Pennsylvania Contruction Codes Academy

Building Code Official Certification Academy
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Beginning February 2010, the Pennsylvania Construction Codes Academy is offering the newly created Building Code Official Academy training program for those interested in becoming certified as a Building Code Official (BCO). The program is replacing the existing Building Code Official Course and Exam and is designed to offer an in-depth, comprehensive educational experience by combining multiple training styles with the standard classroom lecture. In additional to the lecture, the Academy features guest speakers, individual and group exercises, after classroom assignments and practice exams, all presented at a comfortable pace for industry newcomers or those seeking continuing education with a strong emphasis on practical application of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) regulations.
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Residential Inspector Certification Academy
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2010 brings exciting new changes to the Pennsylvania Construction Codes Academy certification programs that are designed for those seeking any of the five Residential certifications required under the provisions of the PA Uniform Construction Code. Replacing our "Essentials" courses, the Residential Inspector Certification Academy offers a much anticipated and requested expandedtraining opportunity.

The "Academy" approach was developed with the objective of providing a multi-faceted comprehensive introduction to the International Residential Code. It is comprised of five separate multiple-day certification modules, one for each residential discipline and an additional one-day module on basic blue print reading. Each module addresses code requirements through lecture and practical application. The new curriculum deepens the scope of the "Essentials" courses by incorporating the plan review and inspection processes into each residential discipline's individual module. All material is based on the latest edition of the International Residential Code, which is the code that is referenced on all certification exams.

The program is structured to offer the six modules during separate weeks with no overlap between subjects. The duration of the certification modules ranges from 2 days to 5 days, depending on the amount of material to be covered for each topic. The basic blue print reading module will be offered at the beginning of each Academy and is required unless the applicant requests and receives a written waiver from the PCCA based on prior experience. Each module is a stand-alone course and there is no requirement to register for all five disciplines at the same time. Individuals determine their own unique schedule.

Academy courses will be presented at a comfortable pace, encouraging classroom discussion between instructors and attendees while providing ample opportunity for peer-to-peer interaction. Individual and small group exercises will be employed and case studies will be introduced highlighting the correlation between instructional material and everyday practice.

The Academy's primary audience is those seeking UCC residential certifications but enrollment is open to those looking for continuing education opportunities.
Click here for additional information specific to each individual module.

The Pennsylvania Construction Codes Academy (PCCA) was created by the Governor's Center for Local Government Services of the Department of Community and Economic Development to address statewide training and certification requirements for construction code officials.

Although PCCA's primary mission is to provide training to new and current construction code officials, our courses are also open to builders, contractors, architects, engineers, and municipal officials - anyone with an interest in the proper enforcement of the UCC.

We offer administrative, residential and commercial courses specifically tailored to the individual disciplines required for state certification. Most of our courses are designed to help prepare students the required certification examinations, and frequently incorporate practice exams along with practical information on the application of the codes.