Master Code Professional Steven Carter

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

Steven Carter
Building Official
Building Department
Oxford, Mississippi, United States
International Code Council member for 19 years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Carter: I started out years ago thinking that there was no way I’d ever be able to achieve MCP after looking at the requirements to get there. I continued studying and trying to make myself a better inspector. One day, not long ago, I realized that I was only a few certifications away from meeting the requirements for MCP. I decided then that I had to prove to myself that I could achieve the gold standard in my profession and here we are.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Carter: Quite a few long hours with my nose buried in the codebooks. I found that the commentaries were helpful in that they explained a lot of the code language in terms that allowed me to understand why some of the codes were in place.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Carter: Obviously, it’s an achievement that I’m extremely proud of. On a personal level, it’s very satisfying to achieve something that I originally thought was unobtainable for me. Professionally, I think it will make my job in the code enforcement industry easier with the acknowledgment by ICC of my proficiency in administering the different codes.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Carter: There have been many congratulatory comments made and pats on the back, which are much appreciated and boost the pride of the achievement, but since I only accomplished it about two weeks ago it’s too early to really realize many benefits yet.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Carter: Don’t be intimidated by the list of requirements to achieve your MCP. The journey is very challenging but, as with any journey, focus on putting one foot in front of the other and before you know it, you’re at the top of the mountain.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Carter: Nineteen years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Carter: I guess the biggest thing that I know of was the merging of the different code organizations. When I started, we had the Southern Building Code adopted. Very soon thereafter, that organization merged with others and we had to evolve with those changes.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Carter: I’m very passionate about the safety of the citizens in the community that I serve. I believe that with efficient administration and enforcement of the different codes, those of us in this profession have made the built environment a safer one and will continue to do so.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Carter: Rely completely on the written codes. It sounds harsh but my belief is that your personal opinion really has no place in a code-based discussion or inspection. Also, it should go without saying that, when all is said and done, your integrity is all you have… don’t compromise it.

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?
Carter: I touched on this a couple of questions ago. I believe that our code officials, whether field inspectors or office administrators, are the front line of protection for the citizens we serve as far as building safety is concerned. The ICC provides us with the tools we need (by way of the codes) to ensure safe buildings. As code professionals, we must utilize those tools in conjunction with good judgment and uncompromising integrity to maintain and increase the safety of the built environment in our communities.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Carter: I plan to continue to use the knowledge that I’ve gained over the years to make the community I serve a better, safer place. I hope that I can instill the same values in the inspectors that I work with. I believe that my city is headed in a good direction with regard to building safety and by instilling a commitment to safety in the next generation of inspectors; I hope to see the city remain on that path.

BSJ: Thank you, Steven, 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 Steven 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.