Accreditation Program
Setting the Standard for Excellence in Building Safety
WABO Accredited Code Official
WABO recognizes and supports the jurisdictions, agencies, and individuals responsible for safeguarding life, health, property, and promoting public welfare through the administration and enforcement of the codes. WABO is committed to enhancing and increasing the professional administration of codes by promoting and supporting the qualifications, technical knowledge and credentials of code officials.
WABO believes that local jurisdictions’ code enforcement responsibilities are best administered by qualified code officials, that local authorities should appoint qualified individuals, and that recognized qualifications for all code enforcement personnel should be applied throughout the state.
In response to concerns of the state legislative bodies, WABO supports and encourages professional accreditation for code officials to demonstrate qualification to administer state and local codes. Towards that end, WABO proposes to establish a WABO Accredited Code Official Program.
The accreditation program demonstrates that the accredited code official has passed a WABO approved examination that covers Washington laws related to state building codes including, but not limited to, administrative procedures, architectural barriers, and Washington amendments to the administrative codes. It is intended that each jurisdiction employ a building official that meets certain minimum requirements, as specified herein.
The RCWs and WAC covered in the ACO exam:
- RCW 18.27
- RCW 19.27
- RCW 19.27A
- WAC 51-04
The accreditation program is voluntary and seeks to validate the individual requirements to work as a code official in the State of Washington. It does not intend to create separate classes of members within the organization, depending on whether one is accredited or not. The accreditation of building officials is encouraged to provide recognized professional credentials for code officials, qualification standards for code enforcement agencies, and greater safety for citizens.
Join your colleagues and apply to become an ACO today!
Washington’s communities rely on the expertise of skilled professionals to ensure every home and workplace is built to last. The WABO Code Official Accreditation Program (COAP) provides the specialized training necessary to meet this critical demand.
Whether you are entering the field or advancing your career, our curriculum equips you with the technical mastery and legal knowledge required to protect and uphold the highest standards of building safety.
The WABO Code Official Accreditation Program (COAP) provides a state-licensed, 100% online pathway to a rewarding career in building code administration.
All forms are PDF files. If you do not have the latest Acrobat Reader, please go to www.adobe.com to download (it’s free).
For more information on the WABO Accredited Code Official Program (ACO), please contact [email protected].
For more information on the WABO Code Official Accreditation Program (COAP), please contact [email protected].