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ICC Certification
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Chapter Establishment Guide
PermitTechNation Support The PermitTechNation Group was formed in 2013 during the ICC Annual Conference in New Jersey by the current ten ICC Permit Technician Chapters listed at the back of this brochure. The Group’s mission is to raise the profile of Permit Technicians as code officials, help Permit Technicians get ICC Certified and assist states and current Permit Technician Associations to apply for ICC Chapter status. Over the last several years, ICC has provided our group with a booth at the Expo during the ICC Annual Conference to help promote the position of Permit Technician. Information about each Permit Technician Chapter is provided, as well as a drawing for one delegate to receive a set of reference books to take back to their jurisdiction for the Permit Technicians to study for the Permit Technician Certification Exam. The reference books are provided by ICC and include the current, Basic Code Enforcement, International Zoning Code, International Building Code and Legal Aspects of Code Administration. We are here to help! Our Group is active in providing Permit Technicians assistance to enhance their profession. Several ways that we provide services through our Chapters are:
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Start a New Permit Technician Chapter in your Area
There are many benefits to creating your own local Permit Technician Chapter of the ICC. A Chapter is a great resource for networking and educational opportunities to assist Permit Technicians with daily duties. Learn how other jurisdictions in your State or area are improving their procedures and systems; keep up to date on ICC codes as well as State and local codes; educational opportunities to stay in the know and so much more. First, begin by visiting the ICC website at www.iccsafe.org and click on the Membership / Chapter tab to see if there is a Chapter in your area. If not, click on the ICC Chapter Information tab, read through the Chapter information, and download the information on how to start your own area Chapter. Think about what geographical area you would like your Chapter to cover, whether it be the entire state or a portion of the state. Driving distance to meetings and trainings can be difficult if members must travel too far. Begin by contacting the President of your local ICC Building Officials Chapter to inform them of your intent to start a new ICC Permit Technician Chapter and ask for assistance in gaining the support of other Building Officials in the area. Contact the Secretary of State for information on how to set up a new non-profit organization in your area and get advice from the ICC Building Official Chapter on setting up a chapter and information on chapter by- laws. Ask to be a speaker at the next Building Official meeting to speak about the importance of forming a new Permit Technician Chapter and how beneficial a Permit Technician Chapter can be for all local building departments for networking, education and training and much more. It will take quite a bit of work, so find a few colleagues that are willing to take some time to assist in starting a new Chapter. Create a database of all the jurisdictions in your state or area and set up a date and time to | host your first informational meeting. Local libraries, larger jurisdiction conference rooms, city council chambers are a few areas that you should be able to host your first meeting at no cost to you. Identify with other Chapters to inquire what resources they used to help assist their Chapter with startup funds, bylaws, and any information to help you get started. Once you begin, ICC Chapter Relations will be very helpful in assisting you and ensuring that you have completed all the necessary requirements and paperwork to file for new chapter status. Identify who your ICC Region’s Chapter Board Liaison and Staff Liaison are. They will be a valuable resource to help you get started and continue to help you achieve your chapter goals and objectives. The following page has a check list of just a few items you will need to identify for your organization to get started. Form committees to help you accomplish these items.
Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your com‐ mand, and better tools will be found as you go along. ~ George Herbert Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. ~ Helen Keller |
Below is a check list of just a few items you will need to identify to begin your Permit Technician Association. Once you have established your Association, move toward applying for ICC Chapter status.
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Certification Information
The 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.
The International Code Council (ICC) administers the Permit Technician Certification exam. For up to date testing and certification information log on to: https://www.iccsafe.org/professional-development/assessment-center/
Exam Basics
- 1 examination
- Open book
- 2-hour limit
- 60 multiple choice questions
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
Computer-Based Testing at a Pearson VUE location or
Online remote proctored testing via Pronto. Information for both are available
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.
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