CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

The International Code Council Certification Program is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious credentialing program for construction code administration and enforcement professionals in the United States. Code Council certification examinations are maintained to the highest standards and include continuous review by committees of experienced professionals.

Becoming an ICC Certified Permit Technician is a significant personal and professional accomplishment. If you have the drive, ability, and dedication it takes to earn this certification, you will join a select group of professionals who have attained a high level of excellence and achievement validated through the certification process. Permit Technician certification is the key to enhanced professional stature.

Benefits of Obtaining Certification

• Verification of personal and professional accomplishment

• Validation of technical expertise

• Recognition on a national level

• Increase in potential career opportunities

• Expanded building code knowledge

• Confirmed commitment to protect the public health, safety, and welfare

• Commitment to raising the awareness of the Permit Technician profession.

RESOURCE LINKS

For up to date testing and certification information, please visit: ICC Professional Development Assessment Center. 

For information on what to expect before, during and after exam, visit ICC's youtube channel:

• Before the Exam: https://youtube.com/ICC_FYI_Before_the_Exam
• During the Exam: https://youtube.com/ICC_Chanel/During_the_Exam
• After the Exam: https://youtube.com/ICC_Chanel/After_the_Exam

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Permit Technician Certification Exam Basics

Exam ID: 14

General Administration– 39% Legal Aspects—22%

Plans & Documents—25%

Zoning and Site Development—14%

General Administration—39%

Customer Service 7%

Interview customer and determine their needs and assess the scope of their project and direct them. Communicate with customers and staff using the appropriate terminology. Educate customers. Employ organizational skills.

Project Applications 9%

Verify that the project has all prerequisite approvals. Verify that application and the project information provided is complete and is acceptable. Verify professional and contractor licensing where necessary.

Basic Building Concepts 8%

Review the basic building concepts on plans for content. Verify basic details, elements or components of plans for completeness.

Permit Issuance and Fees 8%

Process documents for required approvals. Calculate and verify valuations and fees and accept financial guarantees. Issue permits.

Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy 7%

Accept inspection requests. Verify that special inspections are performed where required. Track permit status. Coordinate approvals for and prepare the Certificate of Occupancy.

Legal Aspects—22%

Public Information and Legal 10%

For new and existing projects, answer questions about the need for approvals, permits and inspections, general code compliance of designs, procedures, and materials. Address liability and public disclosure issues when necessary.

Records Management 4%

Verify that the necessary documents are retained for the period required and available as needed.

Records Research 5%

Research and document project history and code compliance.

Appeals and Revocation 3%

Process appeals and suspension or revocation of approvals, decision and / or permits.

Plans and Documents—25%

Review and Related Documents 9%

Verify content of plans, engineered construction drawings and / or specifications for submittal. Determine the need and / or level of review.

Occupancy Group and Type of Construction 6%

Verify that the occupancy classifications and the types of construction are designated on the plans and / or permit documents.

Read Maps 5%

Read and identify map and plat / tract specifications and components.

Perform Calculations and Use Scales 5%

Use architectural and engineering scales to determine basic dimensions and calculate areas and percentages.

Zoning—14%

Land Use 4%

Explain the site plan review process or developmental plan review and land use codes.

Right‐of‐Way, Utilities and Easements 5%

Determine public right-of-way and private and public easements. Regulate construction in public right-of-way.

Site Plan Review 5%

Verify structure location on the lot, zoning, and engineering requirements. Verify required set back and percentage of lot coverage

Exam Information

Basic Code Enforcement

International Zoning Code

International Building Code (Chapters 1-3, 6, 12, 17 (1704.1-1704.5)

Legal Aspects of Code Administration

Pencil

Calculator

PRONTO - Online remote proctored testing - visit:

https://www.iccsafe.org/professional-development/assessment-center/exam-registration-page/

60 multiple-choice questions

2 – hour open book

Exam fee – Consult ICC website for current fees.

The ICC Permit Technician Study Companion is a valuable resource to study for the exam.

PERMIT SPECIALIST CERTIFCATION EXAM BASICS

Certification: Code Specialist Module

Scope:

The Code Specialist examination module is required for candidates pursuing a Code Specialist combination

designation. This module serves to test the candidate's knowledge of the legal concerns, management

issues, and communication skills that are necessary for an ICC Code Specialist.

Prerequisite Exam/Certification(s)

14 Permit Technician Certification

Exam ID: CS

• 75 multiple-choice questions
• 2-hour limit
• Open book

Customer Service and Communication- 31%

Soft Skills 16%

Demonstrate skills including, but not limited to, decision making, problem solving,

professionalism, integrity, honesty, and time management.

Communication 15%

Demonstrate effective communication.

Financial Management- 11%

Cost and Revenue Control 11%

Implement financial audits to ensure ongoing compliance with budgetary restrictions. Verify

revenue generation and expenditures are consistent with budget projections and policies.

Personnel Management- 25%

Time-management Efficiency 25%

Administer policies and goals for department personnel in time management and work flow

efficiency.

Records Management- 9%

Personnel Records 5%

Manage and administer procedures for generation and maintenance of all necessary

employment records for all department employees. Manage and administer policies for

employee and public access to departmental personnel records, specifying which records are

public information, and which records are not public information.

Code Enforcement Records 4%

Manage and administer policies for public access to departmental code enforcement records.

Code Enforcement- 24%

Permits, Notices, and Orders 7%

Administer procedures for processing and approval of permit applications, issuance of permits,

notices, and orders.

Right of Entry 7%

Administer a policy for compulsory legal procedures required for entry to property for

authorized purposes.

Hazard Abatement 7%

Administer policies for condemnation and abatement of structures and hazardous conditions

Code Adoptions and Amendments 3%

Assist in preparing and making recommendations for code adoptions and amendments, for

consideration by local, state, or national governing authorities.

Exam Information

International Building Code

International Fire Code

Building Department Administration, 4th Edition

International Property Maintenance Code

Human Resources Management for Public and Non-Profit Organizations: A Strategic Approach - 4th Edition

2017 Legal Aspects of Code Administration

A Budgeting Guide for Local Government - 3rd  or 4th Edition

Inspector Skills

Pencil

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PRONTO - Online remote proctored testing - visit: 

https://www.iccsafe.org/professional-development/assessment-center/exam-registration-page/

Exam Reference Guides can be found at the ICC Book Store.