Apply and Maintain Project Inspector Certification

PROJECT INSPECTOR WORK HISTORY

The Project Inspector Performance Review Box webpage is currently under maintenance. If you have inquiries regarding a specific project or project inspector, please submit a public records act request to DSAHQArchives@dgs.ca.gov.

Please read this entire webpage and application form DSA 175: Project Inspector Examination Application carefully for the qualification criteria and corresponding process changes.

An individual desiring to take the DSA Project Inspector Examination must demonstrate, to DSA’s satisfaction, that he/she meets minimum qualifications. The first step to do so requires the individual to complete and submit the application form DSA 175 to DSA, along with all applicable fees and supporting documents identified in the application. Refer to the application form for a complete list of requirements. There are four Project Inspector certification classifications which correspond to construction project classifications, as defined in Title 24, Part 1, Section 4-333.1 and described in IR A-7: Inspector Certification and Approval, the latter of which is available on DSA’s Publications webpage.

DSA will review and evaluate each application, verifying the information provided by the applicant. After completing the evaluation, DSA will contact the applicant as described in the different scenarios below.

• If the application is approved, DSA will notify the qualified applicant by email and provide examination registration instructions. (Refer to the REGISTRATION section below for further information.)
• If DSA determines that an applicant does not qualify for the examination classification selected, but qualifies for a lower-level classification, DSA will notify the applicant who may revise and resubmit his/her application accordingly without paying an additional application fee.
• For applications lacking complete or accurate information, or require additional documentation to determine eligibility, DSA will e-mail the applicant requesting the missing items be provided within 30 days. If the required information/documentation is not submitted within 30 days or is submitted but does not meet DSA’s requirements, the application will be denied. If an applicant wishes to submit a new application at a later date, such application will be subject to application procedures, fees, and qualification criteria in effect at the time of resubmittal.

REGISTRATION

Once your application is approved, DSA will notify you via e-mail. Approved applicants may register for an available examination by completing the registration form (provided by DSA) and submitting it to DSA by the registration deadline. The registration form must be accompanied by the examination fee noted in the FEES section below. Approved applicants who do not register for and take one of the examination dates offered by DSA may register for later examinations, unless there are Project Inspector Examination qualification criteria changes adopted by DSA that would render the applicant’s approval invalid. In this case, an applicant must submit a new application, which will be subject to application procedures, fees, and qualification criteria in effect at the time of resubmittal.

Seating for the examination is limited. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Upon approval for admittance to the examination, DSA will send the candidate a confirmation email and instructions for attending the exam. Applicants who are registered and are not able to attend the examination for any reason may transfer to a future examination date one time (with a 72-hour minimum notice) and not pay an additional fee.

Starting in 2024, DSA’s Project Inspector Examination is administered on computers. Examinees will no longer be permitted to bring in their own reference material. Reference material will now be provided by DSA in electronic form. DSA’s Project Inspector Examination measures an applicant’s ability to read and comprehend construction documents as well as knowledge of the construction, inspection and testing requirements of the California Building Standards Code. The DSA Project Inspector Examination is based on the 2022 California Code of Regulations, Title 19 and Title 24, and the edition of standards referenced therein. Title 24 is available in read-only format through the Building Standards Commission’s (BSC) website. Title 19 is available for viewing through the Office of Administrative Law on Westlaw’s website. Minimum qualifications (including work experience, education and certifications) to take and conduct requirements for examinees during the exam will be based on the 2022 California Administrative Code, Section 4-333.1. These minimum qualifications are in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1 and are available for viewing on BSC’s website.

Each examination consists of two parts, a "Plan Reading Part" on day one and a "Construction Knowledge Part" on day two. The "Plan Reading Part" of the examination covers broad subject areas separated into the following sections: Structural, Architectural (which includes Access and Fire & Life Safety), and Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP). The "Construction Knowledge Part" of the examination covers the same three separated subjects, as well as an administrative section (which includes inspector duties and responsibilities). To pass a portion of the examination, applicants must obtain a minimum passing score for that section. To become certified, applicants must pass all sections for both parts of the examination. The minimum scores required to pass each section of the examination are listed in the SCORING section below.

