Permit Technician Career Resources

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

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

Title: Permit Technician Career Advancement: The Core Essentials (0.6 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: Beginners
• Description: This course provides the core essentials that all permit technicians should know for their daily work duties. Attendees learn what to understand for permit requirements, how to maintain records, how to collect permit fees, how to support the inspection process, and how to receive and screen plans and related documents to assist the review process and the public. Attendees are provided with a high-level overview of code administration, history and customer service. The instructor highlights common information covered in the ICC Permit Technician certification exam throughout the course. Attendees also receive a checklist to use daily when receiving plans from the public at the permit center.
   
• 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: Permit Technician Career Advancement: How to Properly Screen Plans for Successful Permit Services (0.6 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: Beginners or Intermediate
• Description: This course provides an overview of best practices for permit technicians to ensure an efficient plan review process. Plans are reviewed to provide attendees with an understanding of various and common types, including civil plans, architectural plans, structural plans, electrical plans, fire protection, landscaping plans, mechanical plans, plumbing plans, and sewer plans. Attendees also learn how to identify plan revisions, construction documents prerequisites, and explain symbols and abbreviations. A handy checklist is provided to attendees to use during daily plan screening for permit issuance. New and experienced permit technicians are encouraged to attend to strengthen their plan screening experience and technical knowledge.
   
• 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

Title: Permit Technician Career Advancement: Honing Your Skills to Elevate Your Role in Providing Permit Center Services (0.6 CEUs)

***Only for Permit Technician Academy Students***

• Recommendation Level: Intermediate or Advanced
• Description: This course is an in-depth discussion of vital skills and information needed by permit facilitators to expand their role in managing the permit process from start to finish.  Attendees learn how to improve efficiency in maintaining plan check and permit record management systems, understanding fee schedules and construction valuations, and using technology to improve research of properties for faster review with GIS systems.  Course discussions also center around the spirit and intent of the code, connections between state and local codes, and understanding the roles and responsibilities of the AHJ and the customer.  The goal of the course is to develop the most knowledgeable and well-rounded leaders for permit center services by providing attendees with the resources, ideas, and skills to successfully execute the tasks needed.  By the end of the course, attendees will be more confident and well-rounded leaders ensuring successful permit center services.
   
• Annual CALBO Education Week Course
• Date and Time: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Burlingame
• Date and Time: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 8:00am-3:30pm in Costa Mesa

Title: Permit Technician Roundtable: Expanding Your Toolbox with Insights, Tips and Tricks (0.2 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
• Description: Join us for an engaging panel discussion tailored for permit technicians, where seasoned professionals share their insights and experiences. This interactive webinar covers topics driven by student input. The focus of this webinar is to equip participants with strategies to effectively address and resolve common challenges encountered in permit processing, encourage the exchange of experiences and solutions among participants to foster a collaborative learning environment, and motivate participants to actively contribute to their departments and counter operations. Whether you’re new to the role or a seasoned professional, this webinar provides valuable takeaways to enhance your skills and efficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from your peers!
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
• More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars

Title: Nonstructural Overview of the California Building Code for Permit Technicians and Plan Reviewers (0.2 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
• Description: This interactive webinar introduces the non-structural provisions of the California Building Code (CBC) providing practical guidance on essential topics. Participants learn effective strategies for accessing and navigating CBC sections, with insights to help retain key requirements and understand their purpose. Designed for permit technicians, plan examiners, and others looking for an overview of the CBC, this webinar encourages active discussion and real-world application. Bring your questions and gain insights to enhance your understanding and application of the CBC.
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
• More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars

Title: Nonstructural Overview of the California Residential Code for Permit Technicians and Plan Reviewers (0.2 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
• Description: This interactive webinar introduces the non-structural provisions of the California Residential Code (CRC) providing practical guidance on essential topics such as fire protection, means of egress, emergency escape and rescue, exiting, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements and many more. Participants will learn effective strategies for accessing and navigating CRC sections and tables, with insights to help retain key requirements and understand their purpose. Designed for permit technicians, plan examiners, and others looking for an overview of the CRC, this webinar encourages active discussion and real-world application. Bring your questions and gain insights to enhance your understanding and application of the CRC.
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• ​Date and Time: Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm
• More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars

Title: Diffusing Difficult Situations: Strategies for Resolving Conflict and Enhancing Relationships (0.2 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
• Description:  In life, we are often confronted with uncomfortable situations, many of which become arguments that are impossible to resolve because, in an argument, nobody wins. Truly effective communications goes well beyond the spoken and written word and leads to a better work environment for all. This webinar teaches: how to recognize when a conversation may become an argument, the importance of documentation, how to encourage voluntary compliance, and how to overcome your own communication limits. Attendees gain an understanding of how various life experiences influence the communication process and strategies that can be used at the counter, in the field, and even at home.
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• ​Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
• More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars

