ICC Certification - B1

[jcarrillo (Johnny Carrillo, InterNachi Certified, 203K HUD Consultant #S0847)]

During this slow time for me, I’m considering to obtain an International Residential Code B1 Certification. Hoping it can bolster my marketing campaign and/or meet minimum requirements to possibly land a municipal position.

Those of you who are ICC certified, was it difficult? Has it helped? Will I be wasting my time/money? Do you work for a city?

Also, does NACHI provide adequate education? Or are additional sources recommended?

Thanks!

[gromicko (Nick Gromicko, CMI)]

Advanced Residential Code Inspection Exam Prep - InterNACHI

[gromicko (Nick Gromicko, CMI)]

InterNACHI Residential Code Inspection Exam Prep Flash Cards

[escanlan (Emmanuel Scanlan, TREC# 7593)]

@jcarrillo

During this slow time for me, I’m considering to obtain an International Residential Code B1 Certification. Hoping it can bolster my marketing campaign and/or meet minimum requirements to possibly land a municipal position.

B1 is only the structural certification. There is still the Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical certifications. Is there a reason that you are not aiming for a Residential Combination (R5) certification?

BTW consumers have become very intelligent when researching any certification and ICC makes it easy for them to do. For those consumers who have selected me because of my ICC certifications they are well aware how many Inspectors try to obtain only the B1 rating to make it appear as if they are fully certified in all areas. After all those Inspectors are not lying when they state they are certified by ICC as a Residential Building Inspector. They just don’t tell consumers they never bothered to obtain the other certifications to round out their credentials.

Those of you who are ICC certified, was it difficult?

I never thought it was. When I sat for the tests I took them 2 at a time and spent no more than 20 minutes on each test and never opened the book since they are open book tests. I didn’t miss maybe one question on a test. Of course I did not think the Texas State licensing test was hard and did the same on it including high score. However if you look at the Texas licensing stats there is a 50% failure rate for Inspector testing. So using my opinion might not be an accurate “Average Opinion”.

Has it helped?

All knowledge and learning helps! As for a specific answer yes it always helps to know what the standards are since the Building Codes, just like any other standard, are created from good practices already in place.

If you are wondering if it will help with your goal of using it for marketing purposes the answer is “It depends”. It depends on if you actually learn and understand the Building Codes. If you do then yes it will help reinforce your appearance and reputation with consumers. If all you do is study long enough to pass a test so you can legally use the title for marketing then it will do you more harm than good particularly if you make bad calls or miss calls.

Will I be wasting my time/money?

It is never a waste of time or money to educate yourself whether you obtain and use the ICC certifications or not.

Do you work for a city?

No. Many larger municipalities around my location do not allow their Inspectors to perform similar side work as they view it as a potential conflict of interest.

Also, does NACHI provide adequate education?

No offense to INACHI since I have yet to find any INACHI course that was not worth taking. INACHI courses are WAY BETTER than any of the “Paid For” training classes I have taken for Inspectors. However I suspect INACHI training would not fully prepare you to master a complete understanding of the Building Codes nor I suspect are they intended to.

Or are additional sources recommended?

The best source of training available is a copy of the Building Code manuals themselves and NOT just the “Code Check” books! Literally read the appropriate manual(s) cover to cover and become familiar with their intended format/layout/use. One of the first sections of each manual is “Effective Use…” which will most certainly help you understand how they are constructed.

Another possible help is to attend the ICC Residential Code Institute training class which is a week long training on the Building Codes.

Another help is to become an ICC member since you will have access to Requests For Interpretation of the Building Codes and other resources.

Thanks!

Answers and suggestions in blue above.

[lkage (Larry Kage, CMI)]

Originally Posted by jcarrillo View Post
During this slow time for me, I’m considering to obtain an International Residential Code B1 Certification. Hoping it can bolster my marketing campaign and/or meet minimum requirements to possibly land a municipal position.

B1 is only the structural certification. There is still the Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical certifications. Is there a reason that you are not aiming for a Residential Combination (R5) certification?

BTW consumers have become very intelligent when researching any certification and ICC makes it easy for them to do. For those consumers who have selected me because of my ICC certifications they are well aware how many Inspectors try to obtain only the B1 rating to make it appear as if they are fully certified in all areas. After all those Inspectors are not lying when they state they are certified by ICC as a Residential Building Inspector. They just don’t tell consumers they never bothered to obtain the other certifications to round out their credentials.

Those of you who are ICC certified, was it difficult?

I never thought it was. When I sat for the tests I took them 2 at a time and spent no more than 20 minutes on each test and never opened the book since they are open book tests. I didn’t miss maybe one question on a test. Of course I did not think the Texas State licensing test was hard and did the same on it including high score. However if you look at the Texas licensing stats there is a 50% failure rate for Inspector testing. So using my opinion might not be an accurate “Average Opinion”.

Has it helped?

All knowledge and learning helps! As for a specific answer yes it always helps to know what the standards are since the Building Codes, just like any other standard, are created from good practices already in place.

