1 Action 1 Use of the…

1 Action 1 Use of the digital building code during exams

1.1 Yes, I would support providing candidates with the digital version for the BCIN exams.
1.2 If the candidate does not manipulate the digital process during the exam, then no concerns.
1.3 Create a form to be filled and signed by the potential candidate prior to the examination. This will ensure the process is followed fairly and not deviated, in order to acquire advantages to pass the examination (i.e. cheating). However, if this trust is broken, then they are to be disbarred to write any further examination for a minimum of 2-year period.

2 Action 2 - Allow candidates more time per question during exams

2.1 It would be an approach, but not convinced with reduction of questions. Alternatively, more time should be given for questions (i.e. say 75 questions for 3.5hrs). However, this should be carefully reviewed with other building practitioners who went through the initial process and promote a minimum standard level of competency and knowledge.
2.2 If the first attempt of the examination was failed by the candidate, then a mandatory course for the specific examination will be required to obtain prior to rewriting the exam.

3 Action 3 – Mandatory changes

3.1 I would allow an attempt by a professional architect, engineer and designer with their respective organizations/associations and proof that they are in good standing to attempt to write the examination prior to taking any courses to allow the candidate to demonstrate if they can achieve a “pass result” based on their experience and knowledge acquired. Any other candidate without background and/or experience shall be forced to take the courses required to successfully pass the examinations and avoid a high failed rate, which discourages candidates in completing the program.
3.2 It is incumbent of the candidate to perform research of the BCIN qualification process before it can be determined if they will be successful in the examinations. (i.e. often language barriers are one of the reasons for non-successful examinations). If applicable, provide a voluntary English proficiency test to the potential candidate prior to determining if the examination can be written successfully.

4 Action 4 – Provide alternative ways to enter the sector

4.1 I believe the process should be standard across the board to avoid any discrimination of special treatment to potential candidates. It should be consistent. If so, regarding BCIN exemptions, what will be the determining factors? What are the options? This attempt should be carefully reviewed and discussed to avoid any potential issues moving forward.
4.2 No response currently. See 4.1 answer.
4.3. No.

5 Action 5 – Restructure Exams to become a qualified building practitioner

5.1 No, not really. It’s an innovative approach to generally test the knowledge of the potential candidate as a whole and confirm if they can achieve a successful examination result without the requirement of writing a lot of examinations. However, it might be challenging for some candidates. Maybe, it could be implemented as an optional approach with a trial and error process before it becomes a standard procedure.
5.2. As stated in the response for 5.1, the potential proposals that are being sought after may require a trial and error process first before determining if it will be successful or not.

6 Action 6 – Knowledge Maintenance Requirements

6.1 I believe this approach will be required as we move forward in the future as the OBC is becoming more sophisticated and technically based. Thus, the building practitioners should be held to a certain standard as with other professionals in the industry are. (i.e. licensed architects and engineers with their respective organizations “PEO” or “OAA”).
6.2 Generally, it should revolve around the OBC and Building Code Act regulation, which is the legislation that allows the building officials to enforce including other practitioners who design within the Province of Ontario.
6.3 There should be a mandatory process for the building practitioner to subscribe their selected email address to “Code News”, once they have their BCIN# registered with MMAH. This will ensure all building practitioners involved with an official BCIN are aware of the upcoming changes, so the communications can be consistent throughout each individual with a BCIN registration.