4101:7-3-01. Residential and non-residential building department personnel certification

Residential and non-residential building departments shall have personnel qualified to execute the duties required to enforce the rules of the board. Only those certified individuals employed by or under contract with a particular political subdivision are authorized to exercise enforcement authority within that same jurisdiction.

Exception: Inspectors performing industrialized unit inspections on behalf of the board of building standards.

(A) Building department personnel certification classifications. The certifications issued by the board of building standards are as follows:

(1) Building official.

(2) Interim building official.

(3) Residential building official.

(4) Interim residential building official.

(5) Master plans examiner.

(6) Interim master plans examiner.

(7) Master plans examiner trainee.

(8) Residential plans examiner.

(9) Interim residential plans examiner.

(10) Residential plans examiner trainee.

(11) Building plans examiner.

(12) Interim building plans examiner.

(13) Building plans examiner trainee.

(14) Electrical plans examiner.

(15) Interim electrical plans examiner.

(16) Electrical plans examiner trainee.

(17) Plumbing plans examiner.

(18) Interim plumbing plans examiner.

(19) Plumbing plans examiner trainee.

(20) Mechanical plans examiner.

(21) Interim mechanical plans examiner.

(22) Mechanical plans examiner trainee.

(23) Fire protection plans examiner.

(24) Interim fire protection plans examiner.

(25) Fire protection plans examiner trainee.

(26) Building inspector.

(27) Interim building inspector.

(28) Building inspector trainee.

(29) Residential building inspector.

(30) Interim residential building inspector.

(31) Residential building inspector trainee.

(32) Fire protection inspector.

(33) Interim fire protection inspector.

(34) Mechanical inspector.

(35) Interim mechanical inspector.

(36) Mechanical inspector trainee.

(37) Residential mechanical inspector.

(38) Interim residential mechanical inspector.

(39) Residential mechanical inspector trainee.

(40) Electrical safety inspector.

(41) Electrical safety inspector trainee.

(42) Industrialized unit inspector.

(43) Interim industrialized unit inspector.

(44) Residential industrialized unit inspector.

(45) Interim residential industrialized unit inspector.

(46) Plumbing inspector.

(47) Interim plumbing inspector.

(48) Plumbing inspector trainee.

(49) Medical gas piping inspector.

(B) Multiple personnel certifications held. A person may hold more than one certification.

(C) Conflict of interest. No certified employee or person who contracts for services within the jurisdictional area of a residential or non-residential building department shall perform services for any department which would require that person or employee to exercise authority or make an evaluation of any work furnished by him or by a private contractor that employs him on a full-time, part-time, or incidental basis. Further, such employee or person shall not engage in conduct that is prohibited or considered a conflict of interest pursuant to Chapter 102. of the Revised Code.

(D) Seals. No holder of a certification issued by the board of building standards is authorized to secure a seal in any form or of any type for use in the performance of any of their duties.

(E) Experience requirements of the applicant to qualify for certification.

(1) General experience. To qualify for certification, applicants must have experience directly related to buildings or structures within the scope of the "Residential Code of Ohio" for residential certifications or experience directly related to buildings or structures within the scope of the "Ohio Building Code" for non-residential certifications.

(a) In evaluating experience of an applicant, the board of building standards may find the following enforcement, inspection, or plans examination experience to be acceptable:

(i) Experience gained prior to 1984, with a non-residential building department certified by the board of building standards to exercise enforcement authority for buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board; or

(ii) Experience gained with the department of commerce, division of industrial compliance or an agency or jurisdiction outside the state of Ohio enforcing a model residential code, for residential certifications, or a model non-residential building code, for non-residential certifications, of a national model code organization or a code adopted for the respective buildings or structures of the types regulated by the rules of the board; or

(iii) Certification by the department of commerce, division of industrial compliance, as a plumbing inspector when application is made for board certification as a plumbing inspector; or

(iv) Experience gained as an employee of a certified residential or non-residential building department and who is a holder of a board certification other than that for which application is being made as prescribed in this rule.

Exceptions:

(a) Certified building department employees who are applicants for plumbing inspector certification shall comply with paragraph (E)(16) of this rule.

(b) Certified building department employees who are applicants for electrical safety inspector certification shall comply with paragraph (E)(17) of this rule.

(b) The board of building standards shall not credit experience gained while acting in violation of rules adopted by the board to establish equivalent experience.

(c) The board of building standards may credit experience which provides knowledge of different construction methods, processes, or types as it determines applicable, but shall not credit construction experience that does not provide required knowledge including, but not limited to, the installation of floor and wall coverings, the installation of roofing materials or roofing systems, or the finishing of concrete.

(d) For a residential or non-residential certification, the board of building standards shall credit one year of the required experience obtained through education credit pursuant to paragraph (F)(6) of this rule.

