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

Joshua Molnar
Project Assistant
West Coast Code Consultants
Layton, Utah, United States
International Code Council member for four years
Bonneville Chapter

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Molnar: The desire to study building codes.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Molnar: I would talk to friends at work about why a code exists and used study helps such as WC3’s code academy.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Molnar: It means an end to a goal and the start of a new one.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Molnar: It’s humbling as I continue to find more things to learn and understand about building codes.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Molnar: To make the process fun, be it a competition with colleagues, or thinking of how codes might apply. Finding a way that makes it work for you makes the process a lot more interesting verses taking the test just to pass them off.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Molnar: One year.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Molnar: None — I’m still very new to the inspection industry.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Molnar: How technology will influence building codes and the different methods and material that will come about from them.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Molnar: Have a love of construction, inspectors are there to help build buildings not tear them down.

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?
Molnar: It’s the importance of making sure people are safe in the event of a disaster. It has set those standards of safety for people in the event of a disaster.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Molnar: The next goal is to gain more experience as an inspector.

BSJ: Thank you, Joshua, 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 Joshua 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.