Master Code Professional Michael Nasheim

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

Michael Nasheim
Combination Inspector
State of Montana
Butte, Montana, United States
International Code Council member for 7.5 years
Montana Chapter

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Nasheim: Almost eight years ago I was pursuing multiple certifications required for me to become qualified as the local building official. Upon researching and studying for many of these exams I discovered the Master Code Professional Certification and instantly made it one of my career goals.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Nasheim: To study and prepare for the many exams I took as part of my MCP certification I relied heavily on the resources available from ICC such as the study companions, online exam prep courses and flashcards. Of course, gaining on-the-job experience in the enforcement of building codes was extremely helpful as well. Researching and answering hundreds of code questions presented by the general public was very beneficial in learning about many of the different codes.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Nasheim: I simply feel a great sense of pride having achieved Master Code Professional status.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Nasheim: At this particular moment in time the value of being recognized as a Master Code Professional is what I feel the most honorable about. The potential benefits in terms of higher pay or promotional status have yet to come however I am very optimistic they are on their way but just haven’t been able to find me yet as we all know how government works.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Nasheim: Never give up! Having a good support system is key as well. There will be challenges along the way but never lose focus on the end result and always strive to reach your goals.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Nasheim: Twenty-four years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Nasheim: The most significant change I have seen in the industry is the use of technology to, in some cases, eliminate the need for all paper documents, especially building plans and specifications. Having what used to be piles and piles of paperwork organized in three-ring binders, rolls of drawings piled on your desk, and photo albums that documented the progress of your project virtually reduced in size to an electronic tablet that can hold all of this information and more in the palm of your hand. Just remarkable what technology has done.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Nasheim: What excites me about the future of the construction industry is the continued use of electronics to make our working lives simpler and more efficient.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Nasheim: What a great career choice with so many different opportunities. Whether you want to be an engineer, architect, general contractor, builder, electrician, plumber, plan reviewer, inspector, permit technician, facilities manager, truss builder, engineered product manufacturer, or laboratory technician… the opportunities are endless!

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?
Nasheim: The importance of building safety to me is to assure that all people are able to use buildings without a single thought about what to do when disaster strikes. That they are able to quickly and efficiently exit a structure by using the building systems put in place through the effective use of building codes. ICC has helped me in my career and commitment to public safety by offering so many opportunities to learn about building codes and why they exist. There are reasons why we have the codes that we do and being able to help educate the public has not only helped me in my career but has been beneficial to the community as a whole.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Nasheim: Quite frankly, there are still a few other ICC certifications I am hoping to acquire at the same level as the Master Code Professional.

BSJ: Thank you, Michael, 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 Michael 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.