Construction / Code Official License / West Virginia
- West Virginia
- Code Official License
- Official, Inspector & Plans Examiner
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your West Virginia Code Official License
West Virginia certifies code officials, inspectors and plans examiners in building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing through the State Fire Marshal’s Office. This page covers which ICC exams count, how to test and how to apply.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office requirements
Application fee
Not stated
Ask the State Fire Marshal’s Office
Exam time
Not stated
Set by ICC for each certification
Time to get license
Varies
Depends on how many ICC exams you need
Continuing ed
Not stated
Ask the State Fire Marshal’s Office
Overview
Do you need a West Virginia code official license?
Yes, if you enforce the State Building Code for a city, county or other local government that has adopted it. The State Fire Marshal’s Office certifies code officials, inspectors and plans examiners, and it uses ICC certifications to decide who qualifies. There’s no separate state exam.
License required when
- You run a code enforcement department as the Code Official, issuing permits, occupancy permits and notices of violation
- You perform field inspections to check work against approved plans and the State Building Code
- You review construction documents for code compliance as a plans examiner
- You work in building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing code enforcement
Common exceptions
- Our sources don’t list specific exemptions, so ask the State Fire Marshal’s Office before you start
- These roles are defined for local governments that have lawfully adopted the State Building Code
Working without certification
Our sources don’t state penalties. In general, the State Fire Marshal’s Office controls who may hold these roles, so check with the office before you take on inspection, plan review or enforcement work.
Your fast-track West Virginia code official license checklist
The West Virginia application, one page
- Class and discipline chosen
- Approved ICC certifications confirmed with the Fire Marshal
- ICC exam application submitted
- Passing ICC results for every required exam
- Application sent to the State Fire Marshal’s Office
Types
West Virginia code official license types and classifications
West Virginia issues three classes, Code Official, Inspector and Plans Examiner, in each discipline. Each one is earned by holding the matching ICC certifications.
CO
Top role
Code Official
Oversees a local code enforcement department, supervises inspectors and plans examiners, and issues permits, orders and notices of violation.
Exam
All 3 ICC exams in the discipline
Limit
Per discipline
BI
Building
Building Inspector
Inspects construction sites and buildings for compliance with the State Building Code and adopted ICC codes.
Exam
ICC B1 or B2
Limit
Building
EI
Electrical
Electrical Inspector
Inspects electrical work and reports conditions to the Code Official for action.
Exam
ICC E1 or E2
Limit
Electrical
MI
Mechanical
Mechanical Inspector
Inspects mechanical systems against the State Building Code and adopted ICC codes.
Exam
ICC M1 or M2
Limit
Mechanical
PI
Plumbing
Plumbing Inspector
Inspects plumbing work and reports findings to the Code Official.
Exam
ICC P1 or P2
Limit
Plumbing
PE
Plan review
Plans Examiner
Reviews construction documents submitted for permits and reports findings to the Code Official. Offered in each discipline.
Exam
See approved list
Limit
Per discipline
Requirements
West Virginia code official license requirements, class by class
The ICC certifications you need depend on your class and discipline. Code Officials need all three ICC certifications in their discipline. Our sources don’t spell out the plans examiner list, so check the Fire Marshal’s approved list.
| Requirement | Code Official | Inspector | Plans Examiner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building | ICC B1, B2 and B3 | ICC B1 or B2 | Not stated |
| Electrical | ICC E1, E2 and E3 | ICC E1 or E2 | Not stated |
| Mechanical | ICC M1, M2 and M3 | ICC M1 or M2 | Not stated |
| Plumbing | ICC P1, P2 and P3 | ICC P1 or P2 | Not stated |
| Exam vendor | ICC | ICC | ICC |
| Certified by | State Fire Marshal’s Office | State Fire Marshal’s Office | State Fire Marshal’s Office |
| Application fee | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your West Virginia code official license, step by step
- Pick your class and disciplineBefore you start
Decide whether you’re going for Code Official, Inspector or Plans Examiner, and in which discipline: building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing. - Check the approved ICC listBefore you apply
The State Fire Marshal’s Office keeps a list of the ICC certifications it accepts. Confirm which ones your role needs, for example ICC B1 or B2 for a building inspector. - Apply to test with ICCThrough ICC
Submit your exam application at iccsafe.org. You can also call ICC at 1-888-422-7233 to get started. - Pass your ICC examsExam day
Testing centers are set up in larger cities around the state. Code Officials need all three ICC exams in their discipline. - Apply to the State Fire MarshalFinal step
Send your application and ICC certifications to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office. Call 304-558-2191 with questions.
Exam
What to expect on the West Virginia code official exam
West Virginia doesn’t write its own exam. You qualify by passing ICC certification exams, one for each certification your role needs.
