Master Code Professional Phillip Booth

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 800 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. Phillip Booth is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Phillip to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Phillip Booth
Building Inspector
City of Wylie Building Inspection Department
Wylie, Texas, United States

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Booth: I pursued this process in an effort to gain extensive knowledge of the codes and be the best that I can be in the building safety industry. I am also endeavoring to be a valuable asset to the industry and advance my career.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Booth: I prepared for each of the exams by studying the applicable codebooks for numerous hours. It definitely takes a strong commitment of time, effort and dedicated attention.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Booth: I consider having the MCP designation an extremely high honor. I am very proud to be able to serve alongside the ‘elite’ in the building safety industry.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Booth: The journey, commitment, efforts and sacrifices that it takes to earn the MCP designation make it an invaluable accomplishment and a sweet victory, once achieved.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Booth: I would advise them to first develop a passion for public safety and the building safety industry as a whole. Secondly, I would recommend developing a strong commitment to studying and understanding the applicable codes.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Booth: Thirty years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Booth: Having been in the construction and or trades industries for over 30 years, some of the major changes I’ve seen have been in the construction materials, methods and processes as they have evolved.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Booth: I think it’s a great time to be involved in the industry. I am excited to see the new technology and processes that will become available as we go forward into the future.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Booth: My advice would be to absorb and learn as much as possible while always staying humble and keeping an open mind.

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?
Booth: I consider building safety to be of utmost importance and I consider it an honor to be in a position to help protect public safety. ICC has developed and published the codes that have tremendously helped me, by affording me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of building safety through the reading and studying of the published codes that they provide.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Booth: I am very proud of this accomplishment and I am excited to see what the future holds. I plan on continuing to grow and serve in the building safety industry as my career advances, while also serving as a mentor to others who are committed to public safety.

BSJ: Thank you, Phillip, 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 Phillip on achieving this important and significant accomplishment,” said Autumn Saylor, Director of the Code Council’s Assessment Center. “I challenge and encourage all code professionals to strive for this level of achievement, and look forward to congratulating more Master Code Professionals in the future.”

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