Why choose Building Inspection Technology?

Chemeketa’s Building Inspection Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree - Through class work, hands-on instruction and internships, Chemeketa's Building Inspection Technology program gives you the education and skills needed to launch your career as a construction plans examiner and building inspector. NOTE: This program does not prepare you for work as a residential real estate sales inspector.

The Building Inspection Technology AAS degree program is a cohort-based program that starts each Fall term and can be completed in 21 months (attending full-time evening classes) while you prepare to take International Code Council (ICC) certification exams. With your AAS degree along with taking ICC certifications outside of class, you will be able to work anywhere in the world as a code professional. There are entry-level skill expectations for reading, writing, and mathematics. The length of time you take to complete the program may depend on your skills in these areas. See the Program Application after February 1st for more information.

Chemeketa's Building Inspection Technology Certificate of Completion (one-year certificate) - This four-term certificate is designed for students with at least 5 years coding experience with a diverse construction background looking to move into an entry level inspector position. 

Want more information? Email Building Inspection with your inquiries.

What will you learn?

Our building inspection AAS curriculum covers technical and general education courses as you work toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. Classes on building codes, plan review, inspection techniques and construction materials are complemented by courses in mathematics, communication skills and public relations.

Students completing the AAS will –

• Identify various jobs and associated work performed in a building department to gain employment
• Use appropriate interpersonal communication skills to achieve code compliance
• Perform inspections of buildings at various stages of construction and write correction notices and reports referencing current building codes
• Be prepared to take State of Oregon OIC, MHI, PCI and International Code Council (ICC) Certification tests
• Identify different building materials and methods of construction currently used in the building industry
• Read and interpret blueprints and assess their compliance to the various codes

Students completing the one-year certificate -

These classes provide experienced students (see above) with knowledge and skills in commercial and residential building codes that are necessary for entry level inspector positions. Application of code knowledge in the inspection process is stressed through the four terms of the certificate program. 

What will you do?

Oregon needs certified building inspectors and plans examiners in public and private agencies. Over the past 20 years, through ups and downs in the business cycle, Oregon has averaged 20,600 building permits annually. The State of Oregon estimates the state will need hundreds more inspection professionals in the next five years. The average salary in Oregon ranges from $65-75,000 annually.

Career opportunities - 

From revewing construction blueprints to performing on site inspections, code professionals work in a variety of positions that ensure residential and commercial construction meets safety requirements through building codes and ordinances. You could work in an exciting career as a -

Building official - Associates or bachelor's degree preferred. Oversees the building inspection department of a city or county; manages budgets, operations and personnel, and acts as the chief code compliance officer for their area.

Building inspector - Associates degree. Makes professional judgments about whether a building meets building code requirements.

Plans examiner - Associates degree. Verifies that blueprints and construction documents meet code requirements prior to construction of a building.

Specialty inspector - Associates degree. A building inspector that specializes in a specific field of construction such as electrical, concrete or other specialty areas.

Permit technician - High school diploma or GED. Reviews and processes construction project permits including processing permit fees, providing department information to the public and reviewing permit applications.