Inspector Career Resources

Overview

Inspector Career Resources

An Inspector conducts field inspections to ensure construction meets approved plans and code requirements, serving as the link between the permitting office and on-site work to support safe, code-compliant construction that supports community development.

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Understanding the Role of an Inspector

Serve as the connection between field construction and the permitting office, inspecting projects at key stages to ensure compliance.

Provide technical guidance to contractors, homeowners, and builders to support safe, code-compliant construction.

Promote community development and public safety through consistent enforcement of building codes and standards.

Inspector (PDF): Click Here

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

A Day in the Life of an Inspector – City of Fontana (Video): Click Here

City of Fairfield produced a short video showing a day in the life of a permit technician in their building safety department. Watch now!

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Inspector Annual Trainings

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

Inspector Annual Trainings Summary (PDF): Click Here
*Will be available soon.

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
  • Date and Time: Monday, September 29, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
  • Date and Time: Tuesday, October 27, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
  • More Information: 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
  • Date and Time: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
  • Date and Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
  • More Information: 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
  • Date and Time: Monday, September 29, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
  • Date and Time: Monday, October 27, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
  • More Information: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week

Title: Residential Inspection Fundamentals Updated for 2025: Code Compliance and Best Practices (0.6 CEUs)

  • Recommendation Level: Beginners or Intermediate
  • Description: This course is designed for the residential inspector to perform inspections of a newly constructed single-family residence. Attendees learn about the technical portions of the 2025 California Residential Code (CRC) regarding inspections from foundation, shear, framing, roof, plumbing, electrical, etc. Inspection requirements of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing from the underground to final are discussed as well. Course discussion includes a detailed explanation of the different types of required inspections and how they are related. Whether you are just beginning your journey as a residential inspector or are seeking to enhance your expertise, this course provides invaluable insights and knowledge to elevate your inspection skills.
     
  • Annual CALBO Education Week Course
  • Date and Time: Monday, September 29, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
  • Date and Time: Monday, October 27, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
  • More Information: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week

Title: 2025 CBC Chapter 11B: Accessibility in Public Buildings, Public Accommodations and Commercial Buildings: History, Use and Updates (0.6 CEUs)

  • Recommendation Level: Intermediate or Advanced
  • Description: This course provides attendees with a working understanding of the disabled-access provisions of the 2025 California Building Code: Chapter 11B, presenting on selected administrative, scoping and updated technical requirements. Supporting documents, tools of the trade, and inspection techniques are explored throughout the course. Attendees gain a practical understanding of topics through detailed illustrations, photos, and examples. Building officials, accessibility plan reviewers, accessibility inspectors, designers, architects, and contractors are encouraged to attend.
     
  • Annual CALBO Education Week Course
  • Date and Time: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
  • Date and Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
  • More Information: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week

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

  • Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
  • Description: Be ready for the changes and new requirements in the 2025 California Electrical Code (CEC), which goes into effect on January 1, 2026. The 2023 National Electrical Code is the basis for the 2025 CEC where this course will cover significant changes in both publications.  Attendance to this course will provide insight to the new Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems, 10-Ampere branch circuits, Energy Management Systems for load limitations, and SPGFCI’s or Special-Purpose Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters.  Included are discussions on expansion of general requirements for GFCI’s in kitchens, GFCI protection for specific appliances, expansion of surge protection requirements, barrier protection for electrical equipment, and clarity on GFCI protection for outdoor air-conditioning units.  This course is designed for plan check engineers, combination building inspectors, electrical inspectors, building officials, and design professionals.
     
  • Annual CALBO Education Week Course
  • Date and Time: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
  • Date and Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
  • More Information: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week

2025 California Plumbing and Mechanical Codes: Code Changes and Reviews (0.6 CEUs)

  • Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
  • Description: This course provides an in-depth analysis of the 2025 California Plumbing Code (CPC) and 2025 California Mechanical Code (CMC) updates, comparing key revisions from the 2022 edition. Attendees gain a clear understanding of code modifications, including how they impact mechanical design, installation, enforcement, and compliance. The course breaks down each major change, explaining the reasoning behind the revisions and their practical implications for plumbing and mechanical professionals, inspectors, and code officials.
  • Annual CALBO Education Week Course
  • Date and Time: Tuesday, October 30, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
  • Date and Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa
  • More Information: https://www.calbo.org/calbo-education-week
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Connecting with other Inspectors

Networking with other permit technicians is a great way to exchange resources and discover new ways to operate your counter. 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.