Process to Become Certified as a Building Code Enforcement Official

This Memorandum details the certification process and is Mandatory to read. 

Overview of Legal Framework

Massachusetts General Law (MGL) c 143 § 3 defines three titles for municipal building code enforcement officials: Inspector of Buildings, Building Commissioner or Local Inspector - collectively referred to as building code enforcement officials.

The Inspector of Buildings or Building Commissioner is the highest ranking individual in the make-up of a building department. All other building officials within a building department's office structure are referred to as Local Inspectors according to the law (although cities and towns may have varied titles for these positions; i.e. assistant inspector, deputy commissioner, etc.).

Additionally, MGL Chapter 143 § 3 mandates minimum qualifications for each of these titles. It is imperative that these minimum qualifications are met or exceeded by any individual seeking certification as a building code enforcement official. The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) will not issue certification to any individual who is not able to demonstrate compliance with these minimum qualifications. Please reference M.G.L. c. 143 § 3 to become familiar with these qualifications or you may reference the Commonwealth's Application for Certification as a Building Code Enforcement Official, where the qualifications are reiterated.

Key Application Forms

• Applicants must first have their qualifications approved. To do so, submit this Building Official Examination Approval Form with an up-to-date resume. Approval is required before taking required exams.
• Once you have successfully completed the steps for each level of certification (Local Inspector, Inspector of Buildings/Building Commissioner), submit this Application for Certification as a Building Code Enforcement Official in order to receive your certification. 
• Conditional appointees may use this Building Official Certification Extension of Time Request form to ask for a time extension to comply with the examination process: after 12 months for Local Inspector; after 18 months for Inspector of Buildings. Please review the BOCC Time Extension Policy prior to submitting an Extension of Time Request.