(e) Individuals certified as non-residential building officials, master plans examiners, or building inspectors must make application to the board but individuals will qualify without further testing and without providing related experience to become a residential building official, residential plans examiner, and/or residential building inspector.

(2) Building official. An applicant for a building official certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience in non-residential building design and construction for buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board while registered in Ohio as an architect or professional engineer;

(b) At least ten years of experience as a general contractor or superintendent of building construction for buildings or structures dealing with all phases and trades of construction including the responsibility for obtaining approvals and inspections within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board; or

(c) At least five years of experience employed full-time as a residential building official in a certified residential building department.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(3) Residential building official. An applicant for a residential building official certification for a residential building department shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer; or

(b) At least five years of experience as a residential contractor or non-residential contractor or superintendent with responsibility for obtaining approvals and inspections of structures regulated by the rules of the board.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(4) Master plans examiner. An applicant for a non-residential master plans examiner certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience in building design , construction, or plans examination for buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board while registered in Ohio as an architect or professional engineer;

(b) Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to paragraph (F)(5) of this rule.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(5) Residential plans examiner. An applicant for a residential plans examiner certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer;

(b) At least five years of experience in building design and construction for residential or non-residential buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board; or

(c) Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to paragraph (F)(5) of this rule.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(6) Building plans examiner. An applicant for a building plans examiner certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience as a full-time building inspector in a certified non-residential building department; or

(b) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer; or

(c) At least ten years of experience as a full-time skilled tradesman for structural carpentry, masonry, steel erection, or concrete construction work, subject to inspection under a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for non-residential buildings or structures, within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(7) Electrical plans examiner. An applicant for an electrical plans examiner certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience as a full-time electrical safety inspector in a certified building department;

(b) At least five years of experience as an electrical safety inspector, certified pursuant to Chapter 3783. of the Revised Code and employed full-time by the Ohio department of commerce, division of industrial compliance; or

(c) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer; or

(d) At least ten years of experience as a full-time journeyman electrician or equivalent for the installation of electrical systems, subject to inspection under either a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for buildings or structures, within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(8) Plumbing plans examiner. An applicant for a plumbing plans examiner certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience as a full-time plumbing inspector in a certified building department;

(b) At least five years of experience as a plumbing inspector, certified pursuant to Chapter 3703. of the Revised Code, employed full-time by either the Ohio department of commerce, division of industrial compliance, or by a county board of health; or

(c) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer; or

(d) At least ten years of experience as a full-time journeyman plumber or equivalent for the installation of plumbing systems, subject to inspection under either a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for buildings or structures, within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(9) Mechanical plans examiner. An applicant for a mechanical plans examiner certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience as a full-time building inspector or mechanical inspector in a certified building department;

(b) At least five years of experience as a full-time residential building official, residential plans examiner, residential building inspector, or residential mechanical inspector in a certified residential building department; or

(c) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer; or

(d) At least ten years of experience as a full-time skilled tradesman for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning ("HVAC") systems and associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping work, subject to inspection under a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for non-residential buildings or structures, within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(10) Fire protection plans examiner. An applicant for a fire protection plans examiner certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience as a full-time certified fire safety inspector in a fire department or as a certified fire protection inspector for a non-residential building department with experience inspecting non-residential fire protection systems;

(b) At least five years of experience as a full-time certified fire protection system designer with experience designing non-residential fire protection systems;

(c) At least five years of experience as a full-time building inspector in a certified non-residential building department; or

(d) Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer; or

(e) At least ten years of experience as a full-time skilled tradesman for the installation of fire protection systems (automatic sprinkler systems, alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems, standpipe systems, fire alarm and detection systems and fire pump systems), subject to inspection under a model non-residential building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for non-residential buildings or structures, within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(11) Building inspector. An applicant for a building inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience in structural carpentry, masonry, steel erection, or concrete construction work subject to inspection under a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for non-residential buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board as a skilled tradesman, a supervisor, or a construction contractor;

(b) At least five years of experience as a full-time non-residential building official, master plans examiner. non-residential mechanical inspector, residential building official, residential plans examiner, residential building inspector, or residential mechanical inspector in a certified residential building department; or

(c) Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to paragraph (F)(5) of this rule.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(12) Residential building inspector. An applicant for residential building inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least three years of experience as a contractor or supervisor for residential or non-residential buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board;

(b) At least three years of experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a code adopted for buildings or structures regulated by the "Residential Code of Ohio" or the "Ohio Building Code"; or

(c) Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to paragraph (F)(5) of this rule.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(13) Fire protection inspector. An applicant for fire protection inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience in the installation of fire protection systems (automatic sprinkler systems, alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems, standpipe systems, fire alarm and detection systems and fire pump systems) subject to inspection under a model non-residential building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for non-residential buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board; or

