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 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.:
Legal Aspects of Code Administration – $54.00
International Building Code (Soft Cover) – $209.00
International Residential Code (Soft Cover) – $209.00
PLANS EXAMINER 302
Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Kevin Meske
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:
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:
Simplified Design of Wood Structures – $124.00
*Required material, editions, availability, and cost are subject to change without notice. We recommend not purchasing items for future quarters.
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 Fall 2026 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.
Micah is a Technical Code Development Manager. Experienced and accomplished public administrator utilizing over twenty-five years’ experience in the industry with a working knowledge of all aspects of Building Services management and code development, supervising and managing staff that provide services of plan review, inspections, and clerical and budgeting processes, to ensure an effective and efficient administration of municipal services. Practicing adaptable management skills, effectively leading and motivating others by developing and maintaining relationships through structured teamwork and coordinated efforts, I seek to provide a lasting, positive impact for the community.
Currently Teaching: PE 301
Kevin is a Plans Examination Engineer III. He examines permit drawings, specifications, calculations and other supporting documents for code compliance. Kevin previously held a position as a Building Inspector where he inspected buildings and other structures for compliance with approved permit documents, codes, and ordinances. Kevin is a graduate of Year 3 of the COAP program.
Currently Teaching: PE 302
Andrew is an Engineering Services Manager. He manages the plan review process of building, mechanical, demolition, and grading permits from preapplication to permit issuance. Andrew manages staff of 53 employees consisting of structural engineers, permit process leaders, & building plans examiners.
Currently Teaching: PE 303
Plans examiners review plans, often submitted by construction companies, architects, or homeowners applying to receive permits, to ensure those plans meet building codes and requirements of the state, county, and city where the construction is taking place.
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of each year the student will be awarded a WABO Code Official Accreditation Program Certificate of Completion.
Certificate of Accreditation
Upon successful completion of each year if the student has completed the required International Code Council (ICC) certificates the student will be awarded a WABO Code Official Accreditation Program Certificate of Accreditation.
Summary
All students who complete their program year will receive a Certificate of Complete. We highly encourage students to obtain their International Code Council (ICC) certifications, but is not required to complete any year of the COAP program.
No. The program is designed to train both current staff and individuals looking to enter the profession for the first time. Students typically complete COAP Year 1 – Permit Technician and Year 2 – Building Inspector prior to enrolling in Year 3 – Plans Examiner program.
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. The ability to participate in virtual classes, complete assignments, and access the online learning system.
