Masters of Code: Grant Hershey achieves the gold standard of code certification

It’s considered the Ph.D. of building safety codes certification. The Master Code Professional (MCP) is the highest level of designation the International Code Council offers and is the “gold standard” for demonstrating proficiency in the code profession. The Code Council has certified thousands of individuals, but only a small select number have attained this high level of achievement: just over 900 MCP professionals worldwide. Their achievements are a benefit to the code enforcement profession as well as their communities.

To obtain this level of certification requires and demonstrates a commitment to the profession, diverse knowledge of codes and a high level of self-initiative. Grant Hershey, combination building inspector IV for the city of Bozeman, Mont., is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Grant Hershey to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Grant Hershey
Combination Building Inspector IV
Building Division 
Bozeman, Montana, United States

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Hershey: I always like to set professional goals it gives me a sense of accomplishment.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Hershey: I would read the required material from cover to cover then go out in the field and apply it in real-life situations. I would also do the online study guides or other study materials that the Code Council produces.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Hershey: The biggest meaning for me in obtaining the MCP is that I was able to set a goal and accomplish it before the timeline that I set for myself.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Hershey: I think the best benefit that I can see is that it gives me so many different options for career paths. Having an MCP sets you apart from others in this field of work.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Hershey: Go for it. Set a goal for yourself and take it one step at a time and before you know it you will be there.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Hershey: Five years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Hershey: Technology is changing so rapidly that it keeps you on your toes.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Hershey: Again the technology for new materials, new construction practices. It’s interesting to learn new construction concepts.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Hershey: Be diligent to do your research and don’t get lazy in your code knowledge. The codes are just the starting point for the required knowledge for this industry.

BSJ: Building safety is the focal point of our mission here at the Code Council. What is the importance of building safety to you? How has ICC helped you in your career and commitment to public safety?
Hershey: People send most of their time in building so creating or helping to ensure that those buildings are safe is a noble and fulfilling career.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Hershey: I will probably get a few more certifications to obtain my CBO and CFM.

BSJ: Thank you, Grant, and congratulations. You have definitely been an encouragement to us all in your pursuit of excellence.

To earn the Code Council’s elite MCP designation, a candidate must first pass 10 core Code Council exams plus a number of elective Code Council exams. Typical Master Code Professionals hold 17 or more Code Council certifications. The Master Code Professional designation requires certified individuals to complete an additional 60 hours of Continuing Education Units every three years to maintain active status.

“The Master Code Professional certification is the pinnacle of all Code Council certifications, representing a level of effort, knowledge, and dedication that elevates not only the individual achieving it but the code official profession as a whole,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO.

Master Code Professionals are typically responsible for all technical and management aspects of code enforcement with duties that range from the management of a code enforcement department to the supervision of inspectors and plan reviewers.

“Congratulations to Grant on achieving this important and significant accomplishment,” said Autumn Saylor, program services manager of the Code Council’s Assessment Center. “I challenge and encourage all code professionals to strive for this level of achievement, and I look forward to congratulating more Master Code Professionals in the future.”

To learn more about how you can join this elite group and let us help you open the door to increased professional challenges and career advancement, click here.