KRS 198B.090: Certification of professional classifications -- Training program for

building code administration and enforcement.

(1) The department shall create and administer a certification program with sufficient

testing procedures to certify the following professional classifications:

(a) Building inspector;

(b) Plans and specifications inspector; and

(c) Plumbing inspector.

(2) The testing procedures shall be sufficient to reflect the ability of the person applying

for certification to inspect in accordance with those local, state, and federal building

codes, fire codes, plumbing codes, or health and safety codes, that are applicable to

the inspection duties for which he or she requests certification.

(3) The department shall conduct or sponsor preentry a nd in -service education and

training programs on the technical, legal, and administrative aspects of building

code administration and enforcement. For this purpose it may cooperate and

contract with educational institutions, area development districts, loc al, regional,

state or national building officials' organizations, and any other appropriate

organization.

(4) The department shall create and administer an educational program designed to

prepare building officials, code enforcement officers, and other persons interested in

obtaining from the department a certification as a building inspector, plans and

specifications inspector, or plumbing inspector. The program shall be designed to

ensure uniform statewide enforcement of the applicable state building and plumbing

codes. Training material coverage shall be adequate to prepare the participants with

a working knowledge of construction design, specification terms, and the state

building codes applicable to the particular field in which the applicant requests

certification.

(5) Plumbing inspectors who are in compliance with KRS 318.090 as state inspectors

and KRS 318.140 as city -county inspectors, shall be considered in compliance with

subsections (1)(c) and (2) of this section and shall not be required to be r etested by

the department prior to consideration for certification as a plumbing inspector. The

department shall review the plumbing inspector's qualifications and credentials for

compliance with KRS 318.090 or 318.140 prior to issuing a certification to t he

inspector's certificate applicant.

(6) Attendance at the training sessions shall not be mandatory prior to testing for

certification if the applicant's previous education or experience qualifies the

applicant to obtain a passing score on the required certification test.

(7) Training sessions shall be held as frequently as is felt necessary by the

commissioner to adequately provide for local and state building inspection needs.

(8) The department's plans and specifications review staff and the field inspe ction staff

shall attend the training and become certified in accordance with this section.

(9) All building inspectors, plans and specification inspectors, and plumbing inspectors

shall be certified or enrolled and actively pursuing department certificati on within

ninety (90) days after employment as an inspector.

(10) The department shall establish a schedule of fees to cover the cost of the education,

testing, and certification programs to be paid by the applicants for certification. The

fees shall not e xceed the actual cost of the services performed by the department to

administer the programs listed in this section.

(11) The department may reimburse building officials, code enforcement officers, and

other employees of the state and its subdivisions for related expenses incurred by

them for attendance at in-service training programs approved by the department.