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

Sean Carlstrom
Building Official
Code Enforcement Department
Shelton, Washington, United States
International Code Council member for six years
Washington Association of Building Officials

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Carlstrom: In my role as a Building Official, Plans Examiner, and Inspector I strive to ensure a safe built environment for my community. I feel the best way to do this is to know the code inside and out as well as be up to date with the currently adopted code.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Carlstrom: Read, read, read the code. Whenever I feel I am not fully comprehending a section I utilize my set of “Code and Commentary” books. Also, the ICC study companions have really helped me not only understand the code but prepare me to find the answers quickly as you can time yourself.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Carlstrom: I have worked hard to achieve the Master Code Professional status, and I am proud of my accomplishments and to be part of this elite group.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Carlstrom: Achieving the Master Code Professional status instills confidence in you with your peers, the public, and your stakeholders. The biggest benefit in obtaining the Master Code Professional status and beyond is in ensuring the safety of your community. Your communities count on you to be the best you can be.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Carlstrom: I would encourage anyone in this industry who has a passion to study the code, learn the code, and administer the code. The more you learn, the safer your community will be, and the more you have to offer to your colleagues.

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

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Carlstrom: There are two major changes I have witnessed over the years that stand out in my mind. The first to come to mind is the continued efforts toward energy conservation, which I applaud. The second major change would be the vast options of hardware products and methods to achieve safer and more structurally sound buildings.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Carlstrom: Renewable energy and energy conservation.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Carlstrom: My daughter Alexis (who is now located in Arizona) and my son Triston (residing here in Washington) have both recently expressed their interest in becoming building inspectors themselves. So, I purchased them two softcover copies of the 2018 International Residential Code along with two copies of the ICC study companions. They both studied on their own for the most part. Whenever they got stumped they would reach out to me for help and we would work through the code together until they fully understood. They both obtained their B1 certificates and are both also proud of their achievements. Mentoring, in my opinion, is the best way a code professional can give back and contribute to the industry.

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?
Carlstrom: Building safety has and will continue to be my main objective not only for the present time but for the future of our community. I find security in knowing whenever my family and community enter buildings they are entering the safest environment possible by code. ICC has helped me in my career and commitment to safety by updating and providing the family of I-codes, providing supplemental documents, code companions, easy to maneuver website, and technical support.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Carlstrom: My plan is to continue with my studies and obtain all of the ICC certifications. A wise person once told me “When you stop learning in this industry it is time for you to retire” and I wholeheartedly agree.

BSJ: Thank you, Sean, 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 Sean 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.