Masters of Code: Michael Peter 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. Michael Peter, deputy building official for the city of Port Saint Lucie, is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Michael to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Michael Peter
Deputy Building Official
Building Department
Port Saint Lucie, Florida, United States
International Code Council member for six years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Peter: What led me to pursue and obtain my MCP Certification was my desire to gain a better understanding of the different building safety codes, their intent, and applicability.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Peter: To prepare for the exam, I spent hours analyzing and conducting research on the intents and applications of the different codes. With my background in building codes that relate to building and safety codes studying for the exam was not difficult.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Peter: Achieving MCP certification is a huge milestone for any code professional’s career. It emphasizes the unique level of dedication to the building safety industry which benefits the individual, and the community.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Peter: The greatest value is my contribution to improving the building safety industry while also allowing me to be a better resource for my colleagues and the community.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Peter: Make it a priority! Consistency will benefit you as a code professional and will also elevate your credibility in the code industry.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Peter: 14 years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Peter: The evolution of the building safety industry, and the way it has adapted to new technologies and alternatives.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Peter: What I am most excited about is Innovation and Emerging Technologies. When changes are made to work as efficiently as possible, it improves how we conduct business. Not only does it benefit the department but all industry professionals.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Peter: Don’t give up! Think of ways on how you can improve as the industry adapts to new changes.

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?
Peter: Building safety is extremely important to me as it helps to protect lives. My slogan has always been ‘Building Code Saves Lives’ and that is a true testament in how important building code safety is for me.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Peter: My next goal is to add an additional category to my current engineering license.

BSJ: Thank you, Michael, 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 Michael 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.