Masters of Code: Jose Figueiredo 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. Jose Figueiredo, construction plan review specialist at the Department of Licenses & Inspections for the city of Philadelphia, is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Jose to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Jose Figueiredo
Construction Plan Review Specialist
Department of Licenses & Inspections
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
International Code Council member for one year

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Figueiredo: Pursuing the MCP certification was a natural step in improving my performance in the building industry and will help in furthering my career.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Figueiredo: The Department of Licenses & Inspections encourages its employees to grow in their professions by providing relevant training programs. In addition to attending classes, I would partner with other like-minded coworkers in studying and preparation.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Figueiredo: It means that I am doing all I can to provide the best service possible when inspecting at job sites and/or reviewing plans.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Figueiredo: Motivation to maintain a level of excellence and knowing I can be a resource for others.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Figueiredo: Don’t take breaks. Keep grinding.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Figueiredo: 22 years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Figueiredo: Technological advancements, like 3D and holographic plans, have increased the speed at which we build and have improved our ability to evaluate the quality of what we build.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Figueiredo: Eager to see the development of green building methods.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Figueiredo: Listen closely to those who’ve been in the industry for a long time and absorb everything you can from their experience.

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?
Figueiredo: I have a better understanding, not only of the risks but also preventative measures.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Figueiredo: Look for new goals.

BSJ: Thank you, Jose, 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 Jose 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.