Continuing Education Activities are defined as those activities which a Building Official undertakes for professional development in order to keep current and meet their responsibilities and duty of care to those they serve. These activities include learning through the following methods:
Core Education/credit – Structured programs offered by NSBOA and that may or may not have an evaluation process. Examples include courses, seminars, and/or workshops offered by NSBOA. This results in core education credits being granted.
Non Core Education/credit – Programs offered by an educational body or formalized organization that expand a Building Officials knowledge, skill or judgment. These may include attendance at conferences, industry trade shows, facilitating courses, workshops or lectures. These activities may take place within NSBOA but are most likely outside of our sphere. Activities in this category must be approved by the Education Committee of the Board of Directors of NSBOA and count toward non core credits.
Participation – Active participation and involvement in NSBOA committees, attendance at local zone meetings, and the holding of office within the association. These activities enable a building official to interact with peers and expose them to new ideas and technologies. This lends itself to the personal development of organizational skills, teamwork and awareness of the volunteer contributions to professional development.
Contribution to Knowledge – The preparation and/or publication of articles, research papers, codes, educational programs and manuals, and presentations which help expand a building official’s knowledge. These may or may not include peer-reviewed materials.
Approved Continuing Education Provider means an individual, company, and/or structured organization that offers education activities and whose program has been approved by the NSBOA Education Committee for credit.
Effective Date
Effective April 1, 2011, 30 Credit Points of documented professional continuing education activities are required for each 5-year cycle and must be related to the specifics of building inspection, code administration or plans examination job functions.
Credit Assignment
During each five (5) year reporting period, NSBOA will identify various programs as Core Education Activities. NSBOA will offer these and will have a credit number assigned to them.
For non-core credits, approval must be obtained by either the Education Committee of the Board of Directors or the Board of Directors themselves. To facilitate the assignment of a credit number, an individual needs to submit the following information either to the Chair of the Education Committee or the Association Director:
- Name of course and/or program;
- Provider of course/program;
- Delivery method;
- Course/program outline; and,
- The duration of the activity is not evident in the outline, as requested above.
Once this information is received, it will be circulated to the appropriate group within NSBOA for evaluation. If further information is required, it will be requested from the individual putting forth the file.
It should be noted that members will be responsible for tracking their progress as it relates to accumulating credits. Toward the end of the five-year cycle, members must present proof of their attendance and/or participation for all core and non-core credits.
Continuing Education Credits encompass technical and non-technical skills and are vital for developing and maintaining competency. NSBOA Continuing Education Credits are designed to encourage building officials to maintain and expand their knowledge of codes, standards, technology and standards of practice.