(b) At least five years of experience as a certified fire safety inspector or a certified fire protection system designer.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(14) Mechanical inspector. An applicant for a mechanical inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience as a skilled heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping tradesman for work subject to inspection under a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for non-residential buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board;

(b) At least five years of experience as a full-time building official, master plans examiner, or building inspector in a certified non-residential building department, or a full-time residential building official, residential plans examiner, residential building inspector, or residential mechanical inspector in a certified residential building department; or

(c) Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to paragraph (F)(5) of this rule.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(15) Residential mechanical inspector. An applicant for a residential mechanical inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least three years of experience as an HVAC system contractor or supervisor for residential or non-residential buildings regulated by the rules of the board;

(b) At least three years of experience as a skilled tradesman for HVAC systems and the associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping for residential or non-residential buildings regulated by the rules of the board; or

(c) Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to paragraph (F)(5) of this rule.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(16) Plumbing inspector. An applicant for a plumbing inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least seven years of experience in the installation of plumbing, subject to inspection under either a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for buildings or structures and within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board;

(b) A degree in engineering or architecture and three years of experience in plumbing system design; or

(c) Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to paragraph (F)(5) of this rule.

(17) Electrical safety inspector. An applicant for an electrical safety inspector (ESI) certification shall meet one of the following experience requirements:

(a) Journeyman electrician or equivalent for four years, two years as an electrician foreman, and two years of experience as a building department ESI trainee;

(b) Journeyman electrician or equivalent for four years and three years of experience as a building department ESI trainee pursuant to paragraph (F)(5) of this rule;

(c) Four years of experience as a building department ESI trainee;

(d) Journeyman electrician or equivalent for six years; or

(e) An electrical engineer registered in the state of Ohio.

(18) Industrialized unit inspector. An applicant for an industrialized unit inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least five years of experience as a construction contractor or supervisor for non-residential buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board;

(b) At least five years of experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for non-residential buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board;

(c) At least five years of experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a residential dwelling code, a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for non-residential buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board; or

(d) Certification as a building inspector as specified in paragraph (E)(11) of this rule.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(19) Residential industrialized unit inspector. An applicant for a residential industrialized unit inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) At least three years of experience as a construction contractor or supervisor for non-residential buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board or as a construction contractor or supervisor for residential buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board;

(b) Certification as a building inspector, residential building inspector, or industrialized unit inspector; or

(c) At least three years of experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a residential dwelling code, a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for non-residential buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board.

In evaluating the experience requirements for this certification, the board may accept applicable experience as specified in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule.

(20) Medical gas piping inspector. An applicant for a medical gas piping inspector certification shall provide evidence verifying that the applicant has been certified by an "American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)" recognized third party certifier in accordance with ASSE standard 6020.

(F) Personnel certification application, filing and processing. Applications for certification shall be sent to the office of the board at least two weeks prior to a certification hearing. The application shall expire if not approved within one year of receipt by the board. Applications for certification as an electrical safety inspector shall be submitted at least two weeks prior to a meeting of the electrical safety inspector advisory committee.

Each applicant shall also submit, with the application, an application fee of fifty dollars and evidence sufficient to show the board that the applicant is qualified. Such evidence may include proof of the statements made in the application, documentary evidence, affidavits, transcripts, diplomas, published data, photographs, or legible reproductions of the same, or any other documentation.

(1) Certification process. Upon receipt of a completed application and an application fee of fifty dollars, the board of building standard's certification committee shall review the application and make a recommendation to the board of building standards.

Exception: Upon receipt of a completed application for certification as an electrical safety inspector, the electrical safety inspector advisory committee shall review the application and make a recommendation to the board of building standards.

The committee may ask for additional information to be submitted by the applicant prior to making a recommendation to the board. If the committee requests additional information from the applicant, failure to submit the requested information within ninety days from the date of the request may be cause for disapproval of the application by the board. After receiving a recommendation from the committee, the board shall hold a certification hearing to take action on the application. The applicant may be present at the certification hearing to respond to any questions from the board and all interested persons appearing at such certification hearing may be given an opportunity to comment.

(a) Certification, approval or denial. Following the certification hearing, the board may approve, approve with conditions, table pending further review and/or receipt of additional documentation, deny the application for certification, or take such other action as the board deems appropriate. If the board requests additional information, failure to submit the requested information within ninety days from the date of the request shall be cause for disapproval of the application by the board. The board may request an interview of the applicant by the certification committee to assist the board in making its evaluation of an application.

