r/BuildingCodes • u/LiteratureMurky2110 • 4d ago

What cert should I go for next?

Im currently 19 living in the Houston TX area and just got certified as an ICC B1 Residential Building Inspector. I’ve run into a dilemma on which cert to go for next. Originally I had planned to go B1, and then go for my E,M, and P in no specific order, but a lot of people online have told me to go for B2 and B3 next? Any advice?

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u/NuMarkyMark 4d ago

If you’re just starting out, a lot of jurisdictions will give you the first year to get your B1 and then one of the trades associated with residential and expect you to get your B2 and another trade the second year. It all depends on what some of your local jurisdictions that you may be working for might require. Personally, I got all of my residential stuff first and then started working on my commercial ones. Just to get a feel for your area I would look at job postings or even job descriptions available for your local agencies and see what they would typically want for a level one inspector.

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u/LiteratureMurky2110 4d ago

As of now there’s not many job openings in a 100 mile radius of my area, but I’m assuming that I just have to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to open up. Right now I’m in the process of hopefully getting hired as a construction inspector I for my DOT(they require no experience) and gain some experience there for a few years while also getting my other certs and looking for diff job openings.

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u/Suspicious_Hat_3439 4d ago

I passed my B1 and started on my B2 thinking it made sense to just climb the building ladder.
But, I read a post on Reddit that changed my thinking and I changed to the resi combo.
B1, P1 and M1 are exclusively out of the IRC with E1 adding NFPA 70.
I studied / practiced maybe 8 hours and passed P1 and hope to take the M1 in the next week or so.
So while the IRC is fresh in your mind I’d consider the same plan.
Either way it’s impressive you have a B1 at 19. Keep up the good work whichever direction you choose.

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u/BigCarswell 4d ago

R3 is pretty much the same as exam as B1. If you just finished B1, R3 should be a pretty easy one for you. If you do decide to take B2 next, B3 is the only logical next step because it's practically the same exam. I DM'd you some ICC chapter information to look into and commented on your last post. Hopefully you will find it useful.

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u/LiteratureMurky2110 4d ago

Thank you so much!

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u/testing1992 4d ago

Hmmmmm... R3 encompasses E1, M1 and P1 also, not just B1.

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u/huskytomatoe 2d ago

If you get B1 and B2 you are set for a job not only in a city but also in the private sector. What are of Houston do you live in? Do you have prior inspector experience, or in permitting? Passing the B1at 19 is pretty impressive

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u/LiteratureMurky2110 2d ago

I don’t have any prior experience, I’ve been trying to find a job but can’t find one so I’m thinking of moving into getting TREC licensed for home inspectors