OAR 918-098-1025: Certification Requirements

(1) Unless otherwise stated in this rule, every person who performs building official duties, building code inspections, or plan reviews must possess an active Oregon Inspector Certification and either an active appropriate Oregon specialty code certification or authorization from the division for the scope of work being performed. (2)(a) Persons applying for the Oregon Inspector Certification must: (A) Submit a division-approved application with the $125 fee; (B) Attend all required orientations and classes; and (C) Successfully pass the Oregon Inspector Certification examination. (b) Applicants for an Oregon Inspector Certification who fail the examination may reapply under this section to retest for a fee of $80. (3) Persons applying for an Oregon specialty code certification must: (a) Have an active Oregon Inspector Certification; (b) Submit a division-approved application demonstrating appropriate experience, if required for the certification by OAR chapter 918, division 281, 695, or these rules, or complete a certification training course administered by the division; (c) Pay the $80.00 fee; and (d) Successfully pass the appropriate Oregon specialty code certification exam, or submit proof of a valid appropriate International Code Council certification or other valid appropriate nationally recognized certification or license for: (A) Commercial Building Inspector; (B) Commercial Building Plans Examiner; (C) Commercial Fire Plans Examiner; (D) Commercial Mechanical Inspector; (E) Residential Building Inspector; (F) Residential Plans Examiner; and (G) Any other International Code Council or other nationally recognized certification the division determines is equivalent to an Oregon Code Certification. (4) Persons applying for a training course administered by the division must: (a) Submit a division-approved registration form; and (b) Pay the course registration fee. (5) A person must successfully complete a division certification training course in order to obtain division certification through the course. (6) Applicants for certification as a building officials and certified Oregon building officials must posses a valid Oregon Inspector Certification and must enroll in or complete a certification training course for building officials administered by the division within six months of hire unless the person has previously completed a building official training course administered by the division. A person enrolled in a certification training course for building officials administered by the division must successfully complete this course to continue performing building official duties. (7) Applicants for an Oregon specialty code certification who fail the examination may reapply under section (3) of this rule to retest. Applicants may not retake the test for 30 days after each failed attempt. (8) If an applicant fails to take the Oregon Inspector Certification exam or the Oregon specialty code certification exam within 60 days of being approved to do so, the application is considered withdrawn, and the applicant must re-apply under section (2) or (3) of this rule.