Kentucky building inspector certification

Rafter Tie editorial teamUpdated 26 Oct 20262 min read

Kentucky certifies building inspectors by regulation, and the regulation names ICC exams. The rule is 815 KAR 7:070, which the Kentucky legislature publishes. It refers to "the department" and to forms marked DHBC. This guide summarizes the rule. Check the current text before you act.

Who needs certification

The rule says nobody may inspect to enforce the Kentucky Building Code or Kentucky Residential Code without certification from the department. Each local government with a building inspection program must have at least one certified inspector at the level its buildings need. That inspector is responsible for plan approvals, inspections and certificates of occupancy.

Applying

An applicant sends the department the initial application form, a $50 fee and proof of qualifying background. The background can be a high school diploma or equivalent with two years in a responsible construction position or in an architect's or engineer's office, an associate degree in a design or construction field, or a bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, fire science or building technology. Trainees may work under supervision while they finish their exams, but may not issue permits, approvals or certificates of occupancy.

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Public Safety and Special Construction

In a new bedroom, the only emergency escape window has a keyed sash lock, with the key hanging on a hook beside the window. What should the inspector do?

Leave it, since the key hangs on a hook right beside the windowRequire hardware that opens from inside by hand, with no key or toolRequire a spare key to be kept at the local fire stationPass it, since the glass could be broken out by anyone in an emergency

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The levels

The rule classifies inspectors by the exam modules they pass. Each level lists an ICC route and an NCPCCI route.

Level	ICC exams in the rule
One and two family dwelling inspector	B1 and M1
Building inspector, level I	B1, B2 and M1
Building inspector, level II	B1, B2, M1 and M2
Building inspector, level III	B1, B3, M1 and M3

The one and two family dwelling inspector can issue permits, review documents, inspect and issue compliance letters and certificates of occupancy for homes and townhouses under the residential code. That is the level the B1 serves by itself, paired with M1.

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Continuing education

The rule asks candidates and trainees to attend department orientation and to submit proof of at least 12 hours of continuing education each year, using the department's verification form or a certificate from a pre-approved provider.

Where the B1 fits

For residential work in Kentucky, B1 is in every building inspector level the rule lists. Start with the B1 outline guide, then the B1 study guide. The B1, B2 and R5 comparison explains the other exams in the table. ICC fees are covered in the ICC exam cost and scheduling guide.

The certification by state guide compares other states.

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Sources

Show the list

815 KAR 7:070, Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. Checked 26 Oct 2026.

Facts come from the sources listed above. If something has changed, tell us and we will correct it within 2 business days.

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