Education · 1 of 5

The path

Hired first, certified after. This is a job you can reach without a four-year degree.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Plus a clean driving record and, in most places, a background check.

2. 2

   Get relevant ground under you

   1 to 3 years

   A construction trade, a permit clerk job, military service or an associate degree in building inspection all count. Pure customer service experience helps more than people expect.

3. 3

   Apply to a city or county

   Months

   Openings are posted on the jurisdiction's own site. Federal compliance roles are posted on usajobs.gov.

4. 4

   Certify on the job

   First year

   Most departments give you a deadline, often a year, to pass your first International Code Council exams. They pay for the study material and the test.

5. 5

   Add certifications and specialize

   Ongoing

   Property maintenance, zoning, housing, fire, then supervision.