Benefits of Obtaining Certification
- Verification of personal and professional accomplishment
- Validation of technical expertise
- Recognition on a national level
- Increase in potential career opportunities
- Expanded knowledge
- Confirmed commitment to protect the public health, safety, and welfare
- Commitment to raising the awareness of the Permit Technician profession.
The International Code Council (ICC) administers the Permit Technician Certification exam. For up to date testing and certification information log on to: ICCSafe.org, click on "Certification and Testing", "Code Professional", "ICC National Certification Information Bulletin".
Exam Basics
- 1 examination
- Open book
- 2 hour limit
- 60 multiple choice questions, for exam content outline, direct your website browser to Exam Content Outline.
General Administration - 23 questions, 39%
Legal Aspects - 13 questions, 22%
Plans & Documents - 15 questions, 25%
Zoning & Site Development - 9 questions, 14%
Reference Book
2006 IBC (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 & 34)
2006 Int. Zoning Code
2002 © Legal Aspects of Code Admin.
1999 © Basic Code Enforcement
The reference books are available for purchase through ICC or the WABO Bookstore. You may also check your local library reference section, but be sure you look at the code book with the year as stated above.
Certification Cost
Current examination cost: Computer based exam $180 / Paper and Pencil exam $180. Exam costs are subject to change, check the ICC website Exam Cost for up-to-date information.
Keeping your Certification Current
In order to keep your certification current, you will need to renew it every three years. Certifications must be renewed on or before the expiration date to qualify. A few months prior to the renewal, you will be sent a notice along with a renewal application. If for any reason you do not receive this notice, you may obtain an application from the ICC website. The renewal application also comes with an affidavit for CEU credits. You must have at least 1.5 CEU credits per 3 year period to review your Permit Technician certification. If you have multiple certification and they are all due on the same date as your Permit Technician certification, you must include enough CEU credits for each type of certification renewal. Check the ICC website for the most current information on CEU credits requirements for renewal as well as current renewal costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I begin the process for certification?
A: The first step is to obtain a current copy of the Candidate Bulletin. You can download the pamphlet at the Candidate Bulletin webpage. For a paper copy, call ICC at 1-888-ICC-SAFE.
Q: How do I sign up to take the exam?
A: Before registering for an exam, be sure to review the Candidate Bulletin. Computer based format exams are scheduled by calling the Pearson VUE at 1-800-275-8301 (Pearson VUE is a professional testing agency that administers test(s) for ICC). See the Candidates Bulletin for full information on exam payment, cancellation policy, and location & date availability. Pencil and paper format exams can be scheduled online.
Q: When can I take the exam?
A: Person VUE offers the computer based format exam at various sites located throughout Washington State, Tuesday through Saturday. ICC offers paper/pencil format, currently available only in Bellevue, WA.
Q: Can I reschedule or cancel my exam?
A: Refer to the Candidate Bulletin for Computer based exam and Paper/Pencil exam cancellation/rescheduling information. Refunds differ, be sure to read the bulletin!
Q: Can I get my results over the phone?
A: No. Due to a Student Privacy Act, ICC cannot release any results over the phone.
Q: When do I receive my results?
A: All paper/pencil results are mailed within 4 weeks of the test date. Computer exam results are given immediately on site.
Q: Are there any practice exams or courses to study for the exam?
A: Yes, ICC Campus Online offers a Permit Technician online study course. Click here for up-to-date fees and course information.
Q: How often can I take the exam?
A: During any six (6) month period and for any one certification category, you may take the exam using the CBT method a total of two (2) times, if necessary, to pass the exam. Taking the examination in one category has no effect on testing for the six-month period for another category. Candidates who choose the paper and pencil administration method may take the same exam at each administration, if they so choose.
A Permit Technician's Advice on the Exam
The exam was designed to be "self-study". This is something you can study for and achieve without a structured class. Since the exam is open book, just learn where ad how to find the information, and you will do fine. Go with the answer that is most correct. The answers may be tweaked to be almost right, except for a word or two. If the answer says "may require" and the code says "shall require", whichever best fits "shall" would be correct. The codes were written such that people shall comply with the code.
Good luck on the test!