The Plans Examiner track focuses on plan review, code interpretation, and technical analysis used by building departments when evaluating permit applications.
Students develop expertise in:
PLANS EXAMINER 301
Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Micah Chappell, MBA, CBO
PE 301: Basic Philosophy Of Plan Review: Fall Quarter
This course is designed to introduce the knowledge and philosophy jurisdictions may expect a plan reviewer to have a basic understanding of. Applying legal standards to code administration, identifying resources for research, and philosophy for plan review will be explored.
Prerequisites: COAP Years 1 and 2
Required Material* It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class.:
Estimated Legal Aspects of Code Administration – $54.00
International Building Code – Soft Cover $203.00
International Residential Code – Soft Cover $203.00
PLANS EXAMINER 302
Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Kevin Meske PE
302: Roles And Responsibilities: Winter Quarter
This course is designed to introduce common roles, responsibilities, skills, knowledge, and abilities of the Plans Examiner. Various types of plan reviews, the importance of internal and external coordination, and collaboration within the plan review process will be explored.
Prerequisites: PE 301
Required Material* It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class:
Estimated Plan Review Skills – $30.00
PLANS EXAMINER 303
Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Andrew Lunde
PE 303: Plans Examiner: Spring Quarter
This course is designed for non-engineers to understand how the framing of wood structures are designed. The course will further develop knowledge and expectations of the plan reviewer role within the building department.
Prerequisites: PE 301 and PE 302
Required Material* It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class:
Estimated Simplified Design of Wood Structures – $124.00
Graduates of the Plans Examiner track are prepared for specialized technical roles within city and county building departments.
Reviews construction drawings and technical documents to verify that proposed projects meet building codes and regulatory requirements before permits are issued.
Analyzes residential building plans to confirm structural integrity, code compliance, and adherence to local construction standards.
Assists building departments by reviewing permit applications and supporting documentation to identify potential compliance issues before approval.
Interprets building codes and regulatory requirements to support plan review, ensuring proposed construction projects meet jurisdictional standards.
Building departments rely on skilled code professionals to review plans, enforce building codes, and protect public safety.
Enrollment for the Fall 2026 intake begins May 4, 2026.
Classes begin September 8, 2026, and space is limited.
Washington State offers strong career opportunities and competitive compensation for qualified plans examiners.
Estimated Annual Range
Tuition and fees are paid quarterly while students are enrolled in the program.
Students are responsible for obtaining standard reference codes prior to the first day of class.
The Plans Examiner program consists of three quarters of coursework totaling approximately 300 hours of instruction.
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COAP Instructor specializing in plan review, building code administration, and regulatory compliance.
Building code professional with experience in plan examination and multiple ICC certifications.
Emergency Response Manager with the Engineering Services division of the City of Seattle and instructor specializing in construction code interpretation.
Plans examiners review construction documents to verify compliance with building codes and regulations before construction begins.
Students typically complete the Permit Technician and Building Inspector tracks before enrolling in the Plans Examiner program.
A limited number of scholarships are available. Contact the COAP administrative office for more information.
Students must have reliable internet access and the ability to participate in virtual classes, complete assignments, and access the online learning system.
