Master Code Professional Wes Remaklus

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

Wes Remaklus
Building Inspector II / Code Enforcement Officer
Building Department
Indian Wells, California, United States
International Code Council member for seven years
Coachella Valley Chapter

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Remaklus: I am motivated by creating goals and tackling them. My motivation lies within my accomplishments and the Master Code Professional certification is the apex of ICC accomplishments.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Remaklus: My on-the-job experience is a key contributor to my success. Any time that I am approached with a code question or I question something myself, I consult the codebooks, even if I am sure of the answer. There are few times, if any, throughout the work week that I don’t have multiple codebooks open. I also used the ICC study guides for a few of the exams which, I felt, were very useful.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Remaklus: I pride myself on my diligence and dedication to code research and earning this prestigious accolade proves my devotion to my colleagues, my merit to the public and my dignity to myself.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Remaklus: It is extremely gratifying to be honored by the code community for my expertise.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Remaklus: Don’t think too much into it and don’t let it intimidate you! Take each exam and question one step at a time.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Remaklus: I began working in the construction trades 20 years ago, in high school. I have performed multiple trades as an installer, foreman and superintendent, as well as working for myself as an active California State Licensed B and C-2 contractor. I began my career in community development and code enforcement seven years ago.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Remaklus: Development of energy codes and the difference they have made in building efficiency.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Remaklus: Innovations in heavy timber construction.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Remaklus: Be humble. Never concoct false information, don’t offer erroneous information to sound intelligent and don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know something.

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?
Remaklus: Safety should be the number one priority to code officials. The codes are the catalyst for the health and safety of the community and the International Code Council is the driver of the codes. I am proud to be a part of the process to facilitate the development of public safety.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Remaklus: I plan on taking my Fire Code Official exam next month and am vigilantly studying for my Certified Access Specialist Program certification. I also have one semester of college left before I complete my associate’s degree in construction management and plan to transfer to a state college to obtain my bachelor’s degree in fire technology.

BSJ: Thank you, Wes, 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 Wes on achieving this important and significant accomplishment,” said Autumn Saylor, Director 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.