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Building Inspection

Preserving the integrity of our built environment.

Potential Salary$60,000

topics Trades

Skills & InterestProblem Solving

CareersService Professions

Why choose program or class?

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. 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.

What will you learn?

Our building inspection 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

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 we will need hundreds more inspection professionals in the next five years. The average salary in Oregon ranges from $50-60,000 annually.

  • PROGRAM COSTS

    In addition to college tuition and fees, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are (estimated books and fees shown below based of the Fall 2018 term).

    • Books $2,980
    • Class fees $1,980
    • Equipment and Supplies $375
    • Throughout the year, students are encouraged to attend educational conferences for code professionals at an additional cost
  • PROGRAM APPLICATION

    We recommend but do not require that program applicants have two years of experience in the construction industry and must have at least a high school diploma or GED. 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 program.

    Enrollment is limited and priority given to those who meet the application deadlines. Download the application or pick one up at the Chemeketa Polk Center (1340 SE Holman Ave, Dallas, OR 97338).

    Fall 2019 Building Inspection Application will be accepted between February 1, 2019 and June 14, 2019.

  • COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE

    Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) is a required component of the program. CWE allows you to gain valuable work experience in the field while you earn college credit. With the approval of the program chair, you may enroll in BLD280B-L Cooperative Work Experience and earn college credit hours.