Masters of Code: Michael Bozzuto 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. Michael Bozzuto, construction plans review specialist for Philadelphia License & Inspection in Philadelphia, Penn., is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Michael to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Michael Bozzuto
Constructions Plans Review Specialist
Philadelphia License & Inspection
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
International Code Council member for three years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Bozzuto: I think it started as a joke then it became a competition between friends.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Bozzuto: In the beginning, it was easier we were training to obtain certs for our job. We were put in a classroom environment with no teachers. We took the initiative and just took on the certifications as a team. After we became inspectors, and were given areas, that is when the studying became harder. We would get together after work and on weekends.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Bozzuto: What started as a joke actually means a lot now. Studying with a group of guys you never met for the MCP created valuable friendships.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Bozzuto: The MCP status comes with great responsibilities. You become the go-to guy for every possible question.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Bozzuto: Go for it. The hard work you put in will be worth it in the end.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Bozzuto: 20 years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Bozzuto: For me, from going from a union ironworker working on the building to inspecting buildings is a drastic change.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Bozzuto: I like seeing new code changes moving in the direction to help the environment by making things more energy efficient.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Bozzuto: Keep trying do not let a failed test for a certification discourage you.

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?
Bozzuto: Life safety is my number one priority as an inspector. Knowing what needs to be done before going into an inspection helps tremendously.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Bozzuto: Going to college and getting a degree.

BSJ: Thank you, Michael, 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 Michael 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.