pcc.edu/programs/building-inspection/
Career and Program Description
PCC’s Building Inspection Technology program provides a diverse set of skills, enabling students to begin a career working in governmental jurisdictions or private industry, in a Building Inspector or Plans Examiner position. The two-year degree in Building Inspections Technology prepares students for certification and work in building inspections and plan review, for both residential and commercial buildings of all types and sizes. The Certificate in Residential Plans Examination trains students for certification and work in residential inspection and plan review only, ideally for someone with some construction background and experience who seeks a faster option than the full, two-year degree but who wishes to work in a limited capacity within a jurisdiction. (Please note the Certificate does not provide training as a private home inspector, who is typically involved as part of a real estate transaction and inspects dwellings for defects prior to a sale).
The Building Inspection Technology (INSP) program is delivered by experts currently working in the field of building code administration, building inspection, and plan review. Students develop and apply basic understanding of concepts, theories, and principles of building codes and construction with both a residential and commercial focus. A broad curriculum including:
- construction materials and processes
- print reading
- building systems
- building structures
- residential and commercial building codes
- residential and commercial plans review and inspection
in addition to courses in:
- interpersonal communication
- computers
- mathematics
- job finding skills
Also, cooperative work experience (CWE internship) at a local city or county building department additionally prepares students for a career in building inspection and/or plan review. Graduates may find employment in public and private code enforcement agencies, construction firms, engineering or architectural firms, and other related industries.
PCC is one of two colleges in Oregon to offer a career and technical training program in Building Inspections Technology, in a full or part - time format. All INSP classes are offered in the evening, in remote format and a few courses are offered in an online format. There is currently no totally online only option. For more information or availability of individual courses please contact the department advisor, at 971.722.7516. Students who have plans to transfer to a college or university to obtain a bachelor's degree should check with the specific institution for transferability since not all courses may be transferable.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Building Inspection Technology
Less than One-Year: Career Pathway Certificate
Residential Plans Examination
Academic Prerequisites
- None
Academic Requirements
- All ARCH and INSP courses must be completed with a letter grade of "C" or better.
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- None
Non-Academic Requirements
- None
Building Inspection Technology AAS Degree
Minimum 91 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Some courses specified within the program may be used as General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Building Inspection Technology Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 121 | Structural Systems I | 2 |
| ARCH 122 | Structural Systems 2 | 3 |
| ARCH 123 | Structural Systems 3 | 3 |
| ARCH 124 | Introduction to Building Systems | 3 |
| ARCH 132 | Residential Building Codes | 2 |
| ARCH 134 | Energy Conservation Code | 2 |
| ARCH 161 | Residential Print Reading | 2 |
| ARCH 162 | Commercial Print Reading | 2 |
| CG 209 | Job Finding Skills | 1 |
| COMM 140 | Introduction to Intercultural Communication *,Z | 4 |
| or COMM 100 | Introduction to Communication (COMM100=COMM100Z) | |
| INSP 126 | Plan Review Software | 2 |
| INSP 151 | International Residential Code Structural 1 | 4 |
| INSP 152 | International Residential Code Mechanical | 2 |
| INSP 201 | Plans Examination-Commercial | 4 |
| INSP 203 | International Building Code Fire and Life Safety | 3 |
| INSP 251 | International Building Code I | 4 |
| INSP 252 | International Building Code II | 3 |
| INSP 253 | International Building Code III | 3 |
| INSP 255 | International Mechanical Code I | 4 |
| INSP 256 | International Mechanical Code II | 4 |
| INSP 280 | CE: Field Experience Inspection | 10 |
| COMM/MSD Electives | 6 | |
| INSP/ARCH Electives | 9 | |
| General Education: 3 courses | ||
| Total Credits | 91 | |
- *
Could be used for general education.
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. COMM 100 and COMM 100Z are equivalent.
Building Inspection/Architecture Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 131 | Sustainable Building Strategies | 4 |
| ARCH 133 | Commercial Building Codes | 2 |
| ARCH 224 | Active and Passive Building Systems | 4 |
| BCT 100 | Overview to the Construction Industry | 3 |
| BCT 130 | Construction Safety | 3 |
| INSP 202 | Plans Examination-Residential | 4 |
Communication/MSD Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 130 | Business & Professional Communication | 4 |
| COMM 237 | Gender and Communication | 4 |
| MSD 105 | Workplace Communication Skills | 3 |
| MSD 117 | Customer Relations | 3 |
| MSD 128 | Crisis Intervention: Handling the Difficult Person | 1 |
| MSD 150 | Listening Skills | 1 |
| MSD 151 | Working with Difficult People | 1 |
| MSD 157 | Constructive Conflict Skills | 1 |
| MSD 161 | 1 |
Residential Plans Examination Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 42 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Residential Plans Examination certificate is a career pathway. All courses are contained in the Building Inspection Technology AAS Degree. A maximum of 10 Pass/No Pass credits are allowed in the Residential Plans Examination Career Pathway Certificate.
