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In New Jersey, it’s necessary to obtain an industrial/commercial building inspector license, also known as an Industrial and Commercial Specialist (ICS) certification, to carry out work under the state’s Uniform Construction Code (UCC). You’ll need to go through the licensing process to carry out inspection work beyond one- and two-family homes. 

The Role of ICS Building Inspectors in New Jersey 

ICS building inspectors perform inspections on industrial and commercial structures in New Jersey. This duty covers many aspects of the construction process, including building and mechanical. As an inspector, you’ll be responsible for having a deep understanding of mechanical components and applying methods aligned with building codes. 

Obtaining your ICS building inspector credential from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Division of Codes and Standards opens the door to assignment to a wider range of properties beyond residences. Whether you’re working for the government or a third-party company, this license will let you take on inspections with a larger scope. 

Experience and Education Requirements 

There are different routes that can prepare you to seek an ICS building inspector license. One is accumulating five years of acceptable experience across a combination of categories, including work as a journeyman in a skilled trade, construction contractor, or other building or housing inspector. 

Having a degree can lower these experience requirements. An associate’s degree in code enforcement, for instance, will reduce the experience needed to two years. With a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or a related field, you’ll need just one year of subsequent experience. 

Taking the Required ICS Exams 

Once you’ve satisfied the experience and education requirements, you can sit for the necessary exams. In New Jersey, obtaining an ICS building inspector license requires passing NCPCCI test modules 1B and 4B or the equivalent ICC B2 and M2 exams. 

Testing covers both the building and mechanical general modules, preparing you for commercial and industrial inspections. These exams focus on a number of areas, including commercial code content, inspection decision-making, and jobsite scenarios, so make sure to prepare yourself thoroughly before your attempt. 

Submitting Your Application and Maintaining Your License 

After passing the required exams, you can submit your application for your license. The DCA uses standard application forms, and you’ll want to get started with Form TL-4, License Application. Make sure to check the “ICS” box under the building inspector column to clearly indicate the proper license. 

Upon receiving your license, it will be valid for three years before you’ll need to renew it. Don’t let the expiration date sneak up on you. 

You’ll need to complete 1.5 continuing education units per renewal period, equivalent to 15 CE hours in total. New Jersey also flags certain seminars as mandatory, so it’s a good idea to review the requirements thoroughly. 

Getting Ready for Your ICS License Exams 

With multiple exams to pass before you can apply for your New Jersey industrial/commercial building inspector’s license, there’s much study and preparation to be done. Sign up for RocketCert’s exam prep courses today to make sure you’re ready for what lies ahead.