Masters of Code: Robert Wallace 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 800 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. Robert Wallace is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Robert to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Robert Wallace
Assistant Director of Facilities Management
Code Enforcement Department
City of Lubbock, Texas, United States
International Code Council member for 18 years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Wallace: Early in my building inspection career I began to see the importance of having a broad background across all model codes and referenced standards. As I began to obtain multiple certifications over various codes, the goal of becoming a Master Code Professional became something that I saw as attainable and knew one day I wanted to achieve.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Wallace: I developed a method of preparation that became a pattern of sorts which I used for almost every exam. ICC Study Companion books combined with ICC Learning Center online courses were my primary means to prepare. I practiced navigating the referenced material and completing practice exams until I felt comfortable enough to take the actual exam.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Wallace: It is an extreme honor to be included among the very small number of MCP certified individuals. I have the utmost respect for anyone holding the Master Code Professional designation because I know personally the amount of time, effort, and energy that goes into the accomplishment.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Wallace: The Master Code Professional designation displays not only a very diverse knowledge across multiple model codes but a sense of commitment and dedication to continual learning and growth as a code official.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Wallace: Set small term goals, accomplish them and then begin to expand those goals. Be determined and realize that learning never stops. The sense of accomplishment is a huge inspiration that builds confidence along with knowledge!

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Wallace: 30 years

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Wallace: Over my time in this industry, technology has really transformed processes and procedures for field inspection, plan review, permit application, etc. It’s incredible how much more efficient work-place procedures have become due to innovative digital devices and software.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Wallace: Seeing younger individuals enter the profession and begin their careers is very inspiring to me. Helping train, teach, and mentor the next generation of code compliance professionals is both motivating and exciting.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Wallace: Try to surround yourself with people and resources that can help you learn. Don’t be scared to reach out and ask questions. There are tons of qualified and experienced individuals out there that are very enthusiastic about helping people just starting off their careers in building code enforcement.

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?
Wallace: ICC provides such a huge resource of information to individuals via online courses, written training and study materials, onsite training seminars, code interpretations, as well as many other areas. This support and resource is a huge asset to those in the public service sector.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Wallace: The more you learn, the more you realize how much more is out there that you can learn. I’ll move on to the next endeavor!

BSJ: Thank you, Robert, 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 Robert 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.