Allen, Texas’s Nate Zapalski Obtains International Code Council’s Master Code Professional Designation

The Master Code Professional (MCP™) is the highest level of designation the International Code Council offers. Thousands of individuals have received certifications from the Code Council, but only a small select number have attained this high level of achievement.

“I didn’t start on a journey to obtain the Master Code Professional designation,” said Nathan “Nate” Zapalski. “I wasn’t even aware that it existed. I simply began setting short- and long-term certification goals for myself. My first long-term goal was to achieve the ‘Combination Building Inspector’ certification.”

Longtime Plumbing Professional Transitions to Code Compliance Administration

Working in the construction industry for almost 20 years, Zapalski has experience being a plumbing, fire sprinkler and boiler/hydronic heating contractor. He was first hired as a plumber in 2004 and then opened his own company in 2008.

He left Northern California for Texas in 2018, and, after obtaining the state’s “Responsible Master Plumber” license, he started his own company in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Zapalski soon realized the work of owning his own business was too demanding as it caused him to be away from his 12-year-old son on many nights and weekends.

“I didn’t want to look back and regret missing precious childhood memories,” he said. “I searched and realized that licensed plumbing inspectors were in high demand throughout Texas.”

Zapalski then applied for the state plumbing inspector exam while also studying for the Code Council’s residential and commercial building inspector exams.

He was later hired as a building inspector in nearby Carrollton for the first position within his new career track.

“During that job interview, the supervisors were thrilled that I had already taken steps toward Code Council certifications and state licensure,” Zapalski said.

While working in Carrollton, Brett King and Ray Davis encouraged him to pursue certifications. “They praised and congratulated me after I earned each one, which kept me motivated to continue,” Zapalski said.

In August 2020, Zapalski was hired by the city of Allen. By that point, he had obtained 16 Code Council certifications. Fellow city Building Official Mike Sizemore, CBO, found Zapalski’s comprehensive training impressive. “Nate has proven to be a dedicated, conscientious employee and an excellent ambassador for Allen and the code profession in general,” Sizemore said.

Zapalski progressed to Senior Building Inspector, then to Inspections Supervisor, where he now provides support for all inspectors, assists in updating policies and procedures, and performs inspections for complex construction projects.

“I want to assist my supervisors in the continuing improvements related to our permitting and inspection processes,” he said.

Untrained and Unqualified Contractors Harm the Construction Industry

Over the years, Zapalski has seen a spectrum of quality and workmanship in construction. “Many in the industry take pride in their work, but sadly, some cut corners to make larger profits or just out of plain laziness,” he observed. “Some contractors are completely unqualified to oversee their projects. I often feel like I’m teaching them about the steps needed to reach project completion, and about the construction industry in general.”

“It is heartbreaking to see the catastrophes that have occurred around the world due to poor construction practices and techniques,” Zapalski added. “I take my job very seriously. I am serving the community to ensure that buildings are constructed per the adopted codes and that they are safe. I also want our residents to be safe.”

A Systematic Approach to Studying for the Master Code Professional Designation

Zapalski took about four years to obtain the Master Code Professional designation. “I used a systematic approach to every test,” he said. “Step one was to thoroughly read each respective code book. Some think that’s a waste of time, but for me, it was a necessary first step. Although those books aren’t easily digested, I found that reading them in their entirety sparked my memory when I got to the exam questions. I was also confident on test days since I knew I had done everything in my power to prepare.”

“After I finished each code book, I used study guides and took practice tests,” Zapalski added. “The Code Council study guides are great, and I supplemented those with materials from other providers. It feels great to have finally obtained this designation, as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. “

Building Code Books and Customer Service Knowledge Craft a Successful Code Professional 

Zapalski cites an open mind, attentive customer service and institutional knowledge about how to navigate those code books to ensure building industry success. He’s also excited that building codes aren’t static, but that they evolve over code cycles based on historical data, new methods and materials. “I plan on being part of the code review committee in the future,” he said.

He’s already seen some major changes in the building industry, such as innovative products and materials that have replaced some of the time-tested, traditional types. Zapalski also likes how unique architectural designs and engineering methods can come together to allow the creation of beautiful structures. “It often amazes me how engineers can accommodate the architect’s vision,” he said.

Sizemore added that “it’s satisfying to see individual team members grow and progress to higher professional and personal levels. Nate has certainly accomplished much so far, and yet continues to strive to reach the higher goals that I and our organization support.”

Zapalski currently holds and maintains 28 Code Council certifications for the various components of plan review and inspections, plus the three-module certification for Certified Building Official designation. He is also familiar with OSHA and ADA codes as well and is currently pursuing a college degree in construction management at Collin College.

He reminds his fellow construction professionals that “you don’t know what you don’t know. Keep an open mind and expect to learn something new every day.”

By becoming an MCP, you can increase earnings and advance your career. Learn more and apply for your MCP designation, here.