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Year 1

Permit Technician Training & Certification

Permit technicians are the first point of contact for the public at jurisdictions that distribute permits. They examine plans, blueprints, and other documents to verify accuracy according to the building code and completeness; explain requirements and provide information to permit applicants; and process permit applications. Permit technicians also assist building inspectors in their day-to-day duties and perform basic data entry tasks. This career requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and data entry proficiency.

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Winter Registration - Bank Payment
Fall Registration - Card Payment
Spring Registration - Bank Payment
Fall Registration - Card Payment

Permit Technician Curriculum

This first-year program focuses on the technical and administrative foundations required to work effectively in city and county permit centers.

  • Navigate Building Codes: Gain the skills to read and apply key sections of the International Zoning Code (IZC), International Residential Code (IRC), and International Building Code (IBC).
  • Legal & Administrative Mastery: Understand the relationship between Washington state laws and local jurisdictional authority.
  • Essential "Soft Skills": Learn the psychology of public service, including active listening, conflict de-escalation, and managing customer expectations.
  • Technical Sufficiency: Develop the ability to review plans and blueprints for completeness and accuracy before they move to plan review.

Required Classes for the
Permit Technician Certification

PERMIT TECHNICIAN 101

Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructors: Kelly Thompson and Rachelle Sagen

PT 101: Public Service In Washington: Fall Quarter

This course is designed to review the history and development of Washington state codes and how they are administered at the local level by Permit Technicians, Building Inspectors, and Plans Examiners. The course covers how state codes are administered in local jurisdictions and how they work together with the International Building Codes.

Prerequisites: NONE
Required Material*

It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class:

International Zoning Code (Soft Cover) – $60.00
Legal Aspects of Code Administration – $54.00
Basic Code Enforcement – $60.00

PERMIT TECHNICIAN 102

Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructors: Kelly Thompson and Rachelle Sagen

PT 102: Skills For Success: Winter Quarter

This course is designed to examine skills for success. These “soft skills” are important for those employed in public service such as Permit Technicians, Building Inspectors, and Plans Examiners. Understanding customer experience, coping methods, effective listening skills, verbal and written communication, and professional image will be addressed.

Prerequisites: PT 101
Required Material*

It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class.:

Basic Code Enforcement – $60.00

PERMIT TECHNICIAN 103

Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Andrew Lunde

PT 103: Permit Technician: Spring Quarter

This course is designed to introduce basic knowledge and understanding of the International Building Codes administered at the local level by Permit Technicians, Building Inspectors, and Plans Examiners. Code issues related to architectural and structural designs will be explored.

Prerequisites: PT 101 and PT 102
Required Material*

It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class:

International Residential Code (Soft Cover) – $209.00
Residential Code Essentials – $55.00

*Required material, editions, availability, and cost are subject to change without notice. We recommend not purchasing items for future quarters.

Washington State Building Department Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are qualified for entry-level roles that serve as the central hub for local development and construction projects.

Permit
Specialist

Acts as the primary point of contact for applicants, providing front-line customer service and answering technical inquiries related to city codes and permitting processes.

Permit Coordinator

Serves as a technical liaison between the public, design professionals, and internal city departments to ensure project reviews are well-coordinated and efficient.

Permit Administrator

Manages the administration of land use permits and ordinances, often acting as a staff lead for local Development Review Boards.

Permit Supervisor

Provides oversight for administrative staff, leads technical process improvements, and ensures quality control throughout the permit issuance lifecycle.

Secure Your Future in Building Safety

Ready to begin? Registration for Fall 2026 begins on May 4, 2026. Because space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, early registration is highly encouraged. Classes begin September 8, 2026.

Permit Technician Salary & Earnings Potential in Washington

Washington offers some of the highest compensation rates for permit professionals in the country, with significant opportunities for advancement.

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Estimated Annual Range

Program Investment & Required Materials

Tuition and fees are paid quarterly to ensure affordable access to professional training.

  • Quarterly Tuition: $394.00
  • Quarterly Administrative Fee: $28.00 (Non-refundable, Non-transferrable)
  • Quarterly Technology Fee: $28.00 (Non-refundable, Non-transferrable)
  • Total Tuition & Fees Per Quarter: $450.00
  • Total Tuition & Fees for Certificate: $1,350.00

Students are responsible for obtaining standard reference codes prior to the first day of class.

