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It takes an army of skilled trade professionals to transform an empty lot into a safe and habitable residential or commercial structure. Along the way, trained and experienced inspectors make sure every element is up to code.

Every state has different requirements for code officials tasked with inspecting building plans and construction sites. In New Jersey, you must have experience or education, as well as a state-issued license from the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards, Licensing and Education Unit.

What do you need to do to obtain your electrical code official license?

What an Electrical Code Official Does

There are two parts to the job of a code official. First, you will be responsible for reviewing building plans to ensure electrical elements align with the state Uniform Construction Code and that permits are obtained for work.

Once plans are approved and building begins, you must visit job sites periodically to make sure construction is in line with approved plans and finished work complies with safety standards and building codes. If discrepancies or violations occur, you must issue violation notices and orders to stop work until problems are addressed.

Experience and Education Requirements

With the right experience or education, you may qualify to become an electrical code official in New Jersey.

You must have five years of qualifying experience as a journeyman in construction, design, or supervision in a skilled trade regulated by the electrical subcode, or five years of experience as an electrical inspector or a construction contractor (under the electrical subcode).

Alternatively, you may qualify with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, architectural/engineering technology, or a related area of study, plus one year of qualifying experience. If you obtain an associate’s degree in code inspection, you must have two years of qualifying experience.

A licensed architect or engineer in New Jersey may also apply for a code official license.

Examination Requirements

In addition to completing experience or education requirements, you must pass licensing examinations issued by the National Certification for Construction Code Inspectors (NCPCCI).

If you’re interested in residential, commercial, and industrial inspection, you can take the NCPCCI 2A Electrical Inspector One- and Two-Family Dwellings and 2B Electrical General Exams. The 2A Exam features 50 questions on the following topics:

• Calculations of wire size
• Calculations of load
• Lighting and utilization equipment
• Conductors and overcurrent protection on the load side of the service
• Special installations or constructions
• Service equipment and conductors on the supply side of the service
• Wiring methods
• Switches, disconnects, and controllers
• Cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, boxes, and conduit bodies

The 2B Exam consists of 50 questions on the same topics, as well as:

• Generators other than dwellings
• Motors other than dwellings
• Special occupancies

Both exams are open-book. You will have two hours to complete each exam, and you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

Preparing for Testing Success

The best state-approved exam preparation programs offer accommodations for working professionals, including 24/7 online access for self-paced learning and courses designed by industry experts and educators.

If the next step in your career involves obtaining an electrical code official license in New Jersey, contact RocketCert now to get started.