Beginning July 1st, there will be a 3% surcharge fee on all cards. ACH online bank payments don’t have a fee.
Beginning July 1st, there will be a 3% surcharge fee on all cards. ACH online bank payments don’t have a fee.
The Building Official track prepares students to lead building safety programs and manage the regulatory framework that protects public safety.
Students gain expertise in:
BUILDING OFFICIAL 401
Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Ray Cockerham, CBO
BO 401: American Governance: Fall Quarter
This course is intended to provide future and present building officials with a detailed overview of the complex governmental and legal environment surrounding building safety regulations. Governmental structures and law making at the federal, state and local level are examined as well as the public process, public access to information, limitations on authority and responsibility, managing liability, and building department budgeting and finance.
Prerequisites: COAP Years 1 – 3, or Building Officials, or Acting Building Officials, or Building Code Administrators with a current CBO certification
Required Material*
It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) before the first day of class:
A Budgeting Guide for Local Government – $90.00
Legal Aspects of Code Administration – $54.00
Building Department Administration – $143.00
BUILDING OFFICIAL 402
Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Ray Cockerham, CBO
BO 402: The Building Official’s Department: Winter Quarter
This course examines the intricacies of effective and efficient department administration and operations. Understanding the organizational environment, its culture, and structures are considered. Human resource management including applicable laws, staff recruitment, selection and retention programs, and employee relations are also discussed, as are technical competence and professional development programs and policies.
Prerequisites: BO 401
Required Material*
It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class:
Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations – $100.00
Building Department Administration – $143.00
BUILDING OFFICIAL 403
Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Ken Carlson
BO 403: Building Official: Spring Quarter
This course considers the building officials’ role as a leader in the department, jurisdiction, community, and building safety profession. Personal attributes, advanced communication skills, understanding and embracing diversity, and developing leadership, team building, collaboration and facilitation skills are examined. Finally, strategic planning and technical aspects of educational programming are examined.
Prerequisites: BO 401 and BO 402
Required Material*
It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class:
Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations – $100.00
Building Department Administration – $143.00
*Required material, editions, availability, and cost are subject to change without notice. We recommend not purchasing items for future quarters.
Graduates of the Building Official track are prepared for senior leadership roles within municipal and county building departments.
Oversees enforcement of state and local building codes, manages permitting and inspection programs, and ensures construction projects meet safety regulations.
Supports building department operations and assists with code interpretation, policy development, and departmental oversight.
Leads regulatory programs responsible for enforcing building codes and coordinating inspections, plan reviews, and permitting activities.
Manages large building safety divisions, supervising staff and ensuring consistent enforcement of construction standards.
Building departments rely on experienced professionals to manage regulatory programs and ensure safe construction throughout their communities.
Enrollment for Fall 2026 begins May 4, 2026.
Classes begin September 8, 2026, and space is limited.
Washington State offers strong compensation for experienced code professionals in leadership positions.
Estimated Annual Range
Actual compensation varies depending on jurisdiction size, experience level, and certifications.
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 Building Official program consists of three quarters of coursework totaling approximately 300 hours of instruction. Students who complete the program receive a WABO COAP Certificate of Completion for the Building Official track, the final step in the four-year accreditation pathway.
Ray is a Building and Fire Code Official. He manages the Building Department to include building plan review, building inspection, permit center and fire prevention. Frequently coordinates with WA DOH, TPCDOH, local water utility districts, Pierce Co. MBA, and the chamber of commerce. He is also the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) Board Past President, and WABO Government Relations Committee Member. Ray also holds several International Code Council certifications to include Permit Specialist, Building Inspector, Building and Fire Plans Examiner, and Certified Building Official (CBO).
Currently Teaching: BO 401 and BO 402
Ken retired in 2020 after a public service career that spanned over 36 years where he served as a Fire Marshal, Building Official, and Building Inspector. He is a recognized expert in his field and has been sought out to present on numerous topics and forums including City Councils, University of Washington, Bellevue Downtown Association, Chamber of Commerce, King County Fire Chiefs, Washington State Association of Fire Marshals Fire Prevention Institute, and the National Fire Sprinkler Association.
Currently Teaching: BO 403
The Building Official is the lead person responsible for enforcing the state adopted building codes. This includes providing interpretations, setting policies, updating codes, handling questions or complaints from the public and working with different departments ensuring projects meet all requirements (not just building) prior to occupancy.
It is highly recommended for a student to complete COAP Year 1 – Permit Technician, Year 2 – Building Inspector, and Year 3 – Plans Examiner prior to enrolling in the Year 4 – Building Official program. A student may enter into Year 4 without completing the other three years if they meet one of the following:
Students need a computer and reliable internet access. The ability to participate in virtual classes, complete assignments, and access the online learning system.
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.
