Program Overview

Building Inspection Certificate of Achievement

Related Degrees & Certificates

• AS Associate in Science Degree Program
  • Building Inspection | 60 units
• CS Certificate of Specialization
  • Commercial Building Inspection | 13.5 units
  • Residential Building Inspection | 15 units

Career Opportunities

Typical of real estate/construction related occupations, building inspection has some ebb and flow with economic cycles. However, this specialty area does not suffer the extreme peaks and valleys of employment found in general for real estate related industries. The need for building inspection services is not limited to new construction. Rather it is in demand for the great majority of remodel or updating projects, for re-inspection of properties that fall under new regulations and support of code violation enforcement. The employers are predominately government agencies and private firms that contract to government agencies, where the work is in consistent demand and is closely tied to the work of fire marshals, emergency preparedness services, etc. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029. Public interest and the desire to improve the quality of construction should continue to create demand for inspectors. In 2019 the median annual salary for this career was $60,710 a year and $29.19 an hour. Our students are frequently hired into Building Inspection Departments in San Mateo County. The majority of our instructors graduated from the CSM program and are currently building inspectors in either San Mateo, San Francisco or Santa Clara counties.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Describe and discuss Building Inspection standards and testing criteria to assure quality construction.
• Explain the intent of code requirements.
• Identify and explain graphics and terms of structural design and engineering.

University Transfer Program

60-70 transferable units

• California State University
• University of California
• Independent Colleges and Universities

Program Overview

Building Inspection is a critical component in the construction and maintenance of residential, commercial, multi-unit and specialty buildings within California. Each area critical to the proper quality of construction, safety of operation and durability over an appropriate time, is separately inspected, tested and certified as compliant with the International Building Code.

The responsibilities of building inspectors are reflected in the importance of their role in ensuring the safety of inhabitants during earthquakes, floods, and other emergency situations. The safety of firefighters entering buildings is increased by compliance with the building code requirements for proper installation of fire sprinklers and other safety measures. Employment is primarily within city, county and state agencies with some opportunities with larger real estate or construction organizations and has remained steady during the last decade.

Program Requirements

Required Core Courses

• BLDG 710 | Advanced Building Inspection | 4.5 units
• BLDG 720 | Electrical Inspection I | 3 units
• BLDG 725 | Electrical Inspection II | 3 units
• BLDG 730 | Plumbing Inspection | 3 units
• BLDG 735 | ADA Building Requirements | 3 units
• BLDG 740 | Mechanical Code | 3 units
• BLDG 750 | Structural Provisions | 3 units
• BLDG 760 | Energy Regulations | 3 units
• BLDG 775 | Introduction to Residential Dwelling Inspection Technology | 3 units

Required Selective Courses

• ENGL 100 | Reading and Composition | 3 units
• OR
• ENGL 105 | Reading and Composition with Support | 5 units
• Or higher level ENGL course | 3 - 5 units

Total Required Units

31.5 - 33.5