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The Tennessee public naturally assumes that completed residential, commercial, and industrial structures are safe for use. However, this is only possible because building inspection professionals perform on-site inspections during construction, renovation, or alteration projects to ensure compliance with building codes.

To become a building inspector in Tennessee, you must obtain certification from the State Fire Marshal's Office through the TN Certified Code Inspectors program. 

Here’s what you can do with the certification, as well as the requirements to obtain it.

What Does a Certified Building Inspector Do?

Building inspectors are primarily responsible for inspecting structures and enforcing building codes. Their duties may include the following:

• Reviewing approved plans and specs for code and regulatory compliance
• Conducting inspections of structures to ensure that materials, procedures, and systems meet approved standards 
• Meeting with contractors, architects, engineers, and building owners about matters relating to code compliance
• Maintaining records and filing inspection reports
• Resolving code violations

Generally, building inspectors operate under the oversight of city or county code departments or the State Fire Marshal’s Office. However, a law enacted in 2024 allows developers to contract with private third-party building inspectors to conduct on-site inspections and enforce codes and regulations, in lieu of a local or state inspector.

Qualifications to Become a Certified Building Inspector in Tennessee

Education and experience requirements for Tennessee building inspectors vary among municipalities. First, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. You may also be required to earn a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and complete a minimum of three years of experience in a related construction trade.

After you meet these requirements, you have to pass two exams administered by the International Code Council (ICC). 

The B1 Residential Building Inspector Exam includes 60 questions on the following topics:

• Footings and foundations
• Code administration
• Floor construction
• Building planning
• Roof and ceiling construction
• Wall construction and coverings
• Public safety and special construction

You will have two hours to complete this exam. 

The B2 Commercial Building Inspector Exam features 80 questions on similar topics involving commercial building construction:

• Footings and foundations
• General administration
• Floor construction
• Building planning
• Roof and ceiling construction
• Wall construction and coverings
• Public safety and special construction

You will have 3.5 hours to complete the B2 exam. You must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly to pass each ICC exam.

Preparing to Take Exams

As a working professional, you naturally want to pass exams on the first try. This is best accomplished by choosing an exam prep program designed for your unique needs.

Look for a program that offers self-paced learning with 24/7 online access to materials. Courses developed by industry experts and educators help you gain targeted knowledge that will allow you to pass exams and prepare for the next step in your career.

Are you interested in obtaining a building inspector certification in Tennessee? Contact RocketCert now to learn more about exam prep courses tailored to the needs and preferences of working professionals.