Master Code Professional Jason Watson

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

Jason B. Watson
Senior Plans Examiner
City of Waxahachie
Waxahachie, Texas, United States
International Code Council member for five years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Watson: The MCP was never a goal for me. My intentions were, and still are, to be proficient in all aspects of the building codes. I thought that the MCP was way out of my reach, but when I got my 30th certificate I realized that I had already qualified for it.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Watson: Master every trade and aspect of the code before moving on. Once you’ve mastered something don’t leave it behind; keep it within your studies. To know the code is to know that everything is related.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Watson: It shows just how much the ICC appreciates and recognizes its MCP recipients.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Watson: Like most municipalities, staffing is always an issue. There are only two ways to increase staff — quantity and quality. Only Management can increase the quantity, but we as staff can increase the quality. I believe we owe it to our teammates, our communities, and most importantly ourselves to become highly proficient in our trade. The MCP designation lets everyone know that I am qualified to give the highest degree of knowledge and professionalism in code administration.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Watson: If your pursuit is in the MCP itself, you can take all the exams and forget most of the subjects along the way. This route can get you there, but the MCP would just be an empty certification. However, if your true pursuit is obtaining knowledge and being the most qualified person to partner with and help your community — the MCP will happen in due time. This is the path that makes the MCP so rewarding and gives it both value and weight.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Watson: Five years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Watson: Not being in the industry too terribly long, I would have to say that energy conservation has made the largest strides as of late.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Watson: With the forward marching of technology I expect to see more overall energy conservation, fire-protection systems, and the mitigation of grid reliance.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Watson: Get out into the field! Everyone needs to see the practical applications of the code. Otherwise, the codes are just abstract concepts.

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?
Watson: I believe life safety is paramount, and obviously, so does the ICC. I would like to see the ICC entertain the idea of producing an electrical code like the NEC and other NFPA codes. The formatting and readability of the ICC codes make it incredibly easy to follow very complex applications. Safety ought to be as simple as possible.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Watson: Keep going! I have currently 39 certifications and another 12 on the horizon. The ICC has enough to keep me busy for a while.

BSJ: Thank you, Jason, 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 Jason 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.