Plans Examiner Career Resources

Overview

California Plans Examiner Career Resources

A Plans Examiner reviews construction plans and supporting documents to ensure proposed projects comply with building codes, regulations, and safety standards before permits are issued, to support safe, code-compliant construction that supports community development.

Post

Understanding the Plans Examiner Role
Ensuring Safe Buildings before Construction Begins

Reviews construction plans and documents to verify projects follow applicable codes and safety standards before construction begins or permits issued

Identifies corrections or missing information and communicates code requirements

Supports development and public safety by helping ensure buildings are designed with current codes and standards

Plan Reviewer (PDF): Click Here

- Learn about daily duties
- Learn about the career benefits
- Learn about common qualifications

A Day in the Life of a Plan Reviewer - Click Here

City of produced a short video showing a day in the life of a plan reviewer in their building safety department. Watch now!

Post

California Plans Examiner Annual Trainings

Looking for trainings as a plan reviewer or interested in learning more about the permit technician role? Check out these annual CALBO trainings. 

Title: 2025 California Building Code: Significant Changes (0.6 CEUs)

  • Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
  • Description: This course examines the significant revisions to the latest California Building Code (CBC). The course is conducted in a workshop format with the instructor and attendees participating in active discussions of the revisions. The course highlights those areas that have been revised from the 2025 CBC with other code topics discussed. Building officials, architects, designers, engineers, plans examiners, field inspectors, and counter technicians are encouragBd to attend. The course is appropriate for experienced and not-so-experienced users of the CRC. All attendees receive a joint CALBO/ICC publication.
     
  • Annual CALBO Education Week Course each fall
  • Registration: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week

Title: 2025 California Residential Code: Significant Changes (0.6 CEUs)

  • Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
  • Description: This course examines the significant revisions to the latest California Residential Code (CRC). The course is conducted in a workshop format with the instructor and attendees participating in active discussions of the revisions. The course highlights those areas that have been revised from the 2025 CRC with other code topics discussed. Building officials, architects, designers, engineers, plans examiners, field inspectors, and counter technicians are encouraged to attend. The course is appropriate for experienced and not-so-experienced users of the CRC. All attendees receive a joint CALBO/ICC publication.
     
  • Annual CALBO Education Week Course each fall
  • Registration: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week

Title: Fundamentals of Means of Egress in the 2025 California Building Code (0.6 CEUs)

  • Recommendation Level: Beginners
  • Description: This course provides a structured approach to learning the fundamentals of exiting requirements of the 2025 California Building Code, Chapter 10 and the three-part means of egress system. It emphasizes practical methods of reviewing and inspecting egress systems, while also addressing code changes from the California State Fire Marshal’s adoption of CBC/CFC Chapter 10 through the CCR Title 19. Join us to enhance your knowledge of these critical safety measures within building design and compliance. Permit technicians, building and fire plan reviewers and inspectors are encouraged to attend.
     
  • Annual CALBO Education Week Course each fall
  • Registration: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week
Post

ICC California Plans Examiner Certifications
Exams and Resources

Certification is a job requirement for plans examiner in California building safety. Please check specific departments for their requirements.

Below are resources to help you understand the certification process and requirements of the International Code Council (ICC), the most common certification provider in the United States.

What California plans examiner certifications are offered by ICC?

  • California Building Plans Examiner – I6+
  • CALGreen Inspector/Plans Examiner – CT+
  • CA Public Accommodations Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner – CAP
  • Building Plans Examiner – 3B+
  • Electrical Plans Examiner – 3E+
  • Mechanical Plans Examiner – 3M+
  • Plumbing Plans Examiner – 3P+
  • Commercial Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner with ASHRAE 90.1 - CE+
  • Commercial Fire Sprinkler Plans Examiner – CP
  • Commercial Fire Alarms Plans Examiner I – CN+
  • Residential Fire Sprinkler Inspector/Plans Examiner – RF+
  • Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner – 21+
  • Commercial Energy Plans Examiner – 78+
  • Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner – 79+
  • Fire Plans Examiner – F3+

Where can I review the ICC exam details and specifics on how to prepare? 

Please visit the ICC Certification Exam Catalog: https://www.iccsafe.org/certification-exam-catalog.

  • Step #1: Under “Type”, select ”State Certification”
  • Step #2: Under “State”, select “California”
  • Step #3: Click “Search”

Here you can review the following information for each exam:

  • Outlines
  • Scopes
  • External reference materials
  • Time limits
  • Number of questions
  • Open book details

If someone wants to become a plans examiner in California, what ICC certification is recommended?

  • California Building Plans Examiner – I6+*
    *Please note that the exam is based on the 2019 California Building Code.

Is there a self-certification option for plans examiner certification?

  • California Self-Certification Program*

    *This self-certification process allows a licensed architect in the State of California to assume responsibility to verify compliance with the building and zoning codes applicable to construction projects on private property in the City of Los Angeles. Exam is based on the 2022 California Residential Code.

What plans examiner certification resources are offered by ICC?

What plans examiner certification trainings are offered by ICC?

Post

Connecting with other California Plans Examiners

Networking with other plans examiner and building safety professionals is a great way to exchange resources and discover new resources. Check out the following opportunities below!

International Code Council – California Chapters

California is home to some of the largest and most active ICC chapters that often offer annual student scholarships, training, and networking opportunities throughout the year. Discounted student members are often available.