If you are wondering if it will help with your goal of using it for marketing purposes the answer is “It depends”. It depends on if you actually learn and understand the Building Codes. If you do then yes it will help reinforce your appearance and reputation with consumers. If all you do is study long enough to pass a test so you can legally use the title for marketing then it will do you more harm than good particularly if you make bad calls or miss calls.

Will I be wasting my time/money?

It is never a waste of time or money to educate yourself whether you obtain and use the ICC certifications or not.

Do you work for a city?

No. Many larger municipalities around my location do not allow their Inspectors to perform similar side work as they view it as a potential conflict of interest.

Also, does NACHI provide adequate education?

No offense to INACHI since I have yet to find any INACHI course that was not worth taking. INACHI courses are WAY BETTER than any of the “Paid For” training classes I have taken for Inspectors. However I suspect INACHI training would not fully prepare you to master a complete understanding of the Building Codes nor I suspect are they intended to.

Or are additional sources recommended?

The best source of training available is a copy of the Building Code manuals themselves and NOT just the “Code Check” books! Literally read the appropriate manual(s) cover to cover and become familiar with their intended format/layout/use. One of the first sections of each manual is “Effective Use…” which will most certainly help you understand how they are constructed.

Another possible help is to attend the ICC Residential Code Institute training class which is a week long training on the Building Codes.

Another help is to become an ICC member since you will have access to Requests For Interpretation of the Building Codes and other resources.

Thanks!

@escanlan

Answers and suggestions in blue above.

Manny just gave you, Mr. Carrillo, one of the best, if not THE best answers to your question that you could have hoped for.

Well done Manny!

[gromicko (Nick Gromicko, CMI)]

Bam!

[nperes (Nicholas Peres)]

@jcarrillo

During this slow time for me, I’m considering to obtain an International Residential Code B1 Certification. Hoping it can bolster my marketing campaign and/or meet minimum requirements to possibly land a municipal position.

I plan on taking the week long ICC residential course this summer.

Not to change the subject or be a downer, but self employment is often a death knell for getting back onto a payroll…especially municipal. If you’ve been in business a while and you’re still slow, maybe also consider sales and marketing classes?

[escanlan (Emmanuel Scanlan, TREC# 7593)]

@nperes

I plan on taking the week long ICC residential course this summer.

You can’t go wrong taking this course! If you want to get the most out of it then obtain a copy of the IRC and read it before then. While reading it start generating your questions and write them down. It’s a fast paced course so being prepared WILL help you learn better. Also once you register you might be able to send your questions ahead of time and they may have answers ready for you.

[gromicko (Nick Gromicko, CMI)]

but self employment is often a death knell for getting back onto a payroll

Being on payroll is often a death nail for self employment.

[lkage (Larry Kage, CMI)]

…self employment is often a death knell for getting back onto a payroll…especially municipal.

@gromicko

Being on payroll is often a death nail for self employment.

Hear, hear! I just knew you were going to reverse that…and I agree.

[nperes (Nicholas Peres)]

@gromicko

Being on payroll is often a death nail for self employment.

Yes sir, mutual exclusivity.

[nperes (Nicholas Peres)]

@escanlan

You can’t go wrong taking this course! If you want to get the most out of it then obtain a copy of the IRC and read it before then. While reading it start generating your questions and write them down. It’s a fast paced course so being prepared WILL help you learn better. Also once you register you might be able to send your questions ahead of time and they may have answers ready for you.

Great, I’m really excited about it. I’ve been going over the IRC for a while as time permits.

[imayer (Ian Mayer, CMI)]

@nperes

If you’ve been in business a while and you’re still slow, maybe also consider sales and marketing classes?

I was thinking this but wasn’t sure if I should say it.

It’s spring in Southern California. The market is hot right now. If you’re slow right now, I’d think you have some other deeper issues that needing a new certification.

On the other hand…

Part of your problem is likely proximity to a certain firm that likes to wow people with slick marketing and widgets, then do 1/2-rear end inspection and pray their widgets cover whatever they missed.

So, a new cert would certainly help you stand out above their slick marketing.

[imayer (Ian Mayer, CMI)]

@nperes

I plan on taking the week long ICC residential course this summer.

Nick, As in an actual class somewhere, or just an online thing?

[nperes (Nicholas Peres)]

@imayer

Nick, As in an actual class somewhere, or just an online thing?

Actual class. They are held on the east coast and in Brea. Obviously, I will be attending the Brea class. Starts in late August. 22nd thru 25th I believe.

[nperes (Nicholas Peres)]

@imayer

I was thinking this but wasn’t sure if I should say it.

It’s spring in Southern California. The market is hot right now. If you’re slow right now, I’d think you have some other deeper issues that needing a new certification.

On the other hand…

Part of your problem is likely proximity to a certain firm that likes to wow people with slick marketing and widgets, then do 1/2-rear end inspection and pray their widgets cover whatever they missed.

So, a new cert would certainly help you stand out above their slick marketing.

I wasn’t sure either, but let’s face it. I have a university education in business and I still struggle with sales and marketing. Certainly meant no disrespect though.

I also hear about that firm all the time. I tell people you want McCafe or artisan espresso? I picked up one agent recently that said she got sick of having to “ask for a supervisor” all the time lol.