Master Code Professional Jesse Newton

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

Jesse Newton
Deputy Building Official
Building Division
Clovis, California, United States
International Code Council member for 28 years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Newton: When I started my career in the field of building inspection, I was not on a path for obtaining many certifications. It was not until 2014 when I had a new building official, Doug Stawarski, come on board. He is the one that started coaching me to obtain more certifications, and the first step was to become the lead plans examiner for the Coconino County Building Division. He set the goal high at 11 certifications for me to become the lead plans examiner. After that, it was around 2018 when I became interested in becoming a building official. From then on, I gained more certifications until I achieved my Certified Building Official certification. By then, I was close to having the certification needed to obtain the Master Code Professional certification. Once I started my position as a deputy building official, Doug once again coached me to go ahead and obtain the MCP.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Newton: Over the years, I did much self-study for most of the certifications. When I was prepping for the CBO certification, I used an online study course. I also used a DVD study lesson from Mike Holt’s company for the electrical inspector test. But for the rest of the certifications, I did self-study.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Newton: It is a great honor to become an MCP, and it shows professionalism and dedication to the career I have chosen. I want to think that I lead by example and I hope that those I work with are inspired to follow that path and obtain their MCP.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Newton: When dealing with customers, other jurisdictions, permit technicians, building inspectors, and plans examiners that have questions, or when I’m teaching classes, I have great confidence in answering their questions and helping them understand the codes.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Newton: Study hard, and do not get discouraged if you fail a test; it happens. The best thing to do is pick yourself up and do it again until you achieve your goals. Never think or allow any others to say you cannot do it. Say instead, ‘I know I can do this, and I will not give up until I achieve my goals and dreams.’

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Newton: Twenty-eight years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Newton: The significant change I have seen in the last 28 years is introducing energy codes and sustainability codes, and how life and safety codes have increased for the better. And the new technologies for inspections and plan review.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Newton: It is the challenge of what is new in codes, technologies and products that are constantly being updated or created. I have been in this career for 28 years, and I am still learning and teaching.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Newton: My advice to new permit technicians, building inspectors and plans examiners: do not give up; continue developing your code knowledge. Do not be afraid of making a mistake. It is going to happen; take this as a learning moment. Take ownership of your mistakes and learn from them. Never pass anything if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Learn to work with the customers’ whether internal or external and always be helpful and knowledgeable.

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?
Newton: The code provides a minimum standard for all homes and commercial buildings, providing a level playing field for owners and contractors. This also provides many life and safety requirements that keep people and structures safe. To me, firefighters are the heroes that rush in, putting themselves at risk to help others and protect property. For the building code community, in my opinion, we are the silent heroes. We are there to ensure the buildings are built correctly to protect life in case of an emergency; to keep folks safe before the firefighters arrive.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Newton: I am going to obtain my associate degree in for a building code professional. Continue to teach and pass on the knowledge to all who will listen. Be active with ICC committees, for which I am honored to be a part of the International Code Council Sustainability Exam Development Committee.

BSJ: Thank you, Jesse, 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 Jesse 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.