This class is full at this time. Please check back in the future in case of registration cancellations.
Once registered, you will receive a Zoom invitation link needed to attend the class at least 2 days prior to the scheduled time. Please note, this email tends to get caught up in spam. If you have not received the Zoom invitation email within 2 days of the course, please double check your spam folder or email us at information@paconstructioncodesacademy.org, we are here to help!
The Building Code Official Certification Academy is designed to prepare the person who will be the administrator, manager, or director of their municipality's or third-party's agency code enforcement office, for taking the Building Code Official Certification Exam. This four-day training session provides an in-depth comprehensive review of the statute and regulations that comprise the Uniform Construction Code. The material is presented in a way that the student will see how the UCC regulations apply to duties and responsibilities associated with the daily operations of a code enforcement office. The course is also of interest to certified BCOs seeking a detailed refresher session addressing subsequent legislative changes to Act 45 since its enactment and changes in UCC enforcement as a result of such.
Topics covered in the Academy include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Key definitions and adopted codes
- Differences between exclusions and exemptions
- Training and certification regulations
- Administrative and enforcement regulations
- Legislative amendments
- Agricultural buildings
- Residential alterations and repairs
- Recreational cabins
- Change of Occupancy for Commercial Structures
- Uncertified buildings
- Manufactured and modular housing
- Ethics
- Enforcement actions
- Right of Entry
- Permit Fee Structures
- Record Retention
- Open Records Requirements
The three-day course is an intensive review of material that will be found on the Building Code Official Exam and provides a look at practical application of the UCC regulations. Students are expected to have studied the course materials and familiarized themselves with the structure and scope of the statutes and regulations prior to attending the course.
Required Materials
The BCO Manual, which includes Act 45 with amendments and the Department of Labor & Industry's regulations.
These materials are included in the registration fee and will be sent to sent to registrant after PCCA receives the registration.
BCO Examination
The exams will be individually scheduled and consist of 60 multiple-choice questions and is open-book with a two-hour time limit. During the exam, test takers may reference only the BCO and training manuals.
Exam results are available within three weeks, and the Academy will notify test-takers by mail of their results. Those who pass the BCO exam must apply to the state Department of Labor & Industry for BCO certification. The BCO certification is valid in Pennsylvania only and not related to the Certified Building Official (CBO) certification offered by the International Codes Council.
Day One - 8:30 AM
Introduction (Live via Zoom)
Definitions/Background/Role of BCO
Certification and Renewal
Fees, Reporting, Records
Municipal Enforcement and Act 1
Scope of the UCC
Permits Required/UCC Exclusions - Part 1
Homework Assignment
Day Two - 8:30 AM
Review of Homework and Discussion from Day 1
Permits Required/UCC Exclusions
Permit Exemptions
Codes and State Amendments
Fire Code and Additional Scoping
Homework Assignment
Day 3 - 8:30 AM
Review of Homework and Discussion from Day 2
Permits and Accessibility
Permit Applications/Alternative Materials
Inspections
Constitutional Rights/Enforcements
Board of Appeals
Elevators and Misc. Provisions
Day 4 - 8:30 AM
Final Review Q&A
Registration Fee
$375
Credit Hours
18 UCC continuing education hours awarded.
* Photo identification such as a driver's license will be required for admittance to the examination.