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Year 3

Plans Examiner Training & Certification

Plans examiners review plans, often submitted by construction companies, architects, or homeowners applying to receive work permits, to ensure those plans meet building codes and requirements of the state, county, and city where the construction is taking place. A plans examiner may work with blueprints for both residential and commercial properties.

Plans Examiner Curriculum

The Plans Examiner track focuses on plan review, code interpretation, and technical analysis used by building departments when evaluating permit applications.

Students develop expertise in:

  • Plan Review Fundamentals: Learn the philosophy and standards used by jurisdictions when reviewing construction plans and permit applications.
  • Code Interpretation: Gain practical experience interpreting the International Building Code and related regulations for residential and commercial structures.
  • Technical Analysis: Evaluate construction documents, structural designs, and framing details to verify compliance with adopted building codes.
  • Coordination & Collaboration: Understand how plans examiners work with architects, engineers, contractors, and inspectors to resolve code issues before construction begins.

Required Classes for the
Plans Examiner Certification

PLANS EXAMINER 301

Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Micah Chappell, MBA, CBO

PE 301: Basic Philosophy Of Plan Review: Fall Quarter

This course is designed to introduce the knowledge and philosophy jurisdictions may expect a plan reviewer to have a basic understanding of. Applying legal standards to code administration, identifying resources for research, and philosophy for plan review will be explored.

Prerequisites: COAP Years 1 and 2
Required Material*

It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class.:

Legal Aspects of Code Administration – $54.00
International Building Code (Soft Cover) – $209.00
International Residential Code (Soft Cover) – $209.00

PLANS EXAMINER 302

Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Kevin Meske

302: Roles And Responsibilities: Winter Quarter

This course is designed to introduce common roles, responsibilities, skills, knowledge, and abilities of the Plans Examiner. Various types of plan reviews, the importance of internal and external coordination, and collaboration within the plan review process will be explored.

Prerequisites: PE 301
Required Material*

It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class:

Plan Review Skills – $30.00

PLANS EXAMINER 303

Minimum: 100 hours per quarter
Instructor: Andrew Lunde

PE 303: Plans Examiner: Spring Quarter

This course is designed for non-engineers to understand how the framing of wood structures are designed. The course will further develop knowledge and expectations of the plan reviewer role within the building department.

Prerequisites: PE 301 and PE 302

Required Material*

It is the student’s responsibility to have the following book(s) prior to the first day of class:

Simplified Design of Wood Structures – $124.00

*Required material, editions, availability, and cost are subject to change without notice. We recommend not purchasing items for future quarters.

Washington State Building Plans Examiner Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Plans Examiner track are prepared for specialized technical roles within city and county building departments.

 

Plans Examiner

Reviews construction drawings and technical documents to verify that proposed projects meet building codes and regulatory requirements before permits are issued.

Residential Plans Examiner

Analyzes residential building plans to confirm structural integrity, code compliance, and adherence to local construction standards.

Permit Review Specialist

Assists building departments by reviewing permit applications and supporting documentation to identify potential compliance issues before approval.

Code Compliance Analyst

Interprets building codes and regulatory requirements to support plan review, ensuring proposed construction projects meet jurisdictional standards.

Secure Your Future in Building Safety

Building departments rely on skilled code professionals to review plans, enforce building codes, and protect public safety.

Enrollment for Fall 2027 begins May 3, 2027. Classes begin September 7, 2027, and space is limited.

Plans Examiner Salary & Earnings Potential in Washington

Washington State offers strong career opportunities and competitive compensation for qualified plans examiners.

$ 79,845

-

$ 123,753

Estimated Annual Range

Program Investment & Required Materials

Tuition and fees are paid quarterly while students are enrolled in the program.

  • Quarterly Tuition: $394.00
  • Quarterly Administrative Fee: $28.00 (Non-refundable, Non-transferrable)
  • Quarterly Technology Fee: $28.00 (Non-refundable, Non-transferrable)
  • Total Tuition & Fees Per Quarter: $450.00
  • Total Tuition & Fees for Certificate: $1,350.00

Students are responsible for obtaining standard reference codes prior to the first day of class.

