Code enforcement officers perform crucial roles that guarantee the health and safety of residents in specific jurisdictions such as cities and counties. They do so by ensuring compliance with local housing regulations and zoning laws. If, therefore, you enjoy working on buildings and have the leadership skills and attention to detail required in this job, you might want to give it a try.
In that case, here’s what you want to know before diving in:
What’s a Code Enforcement Officer?
A code enforcement officer is a city or country employee tasked with overseeing and enforcing local building code requirements, zoning laws, and ordinances. They do so to ensure the safety of citizens in the region and to protect the environment. They also try to resolve any complaints related to the building codes from citizens and other city officials.
As a code enforcement officer, it’s highly recommended to invest in education that equips you with the knowledge and skills that will come in handy in your daily duties. High-quality Code Enforcement Officer pre-licensing courses and continuing education (CE) programs from a top provider like RocketCert are an ideal choice since they are not only easy to understand but also fun.
Key Steps to Becoming a Successful Code Enforcement Officer
Wondering what you should do to become successful in this profession? Here are some steps to guide you:
1. Get the Right Educational Background
The specific educational requirements for becoming a code enforcement officer vary from one jurisdiction to the other, as well as the position that one holds. In most cases, nevertheless, you will need a high-school diploma or GED as the minimum requirement for entry-level positions. Like with most jobs, still, employers and agencies will always prefer candidates who have additional education.
You should, therefore, consider getting a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Architecture
- Building inspection
- Construction technology
- Building maintenance
- Engineering
- Public administration
- Urban planning
- Electrical contracting
- Criminal justice
- Environmental studies
- Heating and air conditioning
The best course to take will vary based on various factors such as the state you are in, the position you aim to take, and more. Either way, it’s highly recommended to have a college degree. Besides, approximately 45% of code enforcement officers have a bachelor’s degree, with a further 27% holding an associate’s degree.
2. Gain Some Experience
After finishing your course, it’s time to put the knowledge you’ve acquired into practice. The best way to do this would be to pursue an internship with the city government or a similar institution. This will not only help you learn more about the codes and regulations, but it will also equip you with the skills you need in your role. Some of the top skills to acquire include:
- Patrol
- Community development
- Public safety
- Code compliance
- Grant writing
- And additional skills like communication, critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving
You can also start your career path by trying a different professional experience such as becoming a contractor or a construction worker. In some cases, even police officers can choose to switch to a code enforcement career.
3. Become Certified
A majority of states in the U.S. require code enforcement officers to acquire certification, mostly by taking classes and passing an exam. Even if your state doesn’t have this requirement, it’s always a good idea to earn a certification as this will almost always enhance your skills and give you access to better employment opportunities.
Some of the top code enforcement certifications to consider include:
- Certified Zoning Inspector
- Certified Code Enforcement Administrator (CCEA)
- Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO)
- Certified Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector
- Master Code Enforcement Professional Certification
Bear in mind that most of these certifications require you to take continuing education courses every couple of years to remain certified. You can the required continuing education units (CEUs) through professional development courses, industry contributions, and volunteer work.
4. Understand Your Duties and Responsibilities
You shouldn’t start applying for code enforcement jobs without understanding the duties and responsibilities that this profession entails. Some of these include:
- Developing and managing firearm training programs
- Enforcing city and state ordinances
- Reviewing variance and land use applications
The duties and responsibilities can vary depending on your jurisdiction and the role you’re applying for, so be sure to research the job opportunity and check the posting in detail before applying.
Claim Your Success with RocketCert
A career as a code enforcement officer is both challenging and rewarding since it offers you the chance to serve your community. You will, however, only be able to make a tangible difference if you gain the right knowledge and skills. That’s where a reputable education provider like RocketCert comes in.
With easily accessible, expertly written and fully narrated courses, you should have everything you need to succeed in your code enforcement career. So, head over to rocketcert.com to start your journey towards success today.