Master Code Professional Gregory Bagley

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

Gregory Bagley
Chief Building Inspector
Construction Services Department
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
International Code Council member for 10 years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Bagley: To gain the knowledge required for daily job duties and to be one of the few in the world that has obtained the highest level of achievement through the ICC.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Bagley: Study and read the code and the code commentator then break down each section of the book and know which section of the book questions may come from. I also talked to my peers and co-workers in the field.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Bagley: Just being one of few in the world makes me proud of the work I do and the organization that I work for, making buildings safe for the public and citizens to enjoy for many years to come.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Bagley: It’s the recognition from the organization, peers, co-workers, family and friends. Knowing it is the highest level you can obtain and be able to use it every day for fire and life safety.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Bagley: Have a plan, know your weakest and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Bagley: Thirty-three years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Bagley: Fire and life safety to protect building even further.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Bagley: Many different things as we try to go “greener” to reduce energy needs, solar, wind and other energy-saving means.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Bagley: Ask questions and if doesn’t look right then it’s probable not, so ask questions.

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?
Bagley: Fire safety should be number one so that people and structures can be protected and people can safely escape in the event of a fire. ICC has helped by providing the resources and reference materials to use in the field to make the commitment to public safety job one.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Bagley: I still have some goals I would like to do in the near further but for now I intend to be proactive and help by training the next generation that wants to come into the field. Also to enjoy time with my family and friends.

BSJ: Thank you, Gregory, 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 Gregory 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.