Format
Not stated
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
ICC
Scoring & content
- Each ICC certification is its own exam
- Residential inspector exams: B1, E1, M1, P1
- Commercial inspector exams: B2, E2, M2, P2
- Plans examiner exams: B3, E3, M3, P3
- Question count, time and passing score: Not stated in our sources
Retake policy
- Retake rules are set by ICC, not the state
- Our sources don’t state a waiting period or retake fee
- Apply and reschedule through iccsafe.org
- ICC phone: 1-888-422-7233
Exam references · Open book
ICC exams are open book: you can bring bound, published copies of the listed references, but not study guides or practice questions. Which books you need depends on the ICC exams you take, and the code year you register for sets the edition.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2021 or 2024 (candidate picks the code year) | Allowed in exam |
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2021 or 2024 (candidate picks the code year) | Allowed in exam |
| Concrete Manual: Concrete Quality and Field Practices (2024/2021 IBC and ACI 318-19), or ACI 318-19 instead; only one of the two is needed | 2024/2021 IBC and ACI 318-19 edition | Allowed in exam |
| ACI 318-19 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary (alternative to the Concrete Manual) | 2019 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC), or Ugly’s Electrical References (any edition) instead | 2020 (2021 exam) or 2023 (2024 exam) | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2020 or 2023 (candidate picks the code year) | Allowed in exam |
| Ugly’s Electrical References | Any edition | Allowed in exam |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2021 or 2024 (candidate picks the code year) | Allowed in exam |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2021 or 2024 (candidate picks the code year) | Allowed in exam |
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2021 or 2024 (candidate picks the code year) | Allowed in exam |
| ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities | 2017 | Allowed in exam |
| International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) | 2021 or 2024 (candidate picks the code year) | Allowed in exam |
| Legal Aspects of Code Administration | 2017 | Allowed in exam |
| International Fire Code (IFC) | 2021 or 2024 (candidate picks the code year) | Allowed in exam |
| Building Department Administration | 5th edition | Allowed in exam |
| Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations | 4th edition | Allowed in exam |
| Inspector Skills | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| A Budgeting Guide for Local Government | 4th edition (3rd or 4th edition may be brought) | Allowed in exam |
| International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) | 2021 or 2024 (candidate picks the code year) | Allowed in exam |
| Special Inspection Manual | 2018 edition (2021 BC exam) or 2021 edition (2024 BC exam) | Allowed in exam |
| ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (listed for the 2021 BC exam only) | 2009 | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best West Virginia code official exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a West Virginia code official license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| State Fire Marshal certification fee | Fixed | Not stated |
| ICC exam, per certification | Fixed | Not stated |
| ICC code books | Variable | Varies |
| State and exam fees | Not stated in our sources | Not stated |
Code Officials take three ICC exams per discipline, so budget for each one.
Reciprocity
Does West Virginia accept out-of-state code official licenses?
Our sources don’t list any reciprocity agreements. Because West Virginia qualifies people through ICC certifications, the credential itself is what counts.
No reciprocity agreements
Our sources don’t list any. If you already hold an ICC certification on the Fire Marshal’s approved list, ask the office whether it meets the requirement; otherwise apply as a new applicant.
Local
Do West Virginia cities and counties have their own code official licensing rules?
The state certifies the people. Local governments that adopt the State Building Code run the day-to-day enforcement.
State handles
- Certifying code officials, inspectors and plans examiners
- Keeping the list of approved ICC certifications
- Issuing certifications through the State Fire Marshal’s Office
City & county handle
- Adopting the State Building Code
- Running the local code enforcement department
- Issuing building and occupancy permits
- Inspections, notices of violation and orders
Governance
Who regulates code officials in West Virginia
Licensing authority
West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office
Phone: 304-558-2191
firemarshal.wv.gov
Oversight responsibilities
- Certifies code officials, inspectors and plans examiners
- Issues certifications in building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing
- Sets which ICC certifications are accepted for each role
Maintenance
How to renew your West Virginia code official license and keep it active
Our sources don’t give renewal rules for West Virginia code official certifications. Ask the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and keep your ICC certifications current.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not stated
Renewal fee
Not stated
Late penalty
Not stated
Renewing your license?
See the West Virginia CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
West Virginia code official license FAQs
Does West Virginia have its own code official exam?
No. West Virginia uses ICC certification exams. The State Fire Marshal’s Office accepts specific ICC certifications for each role.
Who issues code official certifications in West Virginia?
The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office. You can reach it at 304-558-2191.
Which ICC exam do I need to be a building inspector?
ICC B1 (Residential Building Inspector) or ICC B2 (Commercial Building Inspector).
What do I need to be a Code Official?
All three ICC certifications in your discipline. For building, that’s B1, B2 and B3. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing follow the same pattern.
How do I schedule an ICC exam?
Submit an application through iccsafe.org or call ICC at 1-888-422-7233. Testing centers are in larger cities around the state.
Which disciplines does West Virginia certify?
Building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing, each at the Code Official, Inspector and Plans Examiner level.
Sources
Official sources for the West Virginia code official license
- West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office (firemarshal.wv.gov)
- West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, list of approved ICC certifications
- International Code Council, certification exams
Last updated October 28, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office.