Indiana

Indiana takes a decentralized approach to building department personnel certifications. In Indiana, certification requirements for building officials, plans examiners, and inspectors are determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), typically local municipalities, counties, or designated agencies rather than the state.

Common Roles in Indiana Building Departments

While certification requirements may vary, the common roles found in Indiana building departments include:

Building Officials

Role: Building officials are responsible for the overall administration and enforcement of building codes within their jurisdiction. This role includes issuing permits, overseeing inspections, and managing their department personnel.

Qualifications: Requirements for building officials vary widely, and many jurisdictions prefer candidates with significant experience in construction management, architecture, or engineering. Some AHJs may require or prefer nationally recognized certifications such as those provided by the International Code Council (ICC).

Plans Examiners

Role: Plans examiners review architectural and engineering plans to verify compliance with building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes. Their work is a critical step before any construction can begin, ensuring that projects meet the necessary safety standards from the outset.

Qualifications: Plans examiners may be required to have professional experience in building design or construction. Some jurisdictions might prefer or require certification, such as the ICC Plans Examiner Certification, while others may rely on in-house training and experience.

Inspectors

Role: Inspectors conduct field inspections to ensure that ongoing construction projects adhere to the approved plans and applicable building codes. They are responsible for assessing structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire safety systems at various construction stages.

Qualifications: AHJs have the authority to decide on the qualifications for building inspectors. Many jurisdictions prefer inspectors with extensive hands-on construction experience, while some may also require certification through programs like those offered by the Indiana Association of Building Officials (IABO) or the ICC.

Training and Certification Preferences

While Indiana does not have a statewide certification requirement, many jurisdictions encourage or prefer certifications that indicate proficiency and knowledge in building codes and standards. Commonly recognized certifications include:

• International Code Council (ICC) Certifications: Many municipalities prefer ICC certifications for building officials, plans examiners, and inspectors, as these certifications demonstrate a standardized level of knowledge in code enforcement.

• Indiana Association of Building Officials (IABO): IABO provides educational programs and training to assist building department personnel in gaining the skills needed to effectively enforce building codes within the state.

Training is often provided in-house, through professional organizations, or through partnerships with local community colleges. AHJs might also encourage their personnel to attend workshops, seminars, or training sessions held by professional associations to stay current with code changes and best practices.

For more information, contact your local building department/building official or the Indiana Association of Building Officials website.

Kentucky

Michigan

Ohio

The State of Ohio, through the Ohio Board of Building Standards (BBS), mandates certifications for residential and non-residential building department personnel. These regulations ensure that individuals performing specific tasks—like reviewing plans, conducting inspections, or enforcing building codes—are qualified to carry out their duties effectively and in accordance with state laws. The relevant certifications help ensure that all personnel are adequately trained and capable of handling the technical complexities of building safety and compliance.

*** Ohio's certification rules became effective July 1, 2025. To learn more, see the Board of Building Standard's website here. ***