Year 1
Permit Technician Training & Certification
The WABO Code Official Accreditation Program (COAP) provides a state-licensed, 100% online pathway to a rewarding career in building code administration. Below is the integrated content for the Year 1 Permit Technician course page, optimized for search engines and prospective students.
Master the International Building Code
Permit Technician Curriculum
This first-year program focuses on the technical and administrative foundations required to work effectively in city and county permit centers.
- Navigate Building Codes: Gain the skills to read and apply key sections of the International Zoning Code (IZC), International Residential Code (IRC), and International Building Code (IBC).
- Legal & Administrative Mastery: Understand the relationship between Washington state laws and local jurisdictional authority.
- Essential "Soft Skills": Learn the psychology of public service, including active listening, conflict de-escalation, and managing customer expectations.
- Technical Sufficiency: Develop the ability to review plans and blueprints for completeness and accuracy before they move to plan review.
Required Classes for the
Permit Technician Certification
PERMIT TECHNICIAN 101
Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructors: Kelly Thompson
PT 101: Public Service In Washington: Fall Quarter
This course is designed to review the history and development of Washington state codes and how they are administered at the local level by Permit Technicians, Building Inspectors, and Plans Examiners. The course covers how state codes are administered in local jurisdictions and how they work together with the International Building Codes.
Prerequisites: NONE
Required Material* It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class:
Estimated International Zoning Code – Soft Cover $58.00
Legal Aspects of Code Administration – $54.00
PERMIT TECHNICIAN 102
Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructors: Kelly Thompson
PT 102: Skills For Success: Winter Quarter
This course is designed to examine skills for success. These “soft skills” are important for those employed in public service such as Permit Technicians, Building Inspectors, and Plans Examiners. Understanding customer experience, coping methods, effective listening skills, verbal and written communication, and professional image will be addressed.
Prerequisites: PT 101
Required Material* It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class.:
Estimated Basic Code Enforcement – $60.00
PERMIT TECHNICIAN 103
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
Washington State Building Department Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are qualified for entry-level roles that serve as the central hub for local development and construction projects.
Permit
Specialist
Acts as the primary point of contact for applicants, providing front-line customer service and answering technical inquiries related to city codes and permitting processes.
Permit Coordinator
Serves as a technical liaison between the public, design professionals, and internal city departments to ensure project reviews are well-coordinated and efficient.
Permit Administrator
Manages the administration of land use permits and ordinances, often acting as a staff lead for local Development Review Boards.
Permit Supervisor
Provides oversight for administrative staff, leads technical process improvements, and ensures quality control throughout the permit issuance lifecycle.
Secure Your Future in Building Safety
Ready to begin? Registration for the Fall 2026 intake begins on May 4, 2026. Because space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, early registration is highly encouraged.
Permit Technician Salary & Earnings Potential in Washington
Washington offers some of the highest compensation rates for permit professionals in the country, with significant opportunities for advancement.
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Estimated Annual Range
Program Investment & Required Materials
Tuition and fees are paid quarterly to ensure affordable access to professional training.
- Quarterly Tuition: $372.00.
- Quarterly Administrative Fee: $26.00 (Non-refundable).
- Quarterly Technology Fee: $26.00 (Non-refundable).
- Total Per Quarter: $424.00.
- Total Tuition for Certificate: $1,116.00.
Students are responsible for obtaining standard reference codes prior to the first day of class.
- International Zoning Code ($58.00); Legal Aspects of Code Administration ($54.00).
- Basic Code Enforcement ($60.00).
- International Building Code ($203.00); International Residential Code ($203.00); Residential Code Essentials ($53.00).
State-Licensed Online Permit Technician Certificate Requirements
The Permit Technician certificate is awarded upon completion of three 10-week quarters (approximately 300 hours total).
- 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.
- Prerequisites: None for the Year 1 Permit Technician track.
Testimonials
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Meet Your Washington Building Code Experts & Instructors
Kelly Thompson
The Permit Center Manager for the City of Covington. A 2020 COAP graduate herself, Kelly teaches PT 101 and PT 102, focusing on public service and essential soft skills.
Andrew Lunde
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.
Have A Question?
What is the difference between a Certificate of Completion and Accreditation?
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.
Do I need prior experience in a building department to enroll?
No. The program is designed to train both current entry-level staff and individuals looking to enter the profession for the first time.
Are scholarships 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.
What are the technical requirements for the online program?
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.