Certified Codes Inspector Rule Changes

Gary Farley

Director, Fire Prevention Inspections And Permits & Licensing Section

James “Rob” Hodgin

Administrative Services Assistant Iii, Permits & Licensing Section

Clarification of General Requirements – Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-02-16

• The certification card issued by the State Fire Marshal’s Office (“SFMO”) will list all certified specialties and must be carried on all inspections.
  • Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.01(4), effective March 19, 2018.
• Any new applicant for certification has a one-time, 12-month period from the hire date to satisfy the requirements for certification with the SFMO.
  • Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.01(5), effective March 19, 2018.
• Municipalities and counties shall notify the SFMO within 60 days after any new inspector who is required to obtain certification is hired. A form will be available on the SFMO website that must be submitted informing the SFMO of the new hire.
  • Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.01(6), effective March 19, 2018.
• In the near future, new hires will have an option to complete this form through the online licensing system for the municipality or county. However, municipalities and counties will still be responsible for ensuring that the SFMO has been notified of all new hires.

Available Certification Specialties

Definition Changes*

• Pre-Fire Planning Inspection – A walk-through inspection to determine building layout and conditions to aid firefighters.
• State Fire Marshal – The Commissioner of the Department of Commerce and Insurance.
• State Fire Marshal’s Office – The Division of Fire Prevention at the Department of Commerce and Insurance.
• Continuing Education – Training courses approved by the State Fire Marshal related to relevant code(s) for designated specialty or specialties. The SFM or designee shall determine the amount of credit hours awarded.
• Building Code Official changed to Building Code Inspector – An individual who conducts building code inspections as part of his/her regular duties relative to the adopted building code.
• Fire Code Official changed to Fire Code Inspector – An individual who conducts fire code inspections as part of his/her regular duties relative to the adopted fire code.
• Mechanical Code Official changed to Mechanical Code Inspector – An individual who conducts mechanical code inspections as part of his/her regular duties relative to the adopted mechanical code.
• Plumbing Code Official changed to Plumbing Code Inspector – An individual who conducts plumbing code inspections as part of his/her regular duties relative to the adopted plumbing code.
• Specialty or Specialties – designated field(s) of code(s) in which an inspector is certified and authorized to inspect.

* Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.02, effective March 19, 2018.

Certification Changes

• Initial applicant may contact the SFMO or visit the website (www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/permits-licensing/fire-tn-certified-code-inspectors.html) for the required application. Submit application and Eligibility Verification form along with a $45 fee to the SFMO. (One-time fee)
  • Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.03(1), effective March 19, 2018.
• Applicant shall also submit proof of successful completion of a recognized and accepted training course.
  • Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.03(2), effective March 19, 2018.
• A certified inspector may apply to have additional specialties added to his/her certificate for no additional fee. The certificate will hold the same initial expiration date, only the specialties will change on the certificate.
  • Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.03(4), effective March 19, 2018.

Recertification Changes

• Completed renewal application along with a $35 fee. Fee is for one certification – not for each specialty.
  • Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.06(1), effective March 19, 2018.
• Inspectors will have up to 60 days to fulfill all renewal requirements. After that period, renewal applications received during the following 60-day period must be accompanied by a late fee of $10. Certifications are invalid during this period.
  • Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.06(2), effective March 19, 2018.
• Inspectors must obtain a minimum of 36 hours of continuing education from SFMO-approved training courses related to the Inspector’s specialty or specialties.
  • Proposed Tenn. Comp R. & Regs. 0780-02-16-.06(4), effective March 19, 2018.
• Organizations are encouraged to submit courses to the SFMO at least 14 days prior to the scheduled course date.

Contact Information

Permits and Licensing email: SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov

Website: www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/permits-licensing/fire-tn-certified-code-inspectors.html

Online Licensing Website: https://core.tn.gov