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Year 2

Building Inspector Training & Certification

A building inspector examines buildings and construction sites to ensure they are safe, comply with building codes, and follow local laws. They check things like the structure, electrical systems, plumbing, and fire safety to make sure everything is built correctly. Their work helps prevent accidents, unsafe buildings, and costly mistakes. Inspectors visit construction sites, new homes, and existing buildings at different stages of a project. They write reports, identify any issues, and may require fixes before work can continue or the building can be approved. By working closely with contractors, architects, and property owners, building inspectors help ensure that every building is safe for people to live or work in.

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

Building Inspector Curriculum

The Building Inspector curriculum builds practical inspection skills used by local building departments throughout Washington State.

Students develop competencies in:

  • Inspection Procedures: Learn how inspections are conducted throughout the lifecycle of a building, ensuring compliance with safety standards and adopted building codes.
  • Construction Code Application: Develop working knowledge of the International Building Code and related regulations used by local jurisdictions.
  • Communication & Coordination: Understand how building inspectors collaborate with contractors, builders, and project teams to maintain compliance.
  • Reporting & Documentation: Build the skills necessary to create clear inspection reports and maintain accurate permit records.

Required Classes for the
Building Inspector Certification

BUILDING INSPECTOR 201

Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Johnathan Goldsmith, CBO, ACO

BI 201: Code Administration In Washington: Fall Quarter

This course is designed to introduce the essential elements of inspection in ensuring safety in the built environment, often taking place periodically throughout the life of a building. Inspections may be provided by local governments, state agencies, industry organizations, or private entities.

Prerequisites: COAP Year 1 or Dual Enrollment
Required Material*

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

Inspector Skills – $30.00
International Property Maintenance Code (Soft Cover) – $63.00

BUILDING INSPECTOR 202

Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Johnathan Goldsmith, CBO, ACO

BI 202: Public Policy And Regulations: Winter Quarter

This course is designed to help further develop inspector “soft skills” while remaining within the lines of public policy and regulation. These “soft skills” are important for those employed in public service such as Permit Technicians, Building Inspectors, and Plans Examiners. Conduct research, analyze data and clearly report results related to code requirements, materials and methods of construction.

Prerequisites: BI 201
Required Material*

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

Inspector Skills – $30.00
Legal Aspects of Code Administration – $54.00

BUILDING INSPECTOR 203

Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Andrew Lunde

BI 203: Building Inspector: 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. Some topics covered will be on doors, windows, insulation, and energy credits in the following areas: occupancies, allowable area and stories, types of construction, fire resistance, fire protection systems, means of egress, and accessibility.

Prerequisites: BI 201 and BI 202
Required Material*

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

International Building Code (Soft Cover) – $209.00
Building Code Essentials – $55.00
Building Code Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the IBC – $73.00
Residential Building Inspection: A Step-by-Step Guide – $40.00

*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 the Building Inspector track are prepared for entry-level and mid-level inspection roles within city and county building departments.

Building Inspector

Inspects residential and commercial construction projects at various stages to verify compliance with building codes, approved plans, and safety standards.

Residential Building Inspector

Evaluates single-family homes and small residential projects to ensure construction meets structural, safety, and zoning requirements.

Commercial Building Inspector

Reviews commercial construction sites to confirm compliance with complex building codes, fire safety requirements, and accessibility standards.

Mechanical Inspector

Inspects heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure proper installation and compliance with mechanical codes and safety regulations.

Secure Your Future in Building Safety

Demand for trained building safety professionals continues to grow across Washington State.

Enrollment for Fall 2026 begins May 4, 2026. Classes begin September 8, 2026, and space is limited.

Building Inspector Salary & Earnings Potential in Washington

Washington State offers competitive compensation for qualified building inspectors working within local jurisdictions.

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Estimated Annual Range

Program Investment & Required Materials

Tuition and fees are paid quarterly to ensure students receive full access to program instruction and materials.

  • 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.

  • Inspector Skills ($30.00)
  • International Property Maintenance Code ($63.00)
  • Legal Aspects of Code Administration ($54.00)
  • International Building Code ($209.00)
  • Building Code Essentials ($55.00)
  • Building Code Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the IBC ($73.00)
  • Residential Building Inspection: A Step-by-Step Guide ($40.00)

Building Inspector Certificate Requirements

The Building Inspector program requires successful completion of three quarters of coursework totaling approximately 300 hours of instruction.

  • 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: Completion of Year 1 (Permit Technician) or Dual Enrollment.
  • Program Completion: Successful completion of BI 201, BI 202, and BI 203

Testimonials

I enjoyed expanding my knowledge base from the standard code knowledge of a special inspector (primarily focused on IBC) into something that feels more rounded as City inspector. Gaining the knowledge of the IPMC and the insights from the Inspector Skills Handbook make me feel more confident as a public servant and representative of the city in which I work. The assignments, discussions, and quizzes highlighted what I felt were the important "Don't miss" topics from each of the reading sources, reinforcing the mandatory tools needed to be successful in my role.
I really appreciated how the course blended real-world scenarios with the technical code requirements. The assignments felt directly applicable to what I see in the field, and the course helped strengthen my understanding of how to approach investigations, write clear documentation, and apply the IPMC and IBC in practical situations. The structure made it easy to follow the progression from foundational concepts to real enforcement examples.
It's a different outlook than my peers have today. This course is almost the opposite of my field training today. This course taught me that it's more important to help than be right by enforcing code. It brought the people factor in. As crucial as code enforcement is, it's just as important to help. It's changed my attitude towards the customers I meet every day.
It was a great learning experience and helped me get better at searching and applying different code sections.
Overall, the program is great, and I feel so grateful for the opportunity to learn and expand my knowledge base. I appreciate WABO for putting the program on and feel that the benefits to both the inspectors, building officials, and permit technicians are innumerable. I'm looking forward to next quarter.
The instructor did a great job presenting the material in a clear, approachable way, and the weekly expectations were always easy to understand. The coursework felt relevant to what building inspectors and code enforcement officers actually deal with, which I really appreciated. The online platform worked smoothly, communication was consistent, and the overall class experience has been very positive, definitely a helpful step in the COAP program.
I liked that the course stayed grounded in real-world inspection work. It was not just code language it focused on judgment, communication, and how to handle situations you actually run into in the field. The material lined up well with what I am seeing on the job, which made it useful right away.
What I enjoyed most about this class was how every week we would have prompts whether in our assignments or in discussions that caused us to have to think deeper than just what a book can teach us and how we are able to learn from our peers. I like the way this class is taught and how I get to learn not just from the professor and books we read but also from all my classmates since most of them have lots of experience.

Meet Your Instructors

Johnathan Goldsmith

Johnathan is a Deputy Building Official. Utilizing exceptional customer service, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills. He strives to provide quality, life-safety-compliant projects (single/multi-family residential and commercial). Johnathan has a passion for the building industry, including educating tradesmen to promote mutual trust and respect in the community.

Currently Teaching: BI 201 and BI 202

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: BI 203

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. Students typically complete COAP Year 1 – Permit Technician prior to enrolling in Year 2 – Building Inspector program. A student may also Dual Enroll which would allow the student to complete Year 1 and Year 2 concurrently.

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.