If the application is denied, in whole or in part, by the board of building standards, the applicant shall be notified in writing of such denial, the reason for the denial, and their rights of appeal pursuant to sections 3781.10 and 3781.101 and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Hearings shall be held by the board of building standards and appeals shall be permitted on any proceedings for certification as provided in section 119.07 of the Revised Code and in paragraph (F)(7)(a)(v) of this rule.

(b) Records. The board shall retain, as a part of applications which have been approved, any or all documents submitted or electronic versions of such documents, which shall be properly marked for identification and ownership.

(c) Board action. All applications shall be considered individually by the board and the action taken shall be recorded in the minutes, noted on the application form, and the applicant notified as required.

(d) Examinations. All applicants shall furnish the board evidence of passing the board approved examinations for the appropriate certification category issued by a national model code organization or a testing agency or entity recognized by the board. The board shall maintain a list of approved examinations. Examinations required for certification may be completed before application is made for certification by the board.

(2) Issuance of certificate and renewal.

(a) Issuance of certification.

(i) Upon submission of an application for certification for which the experience requirements are approved but evidence of successfully completing the required examination modules is not included, a one-time interim certification shall be issued to the applicant. No extensions shall be granted. The certificate shall state the interim certification classification being issued pursuant to paragraph (A) of this rule, expiration date, and limitations, if any, under which it has been issued. For the purpose of this paragraph the one-time interim certification period is for two years.

Exception: Applicants for certification as an electrical safety inspector whose application is approved are then qualified to begin examination only and, before exercising enforcement duties for a political subdivision, must submit evidence of successfully completing the required examination in order to receive electrical safety inspector certification.

Before the end of the interim certification period, the certificate holder shall submit evidence of successfully completing the required examination modules and meeting any other certification requirements.

(a) If the interim certification has expired prior to completing all of the requirements, the board may consider certification of the individual if the applicant presents evidence of completing the outstanding examination(s) required in paragraph (F)(1) (d) of this rule within the year following the expiration.

(b) Upon expiration, the individual shall not perform any duties for which the interim certification was received but may enter the trainee program as required in paragraph (F)(5) of this rule.

(ii) Upon submission of an application for certification for which the experience requirements are approved and evidence of successfully completing the required examination modules and completion of the "Ohio Building Code Academy" required by paragraph (F) (4)(a) of this rule is included, an appropriate certificate shall be issued to the applicant. The certificate shall state the certification classification being issued, expiration date, and limitations, if any, under which it has been issued. For the purpose of this paragraph a certification period is for three years.

(iii) No application fee is required for conversion of interim to full certification.

(b) Renewal. It shall be the responsibility of the certificate holder to notify the board of a change of primary mailing address when it changes and to renew at three-year intervals.

(c) Applications for renewal. Applications for renewal of a certification shall be submitted to the board of building standards at least thirty days prior to the expiration date. In addition to a completed renewal application form prescribed by the board, applicants for renewal of certification shall submit a certification renewal fee of thirty dollars and evidence of having attended board-sponsored required continuing education courses or their board-approved equivalents and, other than medical gas piping inspectors, successfully completed thirty hours of approved educational courses prior to the expiration of the current certification.

Exceptions:

(i) Applications for renewal of medical gas piping inspector certifications shall include evidence verifying that the applicant's certification by an "ASSE" recognized third-party certifier, in accordance with "ASSE" standard 6020, has been renewed.

(ii) Applicants for renewal of master plans examiner certifications shall include evidence verifying current active registration as an Ohio registered design professional.

(d) Failure to renew. Any individual whose certification has expired through failure to renew may obtain a renewal within one year from the date of its expiration provided the holder has met all requirements for renewal, including payment of the renewal fee. All applications for renewal of expired certifications shall be processed as renewals during the one year period following expiration. All applications for renewal of expired certifications submitted more than one year following the expiration shall be processed as a new application. The holder of a certification that has expired shall not perform any duties for which a certification is required.

(3) Elective temporary suspension. Certifications may be placed in elective temporary suspension upon written request to and approval by the board. Except for emergency circumstances, requests shall be in writing at least sixty days prior to the certification expiration date and supported by satisfactory evidence that the holder is withdrawing from active employment for which the certification is required.

(a) Restoring certification. Certifications placed in elective temporary suspension for a period of time not to exceed one three-year term following the expiration date may be restored to active status by the board upon written request. The request shall be supported by satisfactory evidence that the holder has completed thirty hours of continuing education for that certification and any board-sponsored mandatory training required, or their board-approved equivalents, during the time the certification was in suspension prior to the date of reinstatement. Payment of the thirty-dollar renewal fee shall accompany the request.

(b) Failure to restore certification. Certifications placed in elective temporary suspension for a period of time exceeding one three-year term following the original certification expiration date may be restored to active status by the board upon written request supported by evidence of passing of the appropriate examinations prescribed by the board, completion of the "Ohio Building Code Academy," and payment of the thirty-dollar renewal fee.

