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 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 are have been updated and will be effective July 1, 2025. To learn more, see the Board of Building Standard's website here. ***

The following certifications are issued by the Ohio Board of Building Standards:

Building Officials

Role: Building officials are responsible for the overall administration and enforcement of building codes within their jurisdiction. Building Officials require a comprehensive knowledge of building codes and regulations, management skills, and a keen eye for detail to ensure. Building officials must be adept at interpreting code, inspections, and working collaboratively with building owners, contractors, architects, and other stakeholders. Strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications: Requirements are consistent statewide, however may be added upon by a jurisdiction. They are summarized in the following:

For Non-Residential Building Departments:

1. Five years of experience in non-residential building design and construction for buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board while registered in Ohio as an architect or professional engineer, or

2. Ten years of experience as a general contractor or superintendent of building construction for buildings or structures dealing with all phases and trades of construction including the responsibility for obtaining approvals and inspections within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board, or

3. Five years of experience employed full-time as a residential building official in a certified residential building department.

4. Completion of the ICC MM, MG, BC module (CBO Certification)

For Residential Building Departments:

1. Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer, or

2. Five years of experience as a residential contractor or non-residential contractor or superintendent with responsibility for obtaining approvals and inspections of structures regulated by the rules of the Board

3. Completion of the 1A, 4A and 2A or 5A NCPCCI examination or B1, M1 and E1 or P1 ICC examinations.

Certifications Types:

• • Building Official (Interim permitted)

  • Residential Building Official (Interim permitted)

Plans Examiners

Role: Plans examiners are responsible for reviewing construction plans for residential or non-residential projects to ensure compliance with building codes and standards. This role includes analyzing architectural, structural, fire, energy conservation, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans to verify that all proposed construction work meets safety and regulatory requirements. The position requires specialized knowledge in building design and construction, as well as strong attention to detail.

Qualifications: Requirements are consistent statewide, however may be added upon by a jurisdiction. They are summarized in the following:

Master Plans Examiner (Interim/Trainee permitted)

Experience: Five years of experience in building design and construction for buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board while registered in Ohio as an architect or professional engineer or completion of an approved trainee program while being registered in Ohio as an architect or professional engineer.

Testing: 1C, 2C, 3C, 4C, 5C NCPCCI or B3, E3, M3, and P3 ICC. 

Licensure: Ohio registration as an architect or prefessional engineer required.

Residential Plans Examiner (Interim/Trainee permitted)

Experience: 1) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer, (2) five years of experience in building design and construction for residential or non-residential buildings structures regulated by the rules of the Board, or (3) completion of an approved trainee program. 

Testing: 1A and 4A, 2A or 5A NCPCCI or B1, M1 and E1 or P1 ICC.

Plans Examiner (Interim/Trainee permitted)

Experience: (1) five years as a full-time building inspector in a certified non-residential building department, (2) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer, (3) ten years of experience as a full-time skilled tradesman for structural carpentry, masonry, steel erection, or concrete construction work, subject to inspection under a code adopted for non-residential buildings, within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board, or (4) completion of an approved trainee program. 

Testing: Completion of the 1C NCPCCI or B3 ICC.

Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fire Protection Plans Examiners (Interim/Trainee permitted)

Varied experience requirements or approved trainee program completion. To see the current matrix see here.

Inspectors

Role: Inspectors are responsible for conducting on-site, virtual or hybrid inspections to ensure compliance with applicable building codes. Inspectors evaluate various aspects of construction, including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire safety systems, during different phases of the project. Their primary duty is to verify that work is completed according to approved plans and meets all code and standard requirements. This role requires practical experience in construction, a strong understanding of building codes, and excellent attention to detail.

Qualifications: Requirements are consistent statewide, however may be added upon by a jurisdiction. They are summarized in the following:

Building Inspector (Interim/Trainee permitted)

Experience: (1) Five years of experience in structural carpentry, masonry, steel erection, or concrete construction work subject to inspection under a code adopted for non-residential buildings within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board as a skilled tradesman, a supervisor, or a construction contractor, (2) five years of experience as a full-time non-residential building official, master plans examiner, non-residential mechanical inspector, residential building official, residential plans examiner, residential building inspector, or residential mechanical inspector or (3) completion of an approved trainee program.

Testing: 1B, 3B and 4B NCPCCI or B2 and M2 ICC.

