Masters of Code: Chris Netherton achieves the gold standard of code certification

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

Chris Netherton
Building Official
Fairfield County
Winnsboro, South Carolina, United States
International Code Council member for eight years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Netherton: Sought to become the best I can be while continuing to grow and expand my knowledge.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Netherton: I took various classes and years of doing inspections.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Netherton: It’s very regarding. It’s been humbling the people who have recognized my accomplishment.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Netherton: It’s impossible to describe the feeling of adding “MCP” to my resume after being in the inspection industry for almost 20 years. Feels unbelievable.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Netherton: To never give up. Stay the course and keep going. It’s the greatest thing you’ll achieve in your career.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Netherton: Eighteen years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Netherton: The addition of laptops then tablets for field staff to make things more proficient and streamline.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Netherton: Seeing new construction materials and processes.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Netherton: Whatever you begin with such as residential building inspector… do the commercial building and building plans examiner before starting another course of study like plumbing or mechanical. It’s much harder to go back and forth.

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?
Netherton: It is the most important part of everything we do as inspectors. We protect the life, health and safety of everyone that enters any building. They’re entitled to be safe and protected.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Netherton: Since achieving my MCP I have studied and obtained my General Contractors License and am currently studying for my Electrical Contractors license.

BSJ: Thank you, Chris, 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 Chris 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.