North Carolina Accepts International Code Council Certifications

In an effort to streamline certification processes and expand professional opportunities, North Carolina now accepts certifications from the International Code Council as the basis for comparable state-issued certifications.

On January 1, 2025, the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board (COQB) better aligned its certification system with the Code Council’s nationally recognized standards. This decision marks a pivotal shift in the state’s approach to certifying building officials and inspectors and recognizes the growing influence of the Code Council’s credentialing programs in ensuring public safety in the building and construction industry.

Code Council certifications are designed to ensure that professionals possess the essential knowledge and skills to enforce building codes and maintain safety standards. These certifications cover a wide array of areas, from residential and commercial inspections to mechanical, plumbing and electrical codes. Certification examinations are maintained to the highest standards, with ongoing reviews by committees of experienced industry professionals to ensure the exams remain relevant and up to date.

North Carolina’s Acceptance of Code Council Certifications

n a move to modernize and simplify the state’s certification process, North Carolina has better aligned its Level I and Level II certifications with the Code Council’s Residential and Commercial certificates for Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical inspectors.

This adoption is a significant step forward, especially for out-of-state inspectors who hold Code Council certifications from neighboring states, making it easier for them to get certified and begin working in North Carolina.

Existing North Carolina certificates, or “legacy” certificates, which were issued prior to January 1, 2025, are grandfathered in for a period of five years. These certificates will remain valid through December 31, 2030. After this date, the state will transition fully to the new certification structure, which will better align with the Code Council’s levels for Residential (Level I) and Commercial (Level II) categories.

This transition period provides time for inspectors to adjust and undergo any additional training or certification processes needed. The state is also working to update existing “legacy” courses to align with the 2018 to 2024 North Carolina State Building Code (including the 2023 North Carolina Electrical Code), ensuring that the training programs remain relevant and up to date.

“North Carolina has been a leader in building safety since 1977 when it established a mandatory statewide Code-enforcement Official Certification Program through the NC Code Officials Qualification Board,” shared North Carolina Board Chairman Bill Thunberg. “North Carolina’s growth has created a demand for qualified code-enforcement officials.  In response, the NC Legislature has taken several actions to address the increased demand and the NC Code Officials Qualification Board, in support of the legislative efforts, concluded that aligning our certification more closely to the Code Council’s will help the state increase the pool of qualified applicants to meet the demands of a growing state while maintaining or enhancing safety for our citizens.”

The full updated bylines and further information on this transition can be found here.

To learn more about the Code Council’s credentialing programs and professional development opportunities, click here.