New ICC program makes it easy to renew those outdated certifications.

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Sean Reid has been in the building safety business for a quarter century, earning his first certification from the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) in 1990 and one from the Council of American Building Officials (CABO) two years later. But about 10 years ago, Reid's job description changed and he allowed those certifications to lapse. Since it had been more than six years and two certification cycles, he would have to take those tests all over again to renew. "I felt like a part of me was gone," he said. So he was thrilled when ICC unveiled its new certification renewal program in February, allowing those who let their certifications lapse more than six years to pay a nominal fee and use myriad ways — including on-the-job experience, accumulating CEUs, and teaching or attending ICC programs — to renew. One flat fee covers both renewal and reinstatement, regardless of the number of certifications renewed. The program allows people certified under any of our legacy organizations — ICBO, Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI), Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA) or CABO — to recertify as well. While some might have to still earn those CEUs, Reid found he already had accumulated enough during the lost decade. He's all up to date, and thrilled. "I went home and told my wife and 25-year-old son," he said. "They just looked at me. But it's amazing." ICC heard from many Members who had similar stories, said Michelle Murphey Porter, ICC's Director of Certification and Testing. "They had let their certifications lapse for a lot of reasons," she said. "Maybe they had a job change, or they just couldn't afford to keep them up for one reason or another during the recession. We wanted to find a way to welcome them back. Not to give them a pass, but not to be unfair, either." The reality is, said ICC Board President Alex "Cash" Olszowy, the industry needs them as much as they need their updated certifications. As many have become aware, not enough younger people have stepped up yet to replace experienced building officials set to retire in the next five or 10 years. "We need those older guys back to help fill the void," he said. The new program also helps those who found they needed those expired certifications for new jobs, Olszowy said. Often, Members could work under their state's code certifications, he said, until they moved to a new job in another state. "They can take the ICC certifications with them anywhere," he said. "It's goodwill." Gary Lampella had his ICBO certifications since the late 1980s. But he let them lapse when he took a job in Oregon, which had its own certifications. But he felt the need to recertify when he took the job as Director of Codes and Standards for the Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Home Builders. "The NAHB likes their certifications," Lampella said. "ICC's new recertification program was really easy. And when I had a question, staff was right there to help." The program is working well already, Porter said. Since it began in February, more than 110 Members have activated more than 350 lapsed certifications. And she's sure there's more to come. Renewing those certifications not only strengthens a building official's armor, Reid said, it takes a load off a person's mind. "I haven't been this jazzed about my profession in 20 years," he said. Consult ICC's Certification Renewal Bulletin for details about certification renewals.