(4) Continuing education.

(a) Holders of board certifications shall:

(i) Complete the "Ohio Building Code Academy" requirements during their initial certification period. Individuals who have completed the "Ohio Building Code Academy" within thirty-six months immediately preceding the date of receipt of initial certification may attend "Code Administration and Skills Training" provided by the board in lieu of the "Ohio Building Code Academy."

Exceptions:

(a) Individuals certified as medical gas piping inspectors pursuant to paragraph (E)(20) of this rule.

(b) Individuals certified as industrialized unit inspectors or residential industrialized unit inspectors.

(ii) Complete at least thirty hours of board approved continuing education in their respective classification prior to the expiration date of the certification for each certification period other than their first. Beginning with certification renewal applications submitted on or after January 1, 2020, of those thiry hours, at least three hours of continuing education shall be dedicated to the subject of code administration, three hours shall be dedicated to existing buildings, and one hour shall be dedicated to ethics.

(a) Exceptions:

(i) Medical gas piping inspectors, who maintain their certification in accordance with ASSE standard 6020.

(ii) The board shall extend a certification period upon receipt of documentation certifying that a holder of board certification has been called to active military duty described in division (A)(3)(c) of section 5903.12 of the Revised Code during the current or previous certification period by the total number of months that the holder of the certification spent on active military duty. For the purposes of this paragraph, any portion of a month served on active duty shall be considered one full month.

(b) Failure to complete. Failure to complete the number of hours required shall result in forfeiture of the certification.

(c) Proof of completion. It shall be the responsibility of the certificate holder to furnish the board with proof of completion of all board approved courses for which credit is sought.

(d) Continuing education courses approved for health, safety, and welfare ("HSW") credit by the "American Institute of Architects" shall be recognized for fulfilling the continuing education requirements of this rule.

(iii) Attend mandatory continuing education courses prescribed by the board.

(b) Approval process for continuing education courses.

(i) Applications for approval. Applications for continuing education course approval shall be on forms prescribed by the board and submitted at least seven days prior to the meeting of the board's education committee or the electrical safety inspectors advisory committee for continuing education courses for electrical safety inspectors. (A meeting schedule is available on the board of building standards' web page at http://www.com.ohio.gov/dico/bbs/)

(ii) Application review. Upon receipt of a complete application for course approval, the board of building standards education committee shall review the application and make a recommendation to the board. Following receipt of the committee's recommendation, the board may approve, table pending further review and/or receipt of additional documentation, deny the application for course approval, or take such other action as the board deems appropriate.

(a) Course approval number. Approved courses will be issued a course approval number with the prefix "BBSyyyy" based on the calendar year .

(b) Course approval expiration. Continuing education course approval will expire on December thirty-first of each year.

(c) Course update. The instructor or sponsor of any course(s) intended to be taught in a subsequent year, upon or near the expiration date of a current approval, shall resubmit an application for each course requesting an update. If approved, the instructor or sponsor shall receive a new approval and approval number for each course for the subsequent year. Any application for a course update shall be processed administratively as long as the course content has not changed.

(iii) Course credit. Board approved courses shall establish hour equivalencies for continuing education credit for each of the certification classifications requested. Course credit shall only be given for training in the respective certification classification. Courses approved for more than one certification classification may be applied to each certification for which training is required. No credit shall be approved for duplicate courses within the same certification period. Instructors of board approved courses may apply three course hours for every one course hour taught toward their own board certification continuing education requirements except for duplicate courses within the same certification period.

(iv) Approved course sponsor requirements. The following are requirements that apply to all approved continuing education courses:

(a) Date(s), time(s), and location(s) the course will be taught shall be provided to the board prior to the course presentation;

(b) If course content is modified, the course must be resubmitted for course approval;

(c) When promoting an approved course, the instructor shall make full and accurate disclosure regarding course title, course approval number, number of contact hours, certifications for which approval has been given, and all fees to be charged;

(d) Course sponsors shall provide participants with a certificate of completion containing the name of the participant, title of approved course, BBS approval number, date and location of session, number of contact hours awarded, certification types for which course is approved, and signature of authorized sponsor or instructor;

(e) The sponsors of an approved continuing education course shall provide the board with a legible copy of a list of participants who completed the course including: course name, date, and location of the session;

(f) Participants must attend the complete course(s) as presented by the instructor to receive the contact hours approved by the board. No partial credit shall be given to any participant failing to complete the entire course as approved. The sponsor shall verify the participant's attendance and completion of the course; and,

(g) The board does not provide retroactive approval for continuing education courses presented prior to submission of an application for approval.

(5) Trainee program requirements. Individuals seeking certification as a trainee shall meet the requirements of this section.

