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

David Danielson
Senior Construction Code Inspector
City Planning & Development
Kansas City, Missouri, United States

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Danielson: The challenge that is associated with becoming an MCP. It’s not something that happens overnight, it takes an immense amount of time and effort.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Danielson: I used the study guides when available with each code, completed one chapter per day. I became intimately familiar with the anatomy of each code’s index, table of contents, and organization.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Danielson: It shows a level of conscientiousness not many others possess.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Danielson: The knowledge that comes along with these certifications is by far the biggest benefit. Knowing where to find information, having situational awareness when inspecting. Someone might be completely unaware of an issue if they weren’t as well versed in the codes.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Danielson: Consistency in routine will get you there faster and easier. When you decide to get a new certification, set out a block of time each day to work on it. Work at it daily until you are ready to test. Setting down and walking away from the codes for weeks is detrimental to the learning process. I invested over 600 hours of my personal time to achieve this goal.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Danielson: 16 years

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Danielson: The integration of technology. Everything used to be on paper with carbon copies, then Kiva came along, now that’s been replaced with EnerGov. Also, it’s much harder to find qualified inspectors. Have to find someone with potential and hope it works out.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Danielson: We are always looking forward and problem-solving for tomorrow based on what we see today. I like being a part of the development of my city. Being able to point at buildings in Kansas City and say I was part of that, excites me.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Danielson: You can not spend enough time educating yourself. There are million-seven things to know and something new is always around the corner.

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?
Danielson: Building safety is #1 most important, public safety is the reason we all are here. ICC and the City of Kansas City have provided a solid foundation of knowledge to build from. Each has set standards and provided me with ample opportunities to develop myself professionally.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Danielson: I’m going to continue to develop myself. Never stop learning and keep looking forward.

BSJ: Thank you, David, 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 David on achieving this important and significant accomplishment,” said Autumn Saylor, program services manager 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.