The Building Inspector curriculum builds practical inspection skills used by local building departments throughout Washington State.
Students develop competencies in:
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:
Estimated Inspector Skills – $30.00
International Property Maintenance Code – Soft Cover $61.00
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:
Estimated Inspector Skills – $30.00
Legal Aspects of Code Administration – $54.00
BUILDING INSPECTOR 203
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:
Estimated International Building Code – Soft Cover $203.00
International Residential Code – Soft Cover – $203.00
Residential Code Essentials – $53.00
Graduates of the Building Inspector track are prepared for entry-level and mid-level inspection roles within city and county building departments.
Inspects residential and commercial construction projects at various stages to verify compliance with building codes, approved plans, and safety standards.
Evaluates single-family homes and small residential projects to ensure construction meets structural, safety, and zoning requirements.
Reviews commercial construction sites to confirm compliance with complex building codes, fire safety requirements, and accessibility standards.
Inspects heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure proper installation and compliance with mechanical codes and safety regulations.
Demand for trained building safety professionals continues to grow across Washington State. Enrollment for the Fall 2026 intake begins May 4, 2026. Classes begin September 8, 2026, and space is limited.
Washington State offers competitive compensation for qualified building inspectors working within local jurisdictions.
Estimated Annual Range
Tuition and fees are paid quarterly to ensure students receive full access to program instruction and materials.
Students are responsible for obtaining standard reference codes prior to the first day of class.
The Building Inspector program requires successful completion of three quarters of coursework totaling approximately 300 hours of instruction.
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COAP Instructor and building code professional with multiple ICC certifications and experience in building inspection and code enforcement.
The Emergency Response Manager in the Engineering Services division for the City of Seattle (SDCI). Andrew has been an instructor since 2016 and teaches technical code application for the PT 103 course.
A Certificate of Completion is awarded for passing Year 1 coursework. Accreditation is a prestigious WABO designation for students who also achieve their International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification.
Students typically complete Year 1 before enrolling in the Building Inspector track, though dual enrollment may be available.
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. As a professional development program, students are expected to maintain online behavior consistent with industry standards for public service.