(a) Trainee applicants. Trainees shall meet the following requirements:

(i) A trainee applicant shall be a full time employee of a political subdivision.

(ii) A trainee applicant shall be under the direct supervision of a trainee supervisor.

(iii) A master plan examiner trainee applicant shall also be a graduate of an NAAB, EAC-ABET, or similarly accredited architecture or engineering university program.

(iv) A building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire protection plans examiner trainee applicant for a non-residential building department shall:

(a) Be a graduate of an "NAAB", "EAC-ABET", or similarly accredited architecture or engineering university program; or

(b) Have at least one year of experience as:

(i) A full-time building inspector, fire protection inspector, plumbing inspector, electrical safety inspector, or mechanical inspector in a certified non-residnetial building department, of the division of industrial compliance in the Ohio department of commerce, or of county boards of health; or

(ii) A full-time residential building official, residential plans examiner, residential building inspector, or residential mechanical inspector in a certified residential building department; or

(iii) A full-time designer working under the direct supervision of a design professional preparing construction documents of any discipline directly related to buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the Ohio building codes.

(c) Submit evidence of eligibility to receive the education credit pursuant to paragraph (F)(6) of this rule.

(v) A residential plans examiner trainee applicant for a residential building department shall meet one of the following:

(a) Have at least one year of experience as a full-time designer working under the direct supervision of a design professional preparing construction documents;

(b) Have at least one year of experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a residential or non-residential code adopted for buildings or structures regulated by the "Residential Code of Ohio" or the "Ohio Building Code"; or

(c) Submit evidence of eligibility to receive the education credit pursuant to paragraph (F)(6) of this rule.

(vi) A building inspector or mechanical inspector trainee applicant for a non-residential building department shall:

(a) Have at least one year of experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under either a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for buildings or structures and within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board; or

(b) Submit evidence of eligibility to receive the education credit pursuant to paragraph (F)(6) of this rule.

(vii) The building inspector or mechanical inspector trainee applicant for a residential building department shall

(a) Have at least one year of experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a residential or non-residential code adopted for buildings or structures regulated by the "Residential Code of Ohio" or the "Ohio Building Code"; or

(b) Submit evidence of eligibility to receive the education credit pursuant to paragraph (F)(6) of this rule.

(viii) A plumbing inspector trainee applicant shall:

(a) Have at least three years of experience in the installation of plumbing systems subject to inspection under either a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for buildings or structures and within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board; or

(b) Submit evidence of eligibility to receive the education credit pursuant to paragraph (F)(6) of this rule.

(ix) An electrical safety inspector trainee applicant shall:

(a) Have at least two years of experience in the installation of electrical systems subject to inspection under either a model building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for buildings or structures and within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board; or

(b) Submit evidence of eligibility to receive the education credit pursuant to paragraph (F)(6) of this rule.

(b) Trainee supervisors. A trainee supervisor shall:

(i) Be a full time employee of the same political subdivision as the trainee and shall be available to the trainee during normal working hours;

(ii) Currently possess the certification for which the trainee is being trained except that a master plans examiner may supervise any elective plans examiner trainee;

(iii) Be responsible for no more than two trainees at one time and shall immediately notify the board of the trainee(s) under supervision;

(iv) Notify the board of any change in supervisor or trainee status within thirty days;

(v) Supervise, check, and sign the trainee's inspections and reports or a plans examiner trainee's plans examinations; and

(vi) Provide to the board a report documenting at least twenty-five inspections or plans examinations made yearly by the trainee under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor, with an evaluation of the trainee at the end of the first six months of the program, at the end of one year, and annually afterward.

(c) Trainee sponsor requirements. The trainee sponsor (county, township, or municipal corporation) shall:

(i) Direct the appropriate building official to certify to the board that the trainee is a full time employee of the county, township, or municipal corporation and is under the direct supervision of an individual possessing the certification for which the trainee is being trained; and

(ii) Provide the trainee with a copy of the current rules of the board.

(d) Trainee certification. The board shall issue a trainee certification to each applicant who has met the qualification requirements. The certification shall expire not more than six years from the date of applicant approval by the board. After a minimum of two years, or four years for electrical safety inspector trainees, and upon satisfactory completion of the trainee program pursuant to paragraph (F)(5)(e) of this rule, the trainee may apply for certification in the respective classification. The trainee certification is not renewable and upon expiration the individual may not reapply as a new trainee for a period of one year. The board may approve a trainee program on a case-by-case basis in lieu of the requirements of paragraph (F)(5)(e) of this rule that provides an equivalent level of training and education based on the individual applicant's documented experience.

(e) Trainee course and work requirements.

