WABO Code Official Accreditation Program

Aspiring students who have also achieved the prerequisite International Code Council (ICC) certification may then apply for the prestigious WABO COAP Accreditation. This elite designation demonstrates the highest level of credibility and competency that embodies the essential knowledge, skills and abilities of a holistic code administrator.

Our Vision

Code Officials safeguard the public health and safety through the development, enforcement and administration of Washington State building construction codes and standards adopted by the State Building Code Council, and ordinances at the county, city and town level. As employers and employees, our unified goal is to lead the way to excellence in building and life safety.

Our Mission

Promote the effective administration of construction codes in Washington State by supporting the development of professional administrative, technical, and customer service skills for permit technicians, building inspectors, plans examiners, and building officials:

Attract and retain entry-level code officials that reflect the diversity of our communities
Improve proficiency in technical, customer service, and administrative skills
Establish a baseline of professional competency for public service staff
Develop and grow a pool of qualified and experienced Code Official professionals

Our Values

Maintain the highest standards with students, instructor/mentors, and our membership.

Value and reward open, honest two-way communication
Be accountable for our conduct and decisions
Only make promises you intend to keep – do the things you say you will do
If things change, let people know
Avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interest

Student Satisfaction – Consider the students in all we do

Exceed the expectations of students
Do what is right for the student
Treat students with care

Leadership and Personal Accountability – Every member contributes to our success and should:

Run it like you own it
Take prudent risks
Lead by example
Consider students, instructor/mentors, committee members, and membership needs when making decisions

Diversity

Respect differences among students, instructor/mentors, committee members, and the membership
Behave in a way that supports our association values
Take advantage of different perspectives
Support the diversity of our students, instructor/mentors, committee members, and membership

Why Choose WABO COAP Accreditation?

The WABO Code Official Accreditation Program complements and bolsters your ICC certifications and on-the-job training. It serves as a launchpad for limitless career potential as a code administrator and elevates you as a leader within the industry.

Students who complete the program differentiate themselves during hiring opportunities. Many jurisdictions already list WABO COAP Accreditation as a preferred qualification for employment.

Your knowledge, skills, and passion can shape safer communities across Washington while advancing your own professional journey.

Goals of the WABO Code Official Accreditation Program (COAP)

Key details include:

Certificate of Completion

One awarded upon satisfactory completion of each year (three quarters per year).

Certificate of Accreditation

Earned after completing COAP and holding current prerequisite ICC certification(s).

Benefits for Certification Holders

Increased recognition by peers and respect of colleagues
Improved opportunities for employability and advancement
Greater confidence in
professional competence
Increased professional trust from employers and the public
Increased autonomy in the workplace
Better compensation and career longevity

Benefits for Employers

Qualified individuals for employment or advancement
Recertification requirements for continued or enhanced competence
Commitment to public safety and/or consumer protection
Reduced risk of errors, accidents and/or legal liability
Reduced employee turnover and increased job satisfaction
Justification for potential compensation differential

Benefits for Consumers

Objective, independent, third-party evaluation and assessment of professional competence
Commitment to public safety and/or consumer protection
Accountability through ethical conduct standards and/or a disciplinary process
Recertification requirements for continued or enhanced competence

Expiration and Renewal Fees

The accreditation expiration date is based on ICC certification expiration date. ICC certifications that are used to obtain accreditation must remain current for the accreditation to remain active. Renewal notices will be mailed to the address on file 60 days prior to the expiration date.

$27.00 – 1 Certification
$54.00 – 2-3 Certifications
$81.00 – 4 Certifications
$22.00 – Late Fee

Certifications for Accredidation

Year 1 – Permit Technician (Pick 1 From The Following List):
Year 2 – Building Inspector (Pick 2 Additional (Not Previously Used) From The Following List):
Year 3 – Plans Examiner (Pick 2 Additional (Not Previously Used) From The Following List):

Year 4 – Building Official
Certified Building Official (CBO) (Must Complete All Three Exams):