Construction / Code Official License / Kansas

  • Kansas
  • Code Official
  • Building Code Official
  • Updated Oct 2026

How to Get Your Kansas Code Official License

Kansas code official certification runs through the Kansas Association of Code Enforcement (KACE), not a state board. Here’s the training, membership and renewal rules in one place.

Last updated October 28, 2026 from Kansas Association of Code Enforcement requirements

Application fee

Not stated

Contact KACE for current fees

Exam time

None

No exam: certification is training-based

Time to get license

Varies

48 hours of training while working in code enforcement

Continuing ed

16 hrs

Every 2-year renewal cycle

Overview

Do you need a Kansas code official license?

Kansas code officials are certified through KACE. To qualify, you need to work in code enforcement or a related health and safety field in Kansas, finish 48 hours of approved training and keep a paid KACE membership. KACE doesn’t require an exam.

License required when

  • You’re employed in the regulation of health and safety in the natural or built environment, or a related field
  • You’re responsible for enforcing municipal, county, state or federal codes in Kansas
  • You complete 48 hours of KACE-approved training
  • You stay a current paid KACE member

Common exceptions

  • Up to 24 of the 48 training hours can come from non-KACE providers
  • Certification is handled by KACE, so there’s no separate state board application

Working without certification

The source doesn’t list penalties. Your employer and KACE decide what certification you need for your role, so confirm with both before you start inspecting or enforcing codes.

Your fast-track Kansas code official license checklist

The Kansas application, one page

  • Job in code enforcement or a related field in Kansas
  • Paid KACE membership
  • 48 hours of KACE-approved training
  • Application sent to KACE

Types

Kansas code official license types and classifications

Kansas offers one code official certification through KACE. It covers the core work of a building code official on residential and commercial projects.

CO

Only class

Building Code Official

Reviews plans, issues permits, inspects residential and commercial buildings and enforces state and local construction codes.

Exam

None (training-based)

Limit

Kansas jurisdictions

Requirements

Kansas code official license requirements, class by class

There’s one path to certification. Here’s everything KACE asks for.

RequirementCode Official
Training48 hours, KACE-approved
Non-KACE trainingUp to 24 of the 48 hours
EmploymentCode enforcement or related field in Kansas
MembershipCurrent paid KACE member
ExamNone; certification is training-based
Minimum ageNot stated

Steps

How to get your Kansas code official license, step by step

  1. Confirm you qualifyBefore you start
    You need to work in code enforcement or a related health and safety field in Kansas.
  2. Join KACEBefore you apply
    Become a paid member at the non-certified rate. Sign up at kace-ks.org/join or call 913-663-9172.
  3. Complete 48 hours of trainingBefore you apply
    Finish 48 hours of KACE-approved training. Up to 24 hours can come from non-KACE providers.
  4. Apply for certificationAfter your training
    Send your application to KACE once your 48 hours of training are done.
  5. Keep it currentEvery 2 years
    Renew by December 31 every two calendar years with 16 hours of continuing education.

Exam

What to expect on the Kansas code official exam

Kansas code official certification is training-based. KACE’s certification requirements don’t name an exam, so there’s no test to schedule: you qualify with 48 hours of approved training, Kansas code enforcement work and KACE membership.

Format

Training-based

Questions

No exam

Passing score

Not applicable

Exam vendor

None

What certification takes

  • No exam: KACE certification is training-based
  • 48 hours of KACE-approved training
  • Up to 24 hours from non-KACE providers
  • Employment in Kansas code enforcement and KACE membership

Before you apply

  • Ask KACE which courses count toward the 48 hours
  • Confirm your membership is current
  • Call 913-663-9172 with questions

Exam references

Kansas code official certification is training-based, so there’s no exam and no reference list.

Prep

Best Kansas code official exam prep, compared

We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.

Costs

How much does a Kansas code official license cost?

ItemTypeEstimate
KACE membershipFixedNot stated
48 hours of approved trainingVariableNot stated
Code booksVariableVaries
Membership and trainingFees not published in the sourceNot stated

Contact KACE at 913-663-9172 for current fees.

Reciprocity

Does Kansas accept out-of-state code official licenses?

The source doesn’t describe any reciprocity for Kansas code officials.

No reciprocity agreements

None are stated. Plan to apply as a new applicant and meet KACE’s training, membership and employment requirements.

Local

Do Kansas cities and counties have their own code official licensing rules?

KACE handles certification, but the city or county you work for sets your duties and which codes you enforce.

State handles

  • Code official certification through KACE
  • Training approval (KACE-approved hours)
  • Certification applications
  • Renewal and continuing education

City & county handle

  • Hiring code officials
  • Adopting local building codes
  • Permits and inspections
  • Local enforcement

Governance

Who regulates code officials in Kansas

Licensing authority

Kansas Association of Code Enforcement (KACE)

913-663-9172

kace-ks.org/join

Oversight responsibilities

  • Certifies Kansas code officials
  • Approves training hours
  • Reviews certification applications
  • Handles renewals and continuing education

Maintenance

How to renew your Kansas code official license and keep it active

Renew every two calendar years by December 31, counting from December 31 of the year you were first certified, no matter what month you finished your training. You need 16 hours of continuing education each cycle.

Renewal cycle

Every 2 years

CE hours

16

Renewal fee

Not stated

Late penalty

Not stated

Renewing your license?

See the Kansas CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.

FAQ

Kansas code official license FAQs

Who certifies code officials in Kansas?

The Kansas Association of Code Enforcement (KACE). You join, train and apply through KACE.

How many training hours do I need?

48 hours of KACE-approved training. Up to 24 of those hours can come from non-KACE providers.

Do Kansas code officials take an exam?

No. KACE certification is training-based: 48 hours of approved training, Kansas code enforcement work and KACE membership.

Do I need to work in code enforcement first?

Yes. You need to be employed in health and safety regulation or a related field, or be responsible for enforcing codes in Kansas.

How often do I renew?

Every two calendar years by December 31, with 16 hours of continuing education.

Do I have to be a KACE member?

Yes. You must be a current paid member at the non-certified membership rate.

Sources

Official sources for the Kansas code official license

  1. Kansas Association of Code Enforcement, Join and certification
  2. KACE certification resolution (2012)

Last updated October 28, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.

Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Kansas Association of Code Enforcement.