Master Code Professional Patrick Ryan

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

Patrick Ryan
Plans Examiner
City of Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
International Code Council member for 6 years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Ryan: After passing the exams for Commercial Plan Reviewer and Commercial Inspector for my job, my supervisor suggested I pursue the MCP.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Ryan: Most of the exam preps I used were from the ICC Learning Center.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Ryan: When I looked into how many have achieved the status, and the ones I recognized were instructors or building officials, that’s a good company to associate with.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Ryan: It helps our building department with audits and internally with our other departments, by sharing the path to that status.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Ryan: That all the exams are relevant no matter what your job title is. Inspectors, plan review and fire department all can benefit from the education.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Ryan: Six years in code enforcement and 35 years as an electrician.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Ryan: In the field, it was safety and BIM. In code enforcement, it is the access to information.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Ryan: Always changing. There is a new technology for permitting, plan review and even test-taking that allows you to expand your knowledge.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Ryan: Never stop learning. Codes change, building materials and methods change, and the need to stay informed is important. Also through certifications, you can grow and pursue different careers.

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?
Ryan: Building safety, which is also life safety, is the mission for ICC and all NFPA codes. Everyone needs to look out for one another, not just at work but in your community, with your neighbors and family and Code Council provides that guidance.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Ryan: I thought I was finished taking exams, but while the MCP is quite an accomplishment, there are still areas I can study and test for that can be useful.

BSJ: Thank you, Patrick, 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 Patrick 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.