Building inspectors play a critical role in the construction industry. Through plan reviews and on-site inspections, they enforce compliance with building codes and regulations designed to protect the public.
Before you can operate as a residential and small commercial specialist (RCS) building inspector in New Jersey, you must obtain a license from the state’s Department of Community Affairs. Here’s all the information you need about what you can do with an RCS license and how to obtain one.
A licensed RCS building inspector is authorized to review plans and conduct on-site inspections for one- and two-family dwellings and small commercial structures.
Their job is not the same as that of a home inspector, who evaluates existing structures primarily to assess the condition of these properties for buyers and sellers.
An RCS building inspector’s duties are also different from those of a building inspector general, who is licensed to inspect all types of structures.
To qualify for an RCS building inspector license, you must prove competence in your field. You may do so by completing an approved educational program that includes a minimum of 90 hours of instruction on technical and administrative subjects, paired with three years of work experience.
This three-year work experience requirement must comprise one of the following:
Alternatively, you can qualify by earning a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. The bachelor’s degree must be from an accredited institution of higher education, and your major must be in architecture, engineering, architectural or engineering technology, or any other area of study significantly related to building construction.
You can also qualify by earning an associate's degree in code enforcement from an accredited institution of higher education, then working for at least one year in a job related to the construction, design, inspection, or supervision of construction work regulated by the building subcode.
Finally, you may forgo these education and experience requirements if you are currently registered or licensed as an architect or engineer in New Jersey.
Once you have completed the education and experience requirements, you must pass two National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors (NCPCCI) exams.
The NCPCCI’s 1A Building Inspector One- and Two-Family Dwelling Exam includes 50 questions on the following topics:
The 4A Mechanical Inspector One- and Two-Family Dwellings Exam features 50 questions on these topics:
Both tests are open book, and you will have two hours to complete each exam. You must answer a minimum of 70% of the questions (35) correctly to pass.
The right exam prep program will help you pass NCPCCI tests on the first try. Look for a program designed for working professionals that offers self-paced learning with convenient online access to course materials.
If you’re ready to obtain your New Jersey RCS building inspector license, contact RocketCert now to get your exam prep underway.