(i) Plans examiner trainees:

(a) A master plans examiner trainee, prior to completion of the trainee program, shall:

(i) Perform at least twenty-five plans examinations yearly while under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor;

(ii) Attend and successfully complete at least ten hours of approved code education courses yearly, including completion of the "Ohio Building Code Academy" as required in paragraph (F)(3) of this rule;

(iii) Complete the appropriate examination requirements; and

(iv) Become registered in Ohio as an architect or professional engineer.

(b) A residential plans examiner trainee, prior to completion of the trainee program, shall:

(i) Perform at least twenty-five plans examinations yearly while under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor;

(ii) Attend and successfully complete at least one-hundred hours of approved code education courses, including completion of the "Ohio Building Code Academy" as required in paragraph (F)(3) of this rule; and

(iii) Complete the appropriate examination requirements.

(c) An elective plans examiner trainee, prior to completion of the trainee program, shall:

(i) Perform at least twenty-five plans examinations yearly while under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor;

(ii) Attend and successfully complete at least two-hundred hours of approved code education courses, including completion of the "Ohio Building Code Academy" as required in paragraph (F)(3) of this rule;

(iii) Complete the appropriate examination requirements.

(ii) Inspector trainees:

(a) A non-residential building, mechanical, or plumbing inspector trainee, prior to completion of the trainee program, shall:

(i) Perform at least twenty-five inspections yearly while under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor;

(ii) Attend and successfully complete at least two-hundred hours of approved code education courses, including completion of the "Ohio Building Code Academy" as required in paragraph (F)(3) of this rule; and

(iii) Complete the appropriate examination requirements.

(b) A residential building, mechanical, or plumbing inspector trainee, prior to completion of the trainee program, shall:

(i) Perform at least twenty-five inspections yearly while under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor;

(ii) Attend and successfully complete at least one-hundred hours of approved code education courses, including completion of the "Ohio Building Code Academy" as required in paragraph (F)(3) of this rule; and

(iii) Complete the appropriate examination requirements.

(c) An electrical safety inspector trainee, prior to completion of the trainee program, shall:

(i) Perform at least twenty-five inspections yearly while under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor;

(ii) Attend and successfully complete at least two-hundred hours of approved code education courses, including completion of the "Ohio Building Code Academy" as required in paragraph (F)(3) of this rule; and

(iii) Complete the appropriate examination requirements.

(6) Education credit. An applicant for a board certification may obtain credit for one year of the required experience through education pursuant to the following:

(a) Documentation. Supporting documentation shall be provided and may include a certificate of completion, a career passport, a transcript, a college degree or diploma granted by an accredited or state sponsored institution.

(i) The applicant shall document nine hundred or more contact hours of training in an approved vocational education program at the high school or adult level; or

(ii) The applicant shall document the completion of a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree program in building design or construction.

(b) Educational programs. Education credit shall not be prorated or combined for partial or full credit and shall be awarded only upon successful completion of a specific educational program. Miscellaneous course work or isolated classes shall not be considered.

(i) Vocational programs. Vocational instructional programs that are acceptable for credit include:

(a) Air conditioning, heating, and ventilation.

(b) Carpentry.

(c) Electricity.

(d) Masonry.

(e) Plumbing and pipefitting.

(f) Firefighting.

(ii) Technical programs. Technical education instructional programs offering associate degrees that are acceptable for credit include:

(a) Architectural/construction technology.

(b) Heating and air conditioning technology.

(c) Fire science technology.

(iii) Other programs. The successful completion of other specific vocational instructional programs of a minimum of nine hundred contact hours or technical education instructional programs may be considered by the board if the training is directly related to the design and construction of buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board.

An applicant for electrical safety inspector trainee may obtain credit for one year of required experience through the completion of approved vocational training in the fundamentals of electricity.

(7) Certification, revocation or suspension. In accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code, a certification may be revoked or suspended upon receipt by the board of building standards of a written complaint from any person affected by the exercise of the authority granted under such certification, or by the board on its own motion pursuant to this paragraph.

(a) Complaint process. Upon receipt of a complaint against a holder of a certification that is substantiated to the satisfaction of the board or upon the board's own motion:

(i) The board shall decide whether the information submitted warrants causing an investigation to be initiated or sending a notice of opportunity for hearing as outlined in paragraph (F)(7)(a)(iv) of this rule;

(ii) If a formal investigation is warranted, the subject of the investigation shall be notified that an investigation has been initiated by the board;

(iii) Upon completion of the investigation, findings shall be reported to the board.

(iv) The board may dismiss the complaint, table the matter for future action, or initiate action to suspend or revoke the certification. If the board decides to initiate action to suspend or revoke the certification it shall notify the certificate holder of the charges, pursuant to paragraph (F)(7)(c) of this rule, by certified mail, return receipt requested. The certificate holder shall be informed that a hearing, if desired, must be requested within thirty days from the date of the mailing to request a hearing before the board. The order shall inform the certificate holder that counsel may represent the certificate holder at the hearing. Failure by the certification holder to request a hearing within thirty days from the date of the mailing of the notification may cause the board, after a hearing, to uphold an order revoking or suspending certification.

