Become A Plans Examiner
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Plans Examiner
- Getting Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Deal with People
Outdoors/walking/standing
Make Decisions
$57,340
Average Salary
What Does A Plans Examiner Do At Bureau Vertias North America
What Does A Plans Examiner Do At City of Richmond-Utilities
What Does A Plans Examiner Do At Clark County, NV
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How To Become A Plans Examiner
Most employers require construction and building inspectors to have at least a high school diploma and considerable knowledge of construction trades. Inspectors typically learn on the job. Many states and local jurisdictions require some type of license or certification.
EducationMost employers require inspectors to have at least a high school diploma, even for workers who have considerable related work experience.
Employers also seek candidates who have studied engineering or architecture or who have a certificate or an associate’s degree that includes courses in building inspection, home inspection, construction technology, and drafting. Many community colleges offer programs in building inspection technology. Courses in blueprint reading, vocational subjects, algebra, geometry, and writing are also useful. Courses in business management are helpful for those who plan to run their own inspection business.
A growing number of construction and building inspectors are entering the occupation with a bachelor’s degree, which can often substitute for related work experience.
TrainingTraining requirements vary by state, locality, and type of inspector. In general, construction and building inspectors receive much of their training on the job, although they must learn building codes and standards on their own. Working with an experienced inspector, they learn about inspection techniques; codes, ordinances, and regulations; contract specifications; and recordkeeping and reporting duties. Training also may include supervised onsite inspections.
Work Experience in a Related OccupationBecause inspectors must possess the right mix of technical knowledge, work experience, and education, employers prefer applicants who have both training and experience in a construction trade. For example, many inspectors have experience working as carpenters, electricians, or plumbers. Many home inspectors combine knowledge of multiple specialties, so many of them enter the occupation having a combination of certifications and previous experience in various construction trades.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsMost states and local jurisdictions require construction and building inspectors to have a license or certification. Some states have individual licensing programs for construction and building inspectors. Others may require certification by associations such as the International Code Council, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, and the National Fire Protection Association.
Similarly, most states require home inspectors to follow defined trade practices or obtain a state-issued license or certification. Currently, 36 states have policies regulating the conduct of home inspectors; a few states are considering adding licensure or certification requirements for home inspectors.
Home inspector license or certification requirements vary by state but may require that inspectors do the following:
- Achieve a specified level of education
- Possess experience with inspections
- Maintain liability insurance
- Pass an exam
The exam is often based on the American Society of Home Inspectors and National Association of Home Inspectors certification exams. Most inspectors must renew their license periodically and take continuing education courses.
Inspectors must have a valid driver’s license because they must travel to inspection sites.
Important QualitiesCommunication skills. Inspectors must have good communication skills in order to explain any problems they find and to help people understand what is needed to fix the problems. In addition, they need to provide a written report of their findings.
Craft experience. Inspectors perform checks and inspections throughout the construction project. Experience in a related construction occupation provides inspectors with the necessary background to become certified.
Detail oriented. Inspectors must thoroughly examine many different construction activities, often at the same time. Therefore, they must pay close attention to detail so as to not overlook any items that need to be checked.
Mechanical knowledge. Inspectors use a variety of testing equipment as they check complex systems. In order to perform tests properly, they also must have detailed knowledge of how the systems operate.
Physical stamina. Inspectors are constantly on their feet and often must crawl through attics and other tight spaces. As a result, they should be somewhat physically fit.
