International Code Council (ICC)

Building Plans Examiner - B3


Credential: Building Plans Examiner - B3  GI Bill resource
Credentialing Agency: International Code Council (ICC)

Renewal Period: 3 years

The International Code Council (ICC) Building Plans Examiner – B3 certification is an intermediate-level credential for individuals who review and examine building construction documents for conformity to building codes and regulations. Building Plans Examiners are responsible for reviewing submitted plans to determine if the plans meet requirements set by the jurisdiction within which the building stands. At this level of certification, the examiner reviews plans for any size of building in any occupancy classification. The ICC B3 exam validates an individual's basic technical knowledge, education and related experience as an examiner. The certification holder demonstrates the ability to read blueprints, and has a strong knowledge of building codes, and can determine if plans meet regulated criteria for safety, utilities, and installations. Additionally, examiners with the B3 certification review the status of and land and building permits. Certified individuals understand building planning, footings, foundations, floor construction, wall construction, coverings, roof and ceiling construction, and public safety construction as it applies to building code compliance. There are no experience requirements, education requirements, or pre-requisites that must be met prior to taking the written exam. However, individuals seeking the Building Plans Examiner certification should have technical knowledge and related experience in their chosen field of expertise. Candidates are required to pass an exam.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Building Plans Examiner - B3

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

 

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

  • Credential Prerequisite
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Training
  • Membership
  • Other
  • Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

  • Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Exam
  • Practical Exam
  • Performance Assessment

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 3 years

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

International Code Council (ICC)

500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC  20001

Phone: (888) 422-7233

Fax: (202) 783-2348
Contact Page

Other REQUIREMENTS

The Building Plans Examiner - B3 credential has the following other requirements:

  • Applicants must adhere to the ICC Code of Ethics.

Written Exam

  • General Administration (5%)
    • Project Administration (3%)
    • Public Information and Legal (2%)
  • Building Planning (21%)
    • Building Location (1%)
    • Allowable Increases (2%)
    • Use and Occupancy Classification (4%)
    • Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (2%)
    • Type of Construction (2%)
    • Height and Area Design (4%)
    • Exterior Walls and Openings (3%)
    • Interior Environment (1%)
    • Safeguards During Construction (1%)
    • Accessibility (1%)
    • Materials Specifications (1%)
  • Footings and Foundations (8%)
    • Footing and Foundations (3%)
    • Stepped Footings and Special Foundations (2%)
    • Foundation Walls (3%)
  • Floor Construction (4%)
    • Floor Systems (3%)
    • Concrete Slabs and Floor Systems (1%)
  • Wall Construction and Coverings (12%)
    • Wood Wall Systems (2%)
    • Steel Framing Systems (2%)
    • Masonry Wall Systems (2%)
    • Concrete Wall Systems (2%)
    • Exterior Wall Coverings (2%)
    • Interior Wall Coverings (2%)
  • Roof/Ceiling Construction (4%)
    • Roof/Ceiling Assemblies (3%)
    • Roof Coverings (1%)
  • Public Safety and Special Construction (46%)
    • Means of Egress (5%)
    • Number, Width, and Arrangements of Exits (4%)
    • Exit Stairways and Ramps (4%)
    • Exit Doors and Egress Windows (3%)
    • Protected Exitways (3%)
    • Special Exiting (1%)
    • Fire Alarm and Extinguishing Systems (3%)
    • Area and Occupancy Separations (4%)
    • Fire-Resistive Construction (4%)
    • Heat and Smoke (3%)
    • Interior Finishes (2%)
    • Safety Glazing (2%)
    • Opening Protectives, Penetrations, and Joint Systems (4%)
    • Miscellaneous Construction (1%)
    • Building Services and Special Construction (2%)

Testing Information

Testing for this credential is handled by Pearson VUE. The test centers are located in the U.S. They also have some test centers on military bases.

To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:

For more information on the International Code Council (ICC) testing process, visit the agency website.

RECERTIFICATION

Building Plans Examiner - B3

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Building Plans Examiner - B3 credential has the following recertification information:

  • The International Code Council (ICC) certifications are valid for three years. Recertification requires earning Continuing Education Credit (CEU) and paying a recertification fee. The number of CEUs required for recertification can be found in the ICC Certification Renewal Bulletin. Review the ICC Certification Renewal page and the FAQs about the Certification program changes for more information.

Additional considerations for the Building Plans Examiner - B3 include:

  • Though ICC does not require meeting experience requirements, education requirements, or pre-requisites prior to taking the written exam, individuals seeking the Building Plans Examiner certification should have technical knowledge and related experience in their chosen field of expertise. Related education and management experience is useful when taking the certification examination.
  • Some states and cities have specific construction and building inspection licenscing requirements. Candidates must check the licensing regulations specific to the location. ICC develops and administers customized construction trade licensing exams for state and municipal jurisdictions. Additional information can be obtained from the ICC Exam Catalog page; key in the exam title into the search field.
  • Successfully passing this exam in combination with other specific exams and requirements may allow a candidate to obtain a combination designation. A combination designation is granted automatically through a candidate's myICC account once all prerequisites are met and all exams have been passed. 

    Visit the ICC's page on Combination Designations to learn more about earning a designation.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Promotion Points

This certification has been approved for promotion points.

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Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Proponent Funded

Indicates the credential may have funding through the MOS proponent. Some proponents offer credentialing opportunities in conjunction with military training and/or as part of MOS development beyond the training base.

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Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click 'Complete Voucher and Apply' at the top of any page.

CG Bucks

Coming Soon - Coast Guard policy regarding service member eligibility requirements to participate in the Voluntary Credentialing Program is under review with a projected release date of first quarter FY20.

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 and Above

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 and Above

LaDR

This credential is recommended on the rating Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for Sailors currently in the pay grade indicated on the icon, BUT MAY BE TAKEN BY SAILORS IN OTHER PAY GRADES.

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GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here for more information.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

Click here for more information.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

Click here for more information.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Click here for more information.

Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: mimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty

Army e-learning

State-of-the art Computer Based Training available for free to the Army Workforce. Click for more information.

Click here for more information.

NKO e-learning

Credential preparation courses are provided at no cost through Navy e-Learning. Click for external link to the Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) web site, then select the “Navy e-Learning” link within the “Learning” tab to proceed to Navy e-Learning.

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
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Updated: October 16, 2019
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