Building Inspection Technology
Preserving the integrity of our built environment.
Potential Salary$70,000
topics Trades
Skills & InterestProblem Solving
CareersService Professions
Why choose Building Inspection Technology?
Chemeketa’s Building Inspection Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree - gives you the training to pursue certification and employment as a building inspector or plans examiner at the residential and/or commercial level. NOTE: This program does not prepare you for work as a residential real estate sales inspector.
The Building Inspection Technology AAS degree program can be completed in 21 months if you attend full-time (evening classes). However, 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 Program Application 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 experience in 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 will -
These classes provide students 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 $65-70,000 annually.
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PROGRAM COSTS
AAS Two-year Degree - In addition to college tuition and universal fees (2019-20 - $11,270), estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are .
- Books $2,700
- Class fees $2,310
- Equipment and Supplies $375
- Throughout the program, students are encouraged to attend educational conferences for code professionals at an additional cost
Certificate of Completion/One-year Certificate - In addition to college tuition and universal fees (2019-20 - $4,715), estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are .
- Books $1,070
- Class fees $980
- Equipment and Supplies $375
- Throughout the program, students are encouraged to attend educational conferences for code professionals at an additional cost
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PROGRAM APPLICATION
We recommend, but do not require, that AAS program applicants have at least two years experience in the construction industry and must have at least a high school diploma or GED. We recommend that Certificate program applicants have at least five years of building inspection experience. After enrolling in Chemeketa and meeting program prerequisites, you may apply for the Building Inspection Technology program. You are allowed to apply while working on your prerequisites but they must be completed prior to the start of the fall program.
Enrollment is limited and priority given to those who meet the initial application deadline. Download the application, mail completed packet to Chemeketa Polk Center, 1340 SE Holman Ave, Dallas, OR 97338, or scan and email completed application to buildinginspection@chemeketa.edu.
Fall cohort 2021 application will open on February 1, 2021. ALL required documentation listed on the application checklist must be received by the Chemeketa Community College Polk Center for the application to be considered complete.
Fall 2021 Cohort Application Deadlines -
- PRIMARY DEADLINE: Completed applications postmarked or emailed between February 1, 2021 and June 11, 2021 will be given "priority status."
- SECONDARY DEADLINE: Completed applications postmarked or emailed between Monday, June 14, 2021 and Friday, August 6, 2021 will be considered for review AFTER "priority status" applications have been reviewed.
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COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE
Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) is a required component of the program. CWE typically is an unpaid program and runs throughout the first year summer (10-weeks), and allows you to gain valuable experience working full-time (during the day) in the field while you earn college credit.