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Plans Examiner jobs
Plans Examiner Career Paths
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Plans Examiner 4.0 years
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Facilities Planner 3.9 years
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License Examiner 3.6 years
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Examiner 3.3 years
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Construction Estimator 3.3 years
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Insurance Examiner 3.2 years
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Motor Vehicle Examiner 3.1 years
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Building Inspector 16.8%
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Project Manager 13.6%
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Building Official 5.6%
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Field Inspector 4.8%
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Office Manager 4.8%
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Project Coordinator 4.0%
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Architect 4.0%
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Computer Aide 4.0%
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Mechanical Inspector 4.0%
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Project Engineer 4.0%
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Fire Inspector 3.2%
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Volunteer 3.2%
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Senior Engineer 3.2%
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Estimator 3.2%
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Owner 3.2%
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Owner/Operator 3.2%
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Project Manager 17.5%
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Building Inspector 16.7%
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Building Official 12.3%
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Principal 5.3%
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Instructor 4.4%
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Project Coordinator 3.5%
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Office Manager 3.5%
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Owner 3.5%
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Counselor 2.6%
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Architect 2.6%
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Coordinator 2.6%
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Inspector 2.6%
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Owner, Consultant 2.6%
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Quality Assurance 2.6%
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Senior Inspector 2.6%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Plans Examiner
Top Careers After Plans Examiner
Plans Examiner Demographics
Gender
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Male
68.9% -
Female
27.8% -
Unknown
3.3%
Ethnicity
-
White
83.8% -
Hispanic or Latino
8.5% -
Asian
6.0% -
Unknown
1.2% -
Black or African American
0.4%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
57.1% -
Italian
28.6% -
Dakota
14.3%
Plans Examiner
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Plans Examiner Education
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Modesto Junior College
9.4% -
Chemeketa Community College
9.4% -
Northwood University
6.3% -
University of California - Los Angeles
6.3% -
Sonoma State University
6.3% -
Palomar College
6.3% -
University of North Texas
6.3% -
University of Miami
6.3% -
Old Dominion University
6.3% -
Butte College
6.3% -
Central Washington University
3.1% -
University of Texas at Arlington
3.1% -
O'More College of Design
3.1% -
University of Connecticut
3.1% -
Texas Southern University
3.1% -
Troy University
3.1% -
Pima Community College
3.1% -
Norwich University
3.1% -
Richland Community College
3.1% -
Washington State University
3.1% -
Business 19.1%
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Architecture 11.2%
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Property Management 7.9%
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Management 6.7%
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Civil Engineering 6.7%
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Political Science 3.4%
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Law 3.4%
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Marketing 2.2%
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Environmental Design 2.2%
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Bachelors
38.3% -
Other
27.1% -
Associate
15.0% -
Masters
13.5% -
Doctorate
3.8% -
Certificate
1.5% -
License
0.8%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Plans Examiner
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Plans Examiner Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plans Examiner | 4Leaf, Inc. | Pleasanton, CA | Jul 30, 2014 | $74,339 |
| Urban/Waterfront Plan Examiner | New York City Dept. of Small Business Services | New York, NY | Feb 20, 2015 | $60,000 |
| Urban/Waterfront Plan Examiner | New York City Dept. of Small Business Services | New York, NY | Feb 28, 2015 | $60,000 - $61,000 |
| Urban/Waterfront Plan Examiner | New York City Dept. of Small Business Services | New York, NY | Sep 10, 2015 | $60,000 - $61,000 |
| Urban/Waterfront Plan Examiner | New York City Dept. of Small Business Services | New York, NY | Aug 03, 2016 | $58,000 - $60,000 |
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Top Skills for A Plans Examiner
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Top Plans Examiner Skills
- Contractors
- Architectural Plans
- Building Plan Reviews
- Confer with architects, designers, engineers and contractors in reconciling building plans with building codes.
- Reviewed building and architectural plans for compliance with the applicable building codes and standards.
- Completed building plan reviews for the city of Davis, California.
- Performed Building Safety plan reviews according to codes adopted by City of Tucson Development Services Department.
- Reviewed incoming commercial and residential projects, provided customer service.
Top Plans Examiner Employers
4Leaf, Inc.
Mohave County Dev. Services
Virginia Department of Health Center For Quality Health Care Services
City of Jackson Planning and Development/ Code Services
City of Walnut Creek, Community Development Department
City of Dayton, Division of Building Inspections
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