Making the Most of Your Code Council Membership: A First-Year Guide

Becoming a member of the International Code Council offers significant advantages for individuals looking to advance their careers and grow within the building safety industry. Membership provides access to many resources, including discounts on certifications and training programs and unique opportunities to network with industry experts.

Engaging and networking with the Code Council community and other building safety professionals is crucial for knowledge sharing and staying updated on industry standards and best practices. Active participation in committees and local chapters offers unique opportunities to collaborate with peers, contribute to the field and gain insights from experienced professionals.

In this article, we’ll guide you on making the most of your first year as a Code Council member, ensuring you take full advantage of all the exclusive opportunities available.

The New Member Experience

The new member experience at the Code Council begins with some simple onboarding resources designed to welcome and acclimate you to the community. This includes the new member orientation webinar, which provides a thorough overview of the benefits and resources available to all members.

During the webinar, you’ll learn how to navigate the various platforms and services, understand the structure of the Code Council and discover ways to engage with other members.

To help you make the most of your initial months as a new member, it’s recommended to actively participate in this webinar, explore the myICC member portal, connect with your local chapter and start taking advantage of the educational resources and networking opportunities right away.

Maximizing Member Benefits

The Code Council has recently introduced a new suite of member benefits aimed at supporting the development and success of professionals in the building safety industry. These benefits are tailored to help members stay current with industry standards, enhance their skills and advance their careers.

Online Member Community

The Code Council has launched an exclusive online Member Community, a platform designed to enhance the benefits of Code Council membership and provide a hub for building safety professionals to connect and network with other members, streamline communication and collaboration, create and share events and more.

To help navigate the platform, once you log in, visit the Getting Started page where you’ll find FAQs, tips and everything you need.

Learn more about it here.

Networking Opportunities

Being a member of the Code Council offers beneficial networking opportunities, particularly through exclusive events where members can connect with industry leaders in the building safety industry.

Additionally, joining the Code Council offers valuable mentorship opportunities that empower members to network effectively with peers. Through the Code Council’s new mentorship program (part of the new online Member Community), members can benefit from the guidance and expertise of experienced professionals in the field of building codes.

Participating in the mentorship program not only bolsters personal development but also opens doors to new perspectives and career pathways within the building safety community.

Members gain invaluable support in navigating their careers, discovering new opportunities and honing their skills through one-on-one interactions with mentors.

Exclusive Discounts

As a Code Council member, you gain access to exclusive discounts on books and publications that cover a wide range of building safety topics. These resources are invaluable for staying informed and enhancing professional knowledge.

To access these discounts, members can log into the myICC dashboard and navigate to the member resources section, where a comprehensive list of discounted publications is held.

Additionally, Code Council members enjoy substantial discounts on certification programs that validate their skills and knowledge in specific areas of building safety, codes and standards. These certifications both enhance professional credibility and demonstrate a commitment to continuous education and professional growth.

Members-only Library

The Members-Only Library serves as a vital resource hub exclusively for members, offering convenient access to many reports, references and tools essential for navigating building safety regulations and standards. It offers up-to-date resources that enhance expertise and proficiency in the field.

Members can easily access these resources through their myICC dashboard, where they can explore the latest additions to the library.

Member Transcript

The member transcript provides a comprehensive summary of an individual’s key Code Council professional development accomplishments, including membership history, credentials, training and continuing education units (CEU). Members can access and share their transcript easily from the myICC dashboard by navigating to their profile and clicking Official Transcript.  

Available in print, as a download or via a shareable URL, the member transcript is an essential tool for showcasing professional achievements within the Code Council. 

Engaging with Local Chapters and Code Council Committees

Engaging with local chapters and Code Council committees provides members with numerous benefits that enhance their professional development.

Committee participation offers opportunities to influence and shape building codes and standards, contributing directly to industry advancements. By attending events like the Code Council’s Annual Conference and Code Development Hearings, members can stay updated on the latest regulations and trends, gaining a competitive edge in their careers.

Local chapter participation also plays a crucial role in facilitating networking and professional growth. They provide platforms for members to exchange ideas, learn from industry leaders through workshops and seminars and foster community involvement.

Activities such as code update seminars, networking mixers and outreach events help educate members and strengthen their ties within the local building safety community, promoting continuous learning and collaboration.

The Code Council is embarking on a crucial research study to assess the current state of the building safety industry. The State of the Building Safety Industry survey takes approximately 8-10 minutes and will close on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Your input is invaluable to gaining a deeper understanding of the industry and the specific needs of professionals like yourself. Take the survey here. 

To learn more about Code Council membership opportunities, click here.