The environments we live in are safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing, all thanks to code enforcement. So if you are interested in becoming a code enforcement officer, you need to have a passion for public service and a keen eye for detail. Let’s uncover what you need to know about this career and how you can get started.
What’s a Code Enforcement Officer?
Sometimes referred to as compliance officers or municipal regulations officers, code enforcement officers are city government employees whose main role is to ensure that all code requirements, ordinances, and zoning laws are observed. As a code enforcement officer, your main interests will revolve around keeping citizens safe, protecting the environment, and ensuring that we all live in an orderly and beautiful environment.
Since each state has unique requirements that you should meet before licensing, however, it’s always a good idea to get some help understanding these. As one of the most reliable education providers, RocketCert not only provides information about Code Enforcement Officer requirements but also has a team of experts who create the study material and give you the support you need to fast-track your journey to licensing.
How Do You Become a Code Enforcement Officer?
You can earn your code enforcement license in not so many steps. They include:
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
There will always be specific requirements you have to meet before becoming a code enforcement officer, and these typically vary from one state to the next. In most cases, however, you will have to be of legal age and require a high school diploma. It’s good to bear in mind that some positions will go as far as requiring an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
2. Develop the Required Code Enforcement Skills
The work of a code enforcement officer mainly includes performing on-site inspections to determine if there are any code violations, preparing evidence for legal action, testifying in court where necessary, and maintaining a professional relationship with all crucial agencies. You need to develop skills such as computer literacy, communication, customer service, and others that will help you perform your duties effectively.
3. Complete the Relevant Training and Internships
You will need to spend anywhere from six to twelve months training and acquiring job-specific skills. In some states, you should have worked for two to five years in public service or other positions that give you code enforcement-related experience. Where training is required, you may have to work under supervision so you can learn from the more experienced professionals in this field.
It’s advisable to be as keen as you can during this process, and be curious enough to ask all the questions you have, no matter how basic they may sound. That way, you will have enough information to work with, and thus great confidence to enforce the required codes even when the time comes to work on your own.
4. Take Your Exam and Get Licensed
The last step before becoming an approved code enforcement officer is, almost always, taking your final state or association exam. Some states may not require certification, but it’s always a good idea to consider getting one. Doing so highlights your skills and improves your chances of employment. Also, you may want to find out whether your city is one of those that pay for their code enforcement officers to complete their certification programs before enrolling in one.
Certification Made Easy
Embarking on a journey towards becoming a certified code enforcement officer can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. Even if you feel that the steps are straightforward and thus you don’t require a helping hand, it’s always good to have experts close, just in case things change along the way.
If you’re trying to find the perfect education provider with experts to guide you through every step of your journey, look no further than RocketCert. With expert-written code enforcement certification courses and a great support team, you will be unstoppable in your quest for success!