COQB - Prequalify or Military

Pre-Qualify or Military Service?

Local government hiring managers often ask:

"What Trade and Level of certification are you pre-qualified for?" 

Anyone may submit an online application with supporting documentation of their education and work experience. Board staff will compare this information to the Board rule requirements and issue a determination letter that can be provided to potential employers.

Anyone with military service has demonstrated attention to detail, a sense of commitment to serve others and successfully completed education and training needed to perform a mission critical job. These qualities are exactly what it takes to be a building code official working for a local government! Session Law 2014-67 was enacted to enhance the effectiveness of Occupational and State agency Licensing of Military Service members, veterans and spouses. Please see the linked information sheet regarding Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) that may be credited toward experience and education requirements needed for certification as a code official.

To be "fully pre-qualified" for a Standard certificate of any trade and level prior to employment, most people must successfully complete Board courses in Law and Administration and a technical code taught through the NC Community College System. They must also pass the State exam. 

However, most people can also qualify for 3-year Probationary Level I certificates if supervised when they are employed regardless of their years of experience in the construction industry. Some people have code official / inspector credentials from other states or approved national associations that allow issuance of Standard certificate by comity.

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What if I have a criminal record?

The Board's Application and Evaluation Committee may make predeterminations for applicants with a criminal history per N.C. Gen. Stat. 93B-8.1. (b6) Notwithstanding any other provisions in the law, an individual with a criminal history may petition a board at any time, including before an individual starts or completes any mandatory education or training requirements, for a predetermination of whether the individual's criminal history will likely disqualify the individual from obtaining a license. This petition shall include a criminal history record report obtained by the individual from a reporting service designated by the board, the cost of which shall be borne by the applicant.

Staff decisions are reviewed by the Committee. A Board hearing may be requested if aggrieved by any final decision. N.C. Gen. Stat. 143-151.53  sets forth the denial and appeal process.  

The Board requires applicants to disclose and consent to a criminal history record check pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. 93B-8.1 Applicants may secure a complete criminal records check from several sources including:

The factors considered when making a determination include the following:

  • The level and seriousness of the crime.
  • The date of the crime.
  • The age of the person at the time of the crime.
  • The circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime, if known
  • The nexus between the criminal conduct and the prospective duties of the applicant as a licensee.
  • The prison, jail, probation, parole, rehabilitation, and employment records of the applicant since the date the crime was committed.
  • The completion of, or active participation in, rehabilitative drug or alcohol treatment.
  • A Certificate of Relief granted pursuant to G.S. 15A-173.2.
  • The subsequent commission of a crime by the applicant.
  • Any affidavits or other written documents, including character references.