ICC Preferred Provider Program approaches two-year anniversary with great success.

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The November 2014 launch of the ICC Preferred Provider Program was intended to strengthen the partnerships between ICC, ICC Chapters, government jurisdictions, associations, educators and industry corporations to create an easily accessible network of high-quality training opportunities for the professionals in the building safety and construction industry. As we approach our two-year anniversary, the program has achieved and surpassed that goal by building a vast network of Preferred Providers from all segments of the building safety and construction industry. Currently, the program involves more than 260 active providers who offer more than 530 approved online and onsite courses. The Preferred Provider Program was built as part of the ongoing five-part education strategy* approved by the Education Committee, the Professional Development Council and the Board of Directors to help build safer communities. The Professional Development Council and Board of Directors also agreed that in order to raise the profile of the code official and to strengthen the value of ICC certifications, 100 percent of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for certification renewals may be obtained from ICC and/or Preferred Provider Network educational offerings. However, when including other methods allowed under certification policy to earn CEUs, a minimum of 50 percent of total CEUs are still required to come from ICC and/or Preferred Provider Network educational offerings. "This program provides increased awareness of our joint offerings but, most importantly, it makes it more convenient for ICC members to acquire CEUs via meaningful activities at their fingertips." New Preferred Providers join the network on a regular basis, and those previously signed up renew their network standing at a high rate. The worldwide education and technology leader, Cengage, recently joined the Preferred Provider Network. "Cengage has been a proud ICC partner for more than 10 years, and we're excited to bring our work to the next level through ICC's Preferred Partner program," said Jonathan Lau, Senior Vice President and General Manager. "This program provides increased awareness of our joint offerings but, most importantly, it makes it more convenient for ICC members to acquire CEUs via meaningful activities at their fingertips. This is [IRC Simulation Training being released soon] the next generation of Code training and, as an education and technology leader, we're committed to helping ICC create and deliver it." Another major industry association, the Masonry Institute of America, also signed up. "The Masonry Institute of America has been an educational partner with ICC since the inception of the International Codes and we are excited about the Preferred Provider program," said Masonry Institute of America Executive Director John Chrysler. "We believe that the program will be instrumental in keeping the technical education offered by ICC Partners at the highest level." Other new active members include: Texas A&M University Engineering; Conquest Firespray, LLC; Hilti, Inc.; Wall and Ceiling Bureau; AAA Construction School, Inc.; California Real Estate Inspection Association; Pennsylvania Housing Research Center; and the Bluebonnet Chapter, Citrus Belt Chapter and the Kansas Association of Code Enforcement. At the upcoming ICC Annual Conference and Hearings in Kansas City (October 16-26), many Preferred Providers will be in attendance, either delivering educational sessions or exhibiting at the ICC Expo. Name tag Preferred Provider ribbons, exhibit table Preferred Provider placards, and advertising and listing of the Preferred Provider names on banners will be part of the activities ICC plans to undertake in support of the Preferred Provider Network at the Annual Conference. For more details, a directory of Preferred Providers or to sign-up to join the Preferred Provider Network, visit the Preferred Providers website at http://ppp.iccsafe.org/ * ICC five-part education strategy approved by the Professional Development Council and ICC Board of Directors: 1. Preferred Provider Program 2. Premium Core Training 3. Online University 4. Education Oversight Committee 5. Staffing for the future