Title: Contractor Licensing Fundamentals for Counter Technicians (0.2 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
• Description: This webinar offers a comprehensive exploration of the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for counter technicians.  Key topics related to the CSLB are covered, including the licensing process, scope of work and restrictions for various contractor licenses, permit regulations, and the criteria for owner builders are discussed. Ideal for counter technicians, this webinar covers the essential knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the CSLB requirements and regulations along with resources published by the CSLB. Gaining a better understanding of CSLB regulations enables permit technicians to understand the contractor’s role and the scope of their permissible actions, leading to increased efficiency at counter. Attendance is strongly encouraged for California building-safety counter staff of all levels and experience.
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• ​Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
• More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars

Title: Zoning for Permit Technicians: How Zoning Impacts Permit Issuance and the Plan Review Process (0.2 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
• Description: This webinar is designed to provide permit technicians with an introduction to zoning regulations and their critical role in the permit issuance and plan approval process. Key zoning concepts are highlighted along with how they are important to and relate to building code requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned permit technician looking to refresh your knowledge or a newcomer seeking to establish a strong foundation, this webinar equips you with the tools and insights needed to increase your awareness of zoning and land use. 
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar​
• Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
• More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars

Title: Permit Technician’s Guide to Solar Photovoltaic, Energy Storage and EV Charging Systems (0.2 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
• Description: California has set aggressive renewable energy goals to expand the use of Solar Photovoltaic, Energy Storage, and Electric Vehicle Charging systems. Knowledgeable and empowered permit counters are critical to achieving an efficient process for receiving and reviewing applications and plans. This webinar provides the latest information and best practices to assist permit counter technicians, managers, and building officials in efficiently identifying and evaluating each type of system and its corresponding submittal requirements. Attendees also gain insight into the various legislation that impacts the permit process and establishes deadlines for permit issuance. Additionally, this webinar discusses the benefits and limitations of the SolarApp+ portal, intended to expedite permitting for solar contractors.
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• Date and Time: Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm
• More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars

Title: Code Enforcement Essentials for Permit Technicians (0.2 CEUs)

• Recommendation Level: All levels of experience
• Description: As front-line representatives of building departments, permit technicians play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting field staff, including code enforcement officers. This webinar is designed to elevate the proficiencies of permit technicians in the realm of code enforcement. Attendees gain a foundation in code enforcement principles, enabling them to navigate key topics effectively. Discussion topics include property rehabilitation, handling unpermitted construction, addressing public nuisances, managing abatement of hazards, and executing notice of violations. By enhancing their understanding of code enforcement principles, permit technicians are better equipped to ensure proper permit issuance and maintain meticulous records, bolstering transparency and accountability, to significantly contribute to a safe and secure built environment for the public.
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• ​Date and Time: Date Released in 2026
• More Information: https://www.calbo.org/webinars

Title: Navigating State Laws for Counter Operations (0.2 CEUs)

***Only for Permit Technician Academy Students***

• Recommendation Level: Intermediate or Advanced
• Description: This webinar seeks to provide a better understanding of the state laws that impact public counter operations. Focus will be on the Health and Safety Code, Government Code, Business and Professions Code and several other state codes applicable to building department operations, including permit applications, permits, fees, and who is allowed to draft plans. Other topics for discussion include recent amendments to state laws, laws that have been a challenge to implement and enforce, and how to better enforce to ensure compliance will also be discussed. This webinar benefits counter personnel who need assistance with understanding state laws to improve the management of counter operations.
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• Date and Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm

Title: Building Permit Counter Expertise: Mastering the Ability to Review Documents for Various Permits (0.2 CEUs)

***Only for Permit Technician Academy Students***

• Recommendation Level: Intermediate or Advanced
• Description:This webinar provides permit technicians with the essential skills to efficiently and comprehensively assess permit applications, plans, and related documents for various types of construction projects. With a focus on residential, commercial, and miscellaneous permits, attendees gain knowledge of key administrative and technical code requirements essential for evaluating permit document completeness for efficient reviews and approvals. Acquire the skills necessary to confidently assist customers in providing a complete and accurate submittal package to facilitate a timely review and inspection by your building department team. Questions and dialogue are strongly encouraged to ensure a comprehensive grasp of the material enabling the attendees to bring newfound expertise back to their respective departments.
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• Date and Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm

Title: Building Services Excellence: Elevating Customer Experiences at the Counter (0.2 CEUs)

***Only for Permit Technician Academy Students***

• Recommendation Level: Intermediate or Advanced
• Description: This webinar is designed to equip building department staff with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional customer service at the front counter. As the first point of contact for applicants, builders, contractors, and the public, counter staff play a pivotal role in shaping customers’ perceptions of the building department. This course focuses on elevating customer interactions, enhancing communication techniques, and fostering a customer-centric mindset to ensure every counter interaction leaves a lasting positive impression. Attendees learn practical strategies to handle inquiries, process applications efficiently, and navigate challenging situations, ultimately fostering a culture of service excellence within the building department.
   
• Annual CALBO Webinar
• Date and Time: Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm