Education · 1 of 4

The path

Build things first, then learn to inspect them. Nobody is hired as an inspector at 19.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 with math, English and a construction or drafting class.

2. 2

   Trade or diploma

   2 to 5 years

   A journeyperson ticket (carpenter, plumber, electrician are common) or a 2 to 3 year Architectural or Civil Engineering Technology diploma.

3. 3

   Work in construction

   3 to 5 years

   Municipalities want people who have framed, plumbed or drawn real buildings. Three to five years is typical.

4. 4

   Pass the code exams

   Months to a year

   In Ontario, provincial Building Code exams in the categories you will inspect, then registration with the province. In BC, qualification through BOABC (the Building Officials' Association of BC). In Alberta, Safety Codes Officer certification in the building discipline.

5. 5

   Building official in training, then inspector

   1 to 2 years

   Hired by a municipality, mentored on the job, then signing your own inspections.