Residential Plans Examination Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 121 | Structural Systems I | 2 |
| ARCH 122 | Structural Systems 2 | 3 |
| ARCH 123 | Structural Systems 3 | 3 |
| ARCH 124 | Introduction to Building Systems | 3 |
| ARCH 132 | Residential Building Codes | 2 |
| ARCH 161 | Residential Print Reading | 2 |
| CG 209 | Job Finding Skills | 1 |
| COMM 140 | Introduction to Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| INSP 151 | International Residential Code Structural 1 | 4 |
| INSP 152 | International Residential Code Mechanical | 2 |
| INSP 202 | Plans Examination-Residential | 4 |
| INSP 280 | CE: Field Experience Inspection | 10 |
| COMM/MSD Electives | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
Communication/MSD Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 130 | Business & Professional Communication | 4 |
| COMM 237 | Gender and Communication | 4 |
| MSD 105 | Workplace Communication Skills | 3 |
| MSD 117 | Customer Relations | 3 |
| MSD 128 | Crisis Intervention: Handling the Difficult Person | 1 |
| MSD 150 | Listening Skills | 1 |
| MSD 151 | Working with Difficult People | 1 |
| MSD 157 | Constructive Conflict Skills | 1 |
| MSD 161 | 1 |
INSP 126. Plan Review Software. 2 Credits.
Introduces Plan Review software as a tool for online review of plan submittals for building permits. Prerequisite: (WR 115 or IRW 115) and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
INSP 151. International Residential Code Structural 1. 4 Credits.
Covers International Residential Building Codes and building inspection practices. Audit available.
INSP 152. International Residential Code Mechanical. 2 Credits.
Covers residential building mechanical systems code requirements as detailed in the International Residential Building Code manual. Prerequisite: (WR 115 or IRW 115) and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
INSP 201. Plans Examination-Commercial. 4 Credits.
Covers commercial plans examination and code compliance for building permit applications. Includes procedures for review of plan submittals and code administration. Prerequisite: ARCH 162 and INSP 252 and (MTH 60 or equivalent placement test score). Audit available.
INSP 202. Plans Examination-Residential. 4 Credits.
Covers residential plans examination and the skills needed to determine code compliance for building permit applications. Includes procedures for the review of plan submittals and code administration. Prerequisites: ARCH 122, ARCH 161, INSP 151. Prerequisite/concurrent: ARCH 123. Audit available.
INSP 203. International Building Code Fire and Life Safety. 3 Credits.
Addresses fire and life safety requirements in the International Fire and Building codes. Includes building occupancies, exit systems, hazardous materials' regulations, site access, water availability, and fire protection systems. Prerequisites: INSP 201 and INSP 252 or department approval. Audit available.
INSP 251. International Building Code I. 4 Credits.
Covers nonstructural regulations of the International Building Code. Includes administration, occupancy classification, building area & height, construction types, interior environments, and fire resistive standards for small commercial and multi-story structures. Prerequisite: (WR 115 or IRW 115) and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
INSP 252. International Building Code II. 3 Credits.
Continues the study of the International Building Code. Includes fire protection and egress systems, accessibility, sanitation, and building materials. Prerequisite: INSP 251. Audit available.
INSP 253. International Building Code III. 3 Credits.
Introduces the requirements for structural engineering, within the International Building Code, as applied to small commercial structures of three stories and less. Prerequisites: (WR 115 or IRW 115) and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
INSP 255. International Mechanical Code I. 4 Credits.
Covers International Mechanical Code regulations for permitting. Includes general requirements, and application of codes to inspection requirements, including exhaust systems, kitchen hoods and duct systems. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
INSP 256. International Mechanical Code II. 4 Credits.
Covers International Mechanical Code regulations for permitting, and application to inspection requirements. Includes combustion air, chimneys and vents, refrigeration, and specific appliance systems. Prerequisite: INSP 255. Audit available.
INSP 280. CE: Field Experience Inspection. 1-10 Credit.
Provides an opportunity to work at approved job sites. Explores a variety of experiences and placement opportunities. Requirement: Coordination with student, supervisor, instructor and cooperative education specialists. Prerequisite: Department approval.
INSP 280B. Cooperative Education: Field Experience. 1-5 Credit.
Work on approved job sites where student will receive as varied and complete an experience as possible under job conditions. Credits are variable and based on the number of clock hours student spends on job site. Must be coordinated with supervisor, instructor, and cooperative education specialist. Department permission required.
INSP 203. International Building Code Fire and Life Safety. 3 Credits.
Addresses fire and life safety requirements in the International Fire and Building codes. Includes building occupancies, exit systems, hazardous materials' regulations, site access, water availability, and fire protection systems. Audit available. Prerequisites: INSP 201 and INSP 252 or department approval.