  • Legal Aspects of Code Administration ($54.00)
  • International Building Code – Soft Cover ($209.00)
  • International Residential Code – Soft Cover ($209.00)
  • Plan Review Skills ($30.00)
  • Simplified Design of Wood Structures ($124.00)

Plans Examiner Certificate Requirements

The Plans Examiner program consists of three quarters of coursework totaling approximately 300 hours of instruction.

  • Format: Completely online e-learning.
  • Age: Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration.
  • Education: Must possess a High School Diploma or GED at the time of registration.
  • Prerequisites: Completion of Year 1 (Permit Technician) and Year 2 (Building Inspector).
  • Program Completion: Successful completion of PE 301, PE 302, and PE 303

Testimonials

I really enjoyed diving deeper into the code especially as it relates to plan review. There is still a lot of the code that is not fully cemented in my memory, but this class showed how it all ties together and how to properly distinguish between referencing the IRC or the IBC (or a combination of both).
Class discussions are great to hear examples and other perspectives regarding plan review topics. Reviewing legal aspects again, which is a complicated subject to process, helps build understanding too.
I appreciate getting the additional continuing education and know it's making an impact in my profession!
I enjoyed that we actually dove into the code and the class felt relevant to me as a Plans Examiner
This is a great program. I oversee many different teams in my department. Unfortunately, I can't make the course mandatory but highly encourage my staff to sign up.

Meet Your Instructors

Micah Chappell

Micah is a Technical Code Development Manager. Experienced and accomplished public administrator utilizing over twenty-five years’ experience in the industry with a working knowledge of all aspects of Building Services management and code development, supervising and managing staff that provide services of plan review, inspections, and clerical and budgeting processes, to ensure an effective and efficient administration of municipal services. Practicing adaptable management skills, effectively leading and motivating others by developing and maintaining relationships through structured teamwork and coordinated efforts, I seek to provide a lasting, positive impact for the community.

Currently Teaching: PE 301

Kevin Meske

Kevin is a Plans Examination Engineer III. He examines permit drawings, specifications, calculations and other supporting documents for code compliance. Kevin previously held a position as a Building Inspector where he inspected buildings and other structures for compliance with approved permit documents, codes, and ordinances. Kevin is a graduate of Year 3 of the COAP program.

Currently Teaching: PE 302

Andrew Lunde

Andrew is an Engineering Services Manager. He manages the plan review process of building, mechanical, demolition, and grading permits from preapplication to permit issuance. Andrew manages staff of 53 employees consisting of structural engineers, permit process leaders, & building plans examiners.

Currently Teaching: PE 303

Have A Question?

What does a Plans Examiner do?

Plans examiners review plans, often submitted by construction companies, architects, or homeowners applying to receive permits, to ensure those plans meet building codes and requirements of the state, county, and city where the construction is taking place.

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of each year the student will be awarded a WABO Code Official Accreditation Program Certificate of Completion.

Certificate of Accreditation

Upon successful completion of each year if the student has completed the required International Code Council (ICC) certificates the student will be awarded a WABO Code Official Accreditation Program Certificate of Accreditation.

Summary

All students who complete their program year will receive a Certificate of Complete. We highly encourage students to obtain their International Code Council (ICC) certifications, but is not required to complete any year of the COAP program.

No. The program is designed to train both current staff and individuals looking to enter the profession for the first time. Students typically complete COAP Year 1 – Permit Technician and Year 2 – Building Inspector prior to enrolling in Year 3 – Plans Examiner program.

Yes. WABO offers scholarships that may reimburse up to 50% of tuition for students not receiving employer support, and up to one-third for those receiving partial funding.

Students need a computer and reliable internet access. The ability to participate in virtual classes, complete assignments, and access the online learning system.

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