Residential Building Inspector (Interim/Trainee permitted)

Experience: (1) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer, or (2) five years of experience in building design and construction for residential or non-residential buildings structures regulated by the rules of the Board, or (3) completion of an approved trainee program. 

Testing: 1A and 4A, 2A or 5A NCPCCI or B1, M1 and E1 or P1 ICC.

Fire Protection Inspector (Interim permitted)

Experience: (1) Five years of experience in the installation of fire protection systems (automatic sprinkler systems, alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems, standpipe systems, fire alarm and detection systems and fire pump systems) subject to inspection under a code adopted for non-residential buildings, within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board, (2) five years of experience as a certified fire safety inspector or a certified fire protection system designer, or (3) completion of an approved trainee program.

Testing: 1B and 3B NCPCCI or CA and CF ICC.

Mechanical Inspector (Interim/Trainee permitted)

Experience: (1) Five years of experience as a skilled heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping tradesman for work subject to inspection under a code adopted for non-residential buildings, within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board, (2) five years of experience as a full-time building official, master plans examiner, building inspector, residential building official, residential plans examiner, residential building inspector, or residential mechanical inspector, or (3) completion of an approved trainee program.

Testing: 4B NCPCCI or M2 ICC.

Plumbing Inspector (Interim/Trainee permitted)

Experience: (1) Seven years of experience in the installation of plumbing, subject to inspection under a code adopted for buildings, within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board, (2) a degree in engineering or architecture and three years of experience in plumbing system design, or (3) completion of an approved trainee program. 

Testing: 5B NCPCCI or P2 ICC.

Electrical Safety Inspector (ESI) (Trainee permitted)

Experience: (1) Journeyman electrician or equivalent for 4 years, 2 as an electrician foreman, and 2 years as a building department ESI trainee, (2) journeyman electrician or equivalent for 4 years and 3 years as a building department ESI trainee, (3) four years of experience as a building department ESI trainee, or (4) journeyman electrician or equivalent for 6 years; (5) an electrical engineer registered in the State of Ohio; or (6) completion of an approved trainee program. 

Testing: 2B NCPCCI or E2 ICC.

Residential Mechanical Inspector (Interim/Trainee permitted)

Experience: (1). Three years of experience as an HVAC system or supervisor for residential or non-residential buildings within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board, (2) at least three years of experience as a skilled tradesman for HVAC systems and associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping work for residential or non-residential buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the Board, or (3) completion of an approved trainee program. 

Testing: 4A NCPCCI or M1 ICC.

Non-Residential Industrialized Unit Inspector (Interim permitted)

Experience: (1) Five years of experience as a construction contractor or supervisor for non-residential buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board, (2) five years of experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a code adopted for non-residential buildings within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board, (3) five years of experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a code adopted for non-residential buildings within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the Board, or (4) certification as a building inspector.

Testing: 1B, 3B, and 4B NCPCCI or B2 and M2 ICC.

Residential Industrialized Unit Inspector (Interim permitted)

Experience: Three years of experience as a construction contractor or supervisor for buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the Board, or (2) certification as a building inspector, residential building inspector, or industrialized unit inspector. 

Testing: 1A, 2A, 4A and 5A NCPCCI or B1, E1, M1 and P1 ICC.

Medical Gas Piping Inspector

Experience: An applicant for a medical gas piping inspector certification shall provide evidence verifying that the applicant has been certified by an "American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)" recognized third party certifier in accordance with ASSE standard 6020.

General Notes:

Experience Requirements

Applicants need relevant experience in construction, design, inspection, or supervision, depending on the type of certification. Note: Applicants for certification may obtain credit for one year of the required experience through education pursuant to Section 4101:7-3-01(F)(6) of the Ohio Administrative Code. Documentation must be submitted with the application.

Interim Certification

Interim certifications are available for those have met the experience requirements but have not passed the required tests. Interim certifications are valid for two years, and no extensions are granted.

Trainee Programs

Trainees must work under a certified supervisor and complete practical experience requirements, such as inspections or plan reviews. All trainee applicants must be under the direct supervision of a person certified in the trainee's respective field. Sponsor and Supervisor forms must be signed by the Building Official and the certified supervisor, respectively.

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Uninterpreted Rules: Ohio BBS Link (21 pages)

Residential Certification Matrix: Ohio BBS Link (PDF 1 page)

Non-Residential Certification Matrix: Ohio BBS Link (PDF 2 pages)