PRONTO expands its reach

In the summer of 2017, the International Code Council established PRONTO as part of its commitment to ensure access to the latest technology-based solutions. The innovation of PRONTO originated from the need for building and fire code professionals to achieve certification in a manner most convenient to them. Since its initial launch, PRONTO has improved accessibility in testing to impact building safety professionals on a local, state and global level.

Expansion of PRONTO became necessary as jurisdictions quickly realized the benefits to its employees. PRONTO@work emerged in the fall of 2018, offering organizations the option to dedicate an on-site testing area for their employees to take Code Council examinations through PRONTO. By creating a space where employees can complete their proctored remote online test, organizations demonstrate their commitment to building safety and their employees’ professional development.

The city of San Antonio, Texas, has taken advantage of this innovative program with the anticipation that utilizing PRONTO@work will incentivize staff to pursue additional certifications. To amplify the accessibility for its employees to gain professional development, San Antonio became the first jurisdiction in the United States to designate PRONTO as the only testing method for candidates to take San Antonio jurisdiction-specific exams.

Similarly, individual voices across Florida made it clear that there was a need for a more convenient testing method to achieve Code Council certification in the state. The enthusiasm surrounding PRONTO prompted the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to utilize this testing method in addition to computer-based testing. International Code Council Assessment Center Director Michelle Porter and the Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board worked together to set the stage for Florida to become the first state to approve PRONTO as an official testing method.

The addition of PRONTO allows Florida candidates more flexibility and freedom in choosing when and where to test, allowing them quicker access to continued employment and career development.

The importance of employing highly qualified personnel in the building safety environment was the impetus for PRONTO to become an international interest. Saudi Arabia revitalized its efforts to improve building safety in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by utilizing current provisions of the 2015 International Codes. The Code Council is excited to announce that Saudi Arabia will be the first program outside North America to take advantage of the Code Council’s exam development and administration through PRONTO.

In February 2019, we anticipate the initial launch of five exam programs for Saudi Arabian candidates — Building Code Professional, Mechanical Code Professional, Plumbing Code Professional, Fire Code Professional and Concrete Professional — with more exam titles to follow.

PRONTO has surpassed the initial goal of connecting individual candidates to the exam experience in the comfort of their homes. This new method gained momentum as it revealed itself to be a more convenient and accessible means of furthering professional development in the field of building safety.

The Code Council’s dedication to developing codes and standards ensures that our communities can use our codes with confidence. Thanks to the many voices of its members, the Code Council continues to empower code professionals by integrating new technologies that strengthen code enforcement in preparation for the future.