Construction / Code Official License / Idaho
- Idaho
- Code Official
- Building Code Official
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Idaho Code Official License
What it takes to become a building code official in Idaho: the ICC exam you’ll sit, what it covers, and who to contact to apply.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses requirements
Application fee
Not stated
Contact Idaho DOPL
Exam time
2 hrs
ICC Code Official exam, 75 questions
Time to get license
Varies
Depends on your experience and exam date
Continuing ed
Not stated
Check with Idaho DOPL
Overview
Do you need an Idaho code official license?
Idaho building code officials meet state requirements and pass an International Code Council (ICC) exam rather than a state-written test. Applications go through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).
License required when
- You review plans and issue permits for residential or commercial buildings
- You conduct inspections and enforce state and local construction codes
- You advise the public on land use and respond to code inquiries
- You coordinate with other departments and emergency management on compliance and disaster impacts
Common exceptions
- Contractors and tradespeople doing the work itself (they hold their own licenses)
- Administrative staff who don’t perform code enforcement duties
Working without a license
Our source doesn’t list specific penalties. In general, Idaho DOPL can refuse, discipline or take action on licenses, so confirm you’re properly credentialed before taking on code official duties.
Your fast-track Idaho code official license checklist
The Idaho application, one page
- Requirements confirmed with Idaho DOPL
- ICC Code Official exam registered
- Content areas and references reviewed
- ICC exam passed
- Application submitted to Idaho DOPL
Types
Idaho code official license types and classifications
Our source describes one building code official credential in Idaho, earned by passing an ICC exam.
CO
ICC exam
Building Code Official
Reviews plans, issues permits, conducts inspections and enforces construction codes for residential and commercial buildings.
Exam
ICC Code Official
Limit
Residential & commercial
Requirements
Idaho code official license requirements, class by class
The core requirement is passing the ICC Code Official exam, then applying with Idaho DOPL.
| Requirement | Building Code Official |
|---|---|
| Exam | ICC Code Official exam |
| Questions | 75 |
| Time limit | 2 hours |
| Book policy | Open book |
| Passing score | Not stated |
| Experience | Not stated |
| Application | Through Idaho DOPL |
Steps
How to get your Idaho code official license, step by step
- Contact Idaho DOPLBefore you start
Call 208-334-3233 or visit dopl.idaho.gov to confirm the current requirements for your role. - Register for the ICC examBefore exam day
Register through the ICC certification exam catalog. - Study the content areasBefore exam day
Customer service and communication, financial management, personnel management, records management and code enforcement. - Pass the exam2 hours
75 questions in 2 hours, open book. - Apply for your licenseAfter passing
Submit your application to Idaho DOPL with your ICC results.
Exam
What to expect on the Idaho code official exam
Idaho uses the International Code Council’s Code Official exam instead of a state-written test. It’s open book, so knowing your references matters as much as knowing the material.
Format
Open book
Questions
75
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
ICC
Scoring & content
- 75 questions in 2 hours
- Customer service and communication
- Financial and personnel management
- Records management
- Code enforcement
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t published in our source
- Register and reschedule through the ICC website
- Check ICC’s current policies before you book
Exam references · Open book
The ICC Code Official exam is open book, but our sources don’t name the approved references. The state hasn’t published a reference list for this exam in our sources. Check the candidate bulletin from the exam vendor before you buy books.
Prep
Best Idaho code official exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does an Idaho code official license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Code Official exam | Fixed | Not stated |
| Idaho DOPL application fee | Fixed | Not stated |
| Code books and references | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Fees aren’t published in our source | Not stated |
Check ICC for the current exam fee and Idaho DOPL for application fees.
Reciprocity
Does Idaho accept out-of-state code official licenses?
Our source doesn’t list a reciprocity agreement for Idaho code officials. Because the exam comes from the International Code Council rather than the state, your ICC result is the key credential.
No reciprocity agreements
None are listed, so plan to apply to Idaho DOPL as a new applicant with your ICC exam results.
Local
Do Idaho cities and counties have their own code official licensing rules?
Code officials work for cities and counties, so your credential and your day-to-day duties come from different places.
State handles
- Code official applications, through Idaho DOPL
- Licensing requirements
- Exams, through the International Code Council
City & county handle
- Hiring code officials
- Plan review, permits and inspections
- Land use guidance and code inquiries
- Coordination with emergency management after disasters
Governance
Who regulates code officials in Idaho
Licensing authority
Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
208-334-3233
Oversight responsibilities
- Accepts code official applications
- Sets licensing requirements
- Answers questions about the licensing process
Maintenance
How to renew your Idaho code official license and keep it active
Our source doesn’t describe renewal or continuing education for Idaho code officials. Check with Idaho DOPL for current renewal rules.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not stated
Renewal fee
Not stated
Late penalty
Not stated
FAQ
Idaho code official license FAQs
Does Idaho have its own code official exam?
No. Idaho uses the International Code Council’s Code Official exam, which you register for on the ICC website.
How long is the ICC Code Official exam?
75 questions in 2 hours.
Is the exam open book?
Yes. The ICC Code Official exam is open book.
What does the exam cover?
Customer service and communication, financial management, personnel management, records management and code enforcement.
Who do I apply with?
The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, at 208-334-3233 or dopl.idaho.gov.
How much does it cost?
Our source doesn’t list fees. Check ICC for the exam fee and Idaho DOPL for application fees.
Sources
Official sources for the Idaho code official license
- Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
- International Code Council, Certification exam catalog
Last updated October 28, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.