As a Building Official I am…

As a Building Official I am glad to hear/see possible proposed changes to the qualification program as the current program is outdated to today's technology and real life experience.
Action 1: I would be in full support of allowing the digital version of the Building Code to be used during exams. Majority of Building Officials now use the digital version in there day to day job so it just makes sense and is more practical. This initiative should be implemented sooner than later.

Action 2: The current exams set everyone out to fail. You have 2 1/2 minutes to answer each question. It could take you that long to flip through the code by the time you get through all the bouncing around. In the workplace, a Building Official has plenty of time to search and find the correct answer. The number of questions and time frame provided does need to be looked at. With 1.5 million homes being pushed in an industry of lots of retirees, the program needs to be changed or again we are set up for failure. I just recently took an exam that had a math question on it. By the time I finished all the calculations, it took me around 10 minutes.

Action 3: There should be some type of training, however there would be a few things to consider such as cost (many can't afford to take the training courses on there own), existing experience (what if a plumber wanted to become a plumbing inspector for example) etc. There also needs to be more courses provided on the technical day to day stuff when it comes to inspections.

Action 4: If a program could be developed that someone would have to pass based on experience it would assist so many.

The current qualification set up is not user friendly for those that are hands on, picture learners. It is set up for reading type of learners and those who don't struggle under pressure (such as answering a question within 2 1/2 minutes).

Action 5: The graph clearly shows that there is a problem with the current exam process due to the number of pass rates. The system is flawed and everyone is set up for failure. I have written the large buildings exam and failed twice. My one mark was 69% (passing rate is 70%), it was one question that could have made the difference of me passing but I have to rewrite it. One question made the difference in being qualified. Restructuring the exams is a good idea as you are answering many of the same questions in different exams.

Action 6: Building Officials have a duty and responsibility to stay up to date on code changes. Implementing some type of program to prove this is something that I disagree with. Many changes are pushed through and the text in the Code hasn't been changed for quite awhile. We work off a Bill that is passed until it gets implemented into the text of the code. We don't have time to write more exams when we are trying to push through 1.5 million homes.

Just like this public commenting stage, more time needs to be provided for comments to be submitted. It was released just before the holiday break with many already off and then comments are due the day everyone returns back to work. This doesn't make much sense.

The CBCO program is something else that needs to be looked at and revamped.