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

Luke Maloney
Building Official
Linn County Planning and Development
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States
International Code Council member for seven-plus years
Iowa Association of Building Officials

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Maloney: When I was promoted to Building Official, our Department Director, Les Beck, challenged me to always strive to grow the capacity of our staff and myself. Good sound advice and a dedication to building safety led me to this point. The MCP designation seemed so far away when I started, but I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with very knowledgeable code professionals who shared their knowledge with me along the way.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Maloney: I really enjoyed the study guides offered by the ICC. The online practice exams helped a lot too. I have to acknowledge the amazing leadership in the Linn County organization for always doing their best to provide the resources for offsite training, CEU’s, study materials from the ICC, and time to work towards certifications.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Maloney: The MCP designation is a huge accomplishment. As a young inspector, the MCP seemed impossible. I have been lucky to work with a lot of great Inspectors and Building Officials who helped guide me a long the way. Earning the MCP is a reflection of the great mentors I have had, symbolizes a dedication to building safety and the importance of national certification.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Maloney: The value of the MCP is the level of credibility it adds. The certifications and designations achieved thru ICC help our staff create the initial foundation of trust with our customers by helping to validate the qualifications of our code professionals.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Maloney: Be relentless in your quest for knowledge. Take advantage of any and all learning opportunities and seek advice from other code professionals.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Maloney: 9 years

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Maloney: One of the best changes I have seen is the additional attention and resources pertaining to the Inspector soft skills. The delivery and presentation from code officials is so important. How we communicate technical and sometimes difficult information can make or break our relationships with our customers. Doing our best to form a partnership with our customers, whether customers by choice or not, is the best way to gain voluntary compliance.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Maloney: I am excited to see ICC’s education efforts add potential candidates into the construction and code enforcement industries. As the demand for skilled trade workers grows, so does the importance of enforcing minimum standards.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Maloney: Take advantage of every opportunity to learn!

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?
Maloney: Building safety is a vital part of any community. The minimum standards established create a baseline to help ensure the safe occupancy of buildings and structures. ICC has assisted me by providing the resources needed to be successful. There are so many products and services offered to help code officials make the decisions needed to help ensure building safety.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Maloney: I have to continue on the path that got me here. There is always more to learn and more certifications to work towards.

BSJ: Thank you, Luke, 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 Luke 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.