Masters of Code: Richard Patitucci 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. Richard Patitucci, building inspector for the Department of License & Inspections in the city of Philadelphia, is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Richard to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Richard Patitucci
Building Inspector
Dept. of License & Inspections
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
International Code Council member for two years
Liberty Chapter

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Patitucci: To gain much-needed knowledge to be as professional and experienced as possible.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Patitucci: After work and on weekends I would review and test myself on as many areas as needed.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Patitucci: It is one of my designations I am most proud of! It feels like running a marathon and after 26.2 miles getting to finish line.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Patitucci: The fire, legal, maintenance and electrical disciplines add so much more information in addition to the requirements for construction plan review specialists to an inspector’s knowledge while in the field or in the plans examining room.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Patitucci: If you are the type of person who wants to be all you can be, become an MCP!

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Patitucci: 44 years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Patitucci: Light-frame construction and energy.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Patitucci: Technology is constantly producing more efficient materials that add strength and efficiency. Solar-producing energy is not only a utility bill cost-saver, but it is also cleaner for our environment and plays into the aspect of what we do, like health and safety.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Patitucci: If you fail a certification test or two, don’t give up. And get as many certifications as you can!

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?
Patitucci: By enforcing the fire and safety code, I know that I am adding time and protection for a person to escape a hazard.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Patitucci: Take a rest, and then… possibly get another designation.

BSJ: Thank you, Richard, 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 Richard 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 I look forward to congratulating more Master Code Professionals in the future.”

To learn more about how you can join this elite group and let us help you open the door to increased professional challenges and career advancement, click here.