(v) In the event that the certificate holder timely requests a hearing, the board shall decide to either conduct a hearing or appoint a hearing officer to conduct a hearing.

(a) Board decision to hold a hearing.

(i) The board shall schedule a hearing to be held seven to fifteen days after receipt of the request.

(ii) The board may continue or postpone the hearing upon application by the party or upon its own motion.

(iii) The board shall conduct a hearing during which parties and witnesses can be examined and offer testimony in a manner that prevents unnecessary delay, and that ensures the development of a clear and adequate record. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.09 of the Revised Code.

(b) Board decision to appoint a hearing officer. The hearing officer shall submit, within thirty days after the conclusion of the hearing, a written report of the finding of fact and recommendations to the board for its consideration.

(vi) Following the hearing or following receipt of the hearing officer's report, the board shall take action. The party affected shall be sent a certified copy of the board's action and informed by certified mail, return receipt requested, that the certification holder may appeal the order within fifteen days to the court of common pleas in Franklin county pursuant to sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.12 of the Revised Code.

(b) Building department personnel certification, hearings and appeals. Hearings shall be held by the board of building standards and appeals shall be permitted on any proceedings for certification as provided in section 119.07 of the Revised Code and in paragraph (F)(7)(a) of this rule.

(c) Grounds for revocation or suspension. The board shall revoke or suspend an individual's certification if the board concludes that the individual has committed one or more of the following:

(i) The practice of fraud or deceit in obtaining the certification;

(ii) A felony or crime involving moral turpitude;

(iii) Gross negligence, incompetence, misconduct in performance of duties, or engaging in conduct that is considered a conflict of interest;

(iv) Failure to complete the continuing education requirements prior to expiration date of the certificate;

(v) Violation of the duties described in section 104 of rule 4101:1-1-01 of the Administrative Code for non-residential certifications and section 104 of rule 4101:8-1-01 of the Administrative Code for residential certifications.

(d) Revocation or suspension. In the event of suspension or revocation of a certification, the individual shall no longer hold out to the public or any jurisdiction that the individual is certified to exercise enforcement authority or holds the board certification which has been suspended or certification revoked. During a suspension, the certificate holder shall comply with the training, reporting, auditing, or other remedial action required by the board. In addition to such other authority the board may have, the board is authorized to revoke the individual's certification for failure to comply with such remedial requirements.

(e) Probationary status. In the event of an investigation in which the board decides not to immediately suspend or revoke an individual's certification, the board may place the individual on probationary status for a period of time and require remedial action as the board deems appropriate. During this time the certificate holder shall comply with the training, reporting, auditing, or other remedial action required by the board. In addition to such other authority the board may have, the board is authorized to revoke or suspend the certificate holder's certification for failure to comply with such remedial requirements.

Effective: 4/1/2019
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 11/1/2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3781.10, 3783.05
Rule Amplifies: 3781.10, 3783.05
Prior Effective Dates: 07/07/1969, 03/26/1971, 09/30/1972, 03/15/1974, 04/15/1974, 07/01/1974, 02/15/1975, 07/01/1977, 12/30/1977, 07/01/1978, 05/25/1979, 07/01/1979, 07/16/1979, 05/01/1980, 01/01/1981, 07/10/1981, 03/10/1982, 07/01/1982, 01/01/1983, 01/01/1984, 03/01/1984, 03/05/1984, 03/01/1985, 07/01/1985, 12/01/1985, 03/01/1986, 09/01/1986, 02/01/1987, 07/01/1987, 01/01/1988, 10/01/1988, 01/01/1989, 06/01/1989, 01/01/1990, 08/01/1990, 10/01/1990, 05/15/1991, 07/01/1991, 08/22/1991, 07/15/1992, 09/01/1992, 01/01/1993, 07/05/1993, 01/01/1994, 09/01/1994, 05/15/1995, 07/01/1995, 02/01/1996, 02/02/1996, 01/01/1997, 07/01/1997, 01/01/1998, 03/01/1998, 04/01/1999, 10/01/1999, 04/01/2000, 07/15/2000, 12/01/2000, 04/01/2001, 01/01/2002, 07/01/2002, 01/01/2003, 04/01/2003, 07/01/2003, 08/15/2003, 01/01/2004, 07/01/2004, 03/01/2005, 09/06/2005, 03/01/2006, 07/01/2006, 05/27/2007, 07/01/2007, 01/01/2009, 07/01/2009, 11/01/2011, 03/11/2012, 03/12/2012 (Emer.), 06/08/2012, 03/01/2013, 01/01/2015, 01/01/2018