per hour, up to $87,000–$103,000 annually (experienced and multi-certified)
- Building officials and managers can earn much more
Source: 2021 Oregon Employment Department Occupation and Wage Information—olmis.org
Program Tuition and Fees for AAS Degree
Classes are primarily held remotely through the Chemeketa Polk Center in Dallas, OR. Approximate two-year AAS program cost–
Tuition and fees (100 credits) $13,200
Class fees $2,040
Books $2,700
Equipment and supplies $375
Total $18,315
Apply
1. Apply to Chemeketa online at go.chemeketa.edu/enroll
2. Complete the online orientation video in your My Chemeketa account
3. Complete placement assessment; visit go.chemeketa.edu/placement for additional information
4. Apply for financial aid; learn how at go.chemeketa.edu/financialaid (Although applying for financial aid is not required, we encourage you to do so. The process can take up to 16 weeks so apply as soon as possible.)
5. Submit your completed program application; visit go.chemeketa.edu/ buildinginspection. Application opens Feb. 1 for fall term start
6. If accepted (notified in late June), attend the Building Inspection advising/orientation the summer before classes start
7. Building Inspection Technology coursework is cohort-based and starts each fall
2021-22 BIT Program Color Brochure-FINAL.pdf
BIT One-Year Certificate Spec Sheet.pdf
BIT AAS 2-Year Degree Spec Sheet.pdf
2022 Building Inspection Program Full Application.pdf