  • International Zoning Code ($60.00)
  • Legal Aspects of Code Administration ($54.00)
  • Basic Code Enforcement ($60.00)
  • International Residential Code ($209.00)
  • Residential Code Essentials ($55.00)

Permit Technician Certificate Requirements

The Permit Technician certificate is awarded upon completion of three 10-week quarters (approximately 300 hours total).

  • Format: Completely online e-learning.
  • Age: Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration.
  • Education: Must possess a High School Diploma or GED at the time of registration.
  • Prerequisites: None for the Year 1 Permit Technician track.
  • Program Completion: Successful completion of PT 101, PT 102, and PT 103.

Testimonials

The course was very thorough in guiding me through the zoning code, administration and history of WA content. Giving me the navigation experience and deeper understanding of their content. I feel that I have gained a good base of understanding of what was covered and shown how to use the tools available to me.
I enjoyed the class and the reading materials specifically the history of Washington state and its processes of forming the government and reasoning behind the many decisions that have led us to the position we are in today. The instructor was easy to talk with and reached back out regularly. I appreciate the experience.
I am an individual already living with a permit tech II as a job title. It’s every day. While my job doesn't entail planning to the extent this class went into, I want to say thank you. This class made me think, grow and learn. Which is all you can hope for in any class.
The instructor was supportive, responsive, and very clear in expectations, which made the online format smooth and low stress. The coursework was well organized, and the weekly structure worked great for balancing class with full-time work. Overall, the class was a solid start to the COAP program, and I appreciate how relevant it was to local government roles like mine.
This was a great class and I learned lots. It never felt too overwhelming and the assignments seemed to push me more in growing my knowledge.
I really enjoyed everything I learned. A lot of the lessons served as great reminders and offered practical information that can be applied not just in this field, but in any profession, and even in everyday life. Topics like professionalism, working with people, effective email communication, and strong listening skills are valuable no matter what you do.
I feel the information this class provides is very essential to understanding and being capable of doing this job and assisting residents and contractors with any needs they may have
I enjoyed learning about all aspects of the building department and how it all related to the role of a permit technician.
I appreciated how thorough the materials were. Especially for the customer service skills element. Which is incredibly important for the permit technician/code official role and greatly supports the intent of the course. The discussion topics were presented in a way that was thought provoking and provided engagement with other students.
In all, this is a valuable course, and I have learned a lot. I am also glad that the workload is not overwhelming.

Meet Your Instructors

Kelly Thompson

Kelly is an Administrative Services Manager. She assists in the daily operations of the permit center including supervision of permit staff. Provides management support to improve efficiencies using technology, process, and policies. Prepare reports on permit statistics for internal use and in response to Federal and State agencies. Oversee budget of over $4 million in annual revenue and expenses. Intake, routing, and issuance of land use and building permits. Calculate fees in accordance with Fee Resolution, prepare deposits, and reconcile accounts to ensure accuracy. Kelly also serves as Clerk for Public Hearings. Kelly is a graduate of Years 1-3 of the COAP program.

Currently Teaching: PT 101 and PT 102

Rachelle Sagen

Rachelle is a Permit Supervisor. She is Experienced in municipal permitting and operations leader with progressive responsibility overseeing Building, Public Works, and Land Use programs. She has proven ability to manage high-volume permit operations, implement process improvements, supervise staff, and coordinate cross-departmental initiatives. Strong background in regulatory compliance, fee oversight, and public-facing service delivery within a complex governmental environment.

Currently Teaching: PT 101 and PT 102

Andrew Lunde

Andrew is an Engineering Services Manager. He manages the plan review process of building, mechanical, demolition, and grading permits from preapplication to permit issuance. Andrew manages staff of 53 employees consisting of structural engineers, permit process leaders, & building plans examiners.

Currently Teaching: PT 103

Have A Question?

What is the difference between a Certificate of Completion and Accreditation?

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of each year the student will be awarded a WABO Code Official Accreditation Program Certificate of Completion.

Certificate of Accreditation

Upon successful completion of each year if the student has completed the required International Code Council (ICC) certificates the student will be awarded a WABO Code Official Accreditation Program Certificate of Accreditation.

Summary

All students who complete their program year will receive a Certificate of Complete. We highly encourage students to obtain their International Code Council (ICC) certifications, but is not required to complete any year of the COAP program.

No. The program is designed to train both current staff and individuals looking to enter the profession for the first time.

Yes. WABO offers scholarships that may reimburse up to 50% of tuition for students not receiving employer support, and up to one-third for those receiving partial funding.

Students need a computer and reliable internet access. The ability to participate in virtual classes, complete assignments, and access the online learning system.