Certification does not guarantee that an individual will be approved for a school project. Experience, workload and past performance of the applicant will be evaluated and considered by DSA when determining whether DSA approval can be granted for any given project assignment (refer to the latest edition of IR A-7: Inspector Certification and Approval on DSA’s Publications webpage for further information).

SCORING The minimum scores required to pass each section of the examination are listed below:

DSA may change the minimum scores required to pass at any time without advance notice.

Modifications to the administration of the Project Inspector Examination might be made, which may include, but not limited to, fee changes, new timelines to pass the examination, and clarifications to qualification criteria. Examination dates, sessions and locations are subject to change. Should any changes take place, all approved applicants will be notified.

Each section of the examination has its own time allotted. Approximately one hour is allowed for a lunch break. Lunch is not provided.

The examination days are divided approximately as follows.

Day 1:

• Check-in / Approx. 30 mins. prior to the start of your first section
• Plan Reading – Structural / 2.5 Hours
• Break (lunch is not provided) / Approx. 1 Hour
• Plan Reading – MEP / 1.5 Hours
• Plan Reading – Architectural / 1.5 Hours

Day 2:

• Check-in / Approx. 30 mins. prior to the start of your first section
• Construction Knowledge – Structural / 2.5 Hours
• Construction Knowledge – Architectural / 1 Hours
• Break (lunch is not provided) / Approx. 1 Hour
• Construction Knowledge – MEP / 1.5 Hours
• Construction Knowledge – Administration / 1 Hours

Candidates will be notified of their exam results approximately four to six weeks after the examination date.

Please do not call for test results. Results will not be given over the phone.

Certified Inspectors are listed on the Certified Inspector List

Test accommodations shall be requested by the applicant by providing documentation demonstrating the candidate’s current need for a testing accommodation such as, but not limited to: recommendations of qualified professionals, proof of past testing accommodations, observations by educators, results of psycho-educational or other professional evaluations. Test accommodation requests must describe:

(1) the recommended test accommodations(s) and/or assistive devices,

(2) why each accommodation or device is needed, and

(3) how it will reduce the impact of the identified functional limitations.

DSA may require more than one item of documentation based on the nature of the test accommodation(s). DSA shall determine if the request is reasonable and will not alter the nature or security of the exam. While accommodation allowances are good for one year after date of notification, requests must be submitted by the registration deadline with each examination administration for which the applicant is applying. However, DSA recommends contacting us prior to that date. DSA will notify the candidate regarding the requested accommodation(s). If the requested accommodations cannot be provided, the candidate may recommend alternative reasonable accommodation(s) or alternative accommodation(s) will be offered by DSA. Once arranged, the reasonable accommodation(s) may not be modified prior to or during the examination.

All fees are nonrefundable and subject to change.

Application Fees

• $225; or,
• $175 for CA licensed architects and registered engineers

Examination Fees

Plan Reading Part:

• Structural $200
• MEP $100
• Architectural $100

Construction Knowledge Part:

• Structural $250
• Architectural $100
• MEP Fees $150
• Administration $100

Examination fees are payable by check or money order to DSA (we do not accept credit or debit cards).

Applicants who passed sections of the examination and failed other sections are only required to retake those sections of the examination that they failed. Retakes of the failed examination sections must be in the same examination classification as the sections passed.

To retake the examination, the applicant should contact the DSA Inspector Unit to express such interest. DSA will then provide instructions allowing the applicant to register for a future examination subject to seating availability and the applicable examination fees (see FEES above). If the applicant fails to pass all sections of the "Construction Knowledge Part" exam within two consecutive code testing cycles, a new application will be required to be completed and submitted, subject to all rules, procedures and fees in effect at the time of resubmittal. Examinees who have been unable to pass all sections of the “Construction Knowledge Part” since the 2016 code-based version are subject to this requirement.

Unlike the "Construction Knowledge Part," all sections within the "Plan Reading Part" need only be passed once for the lifetime of the specific classification (approved applications may span consecutive code testing cycles) unless methods for displaying information in construction documents dramatically change in the future compared to current methods.

Seating for the exam is limited. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

Contact the DSA Project Inspector Unit at inspector@dgs.ca.gov or (916) 443-9932.

DSA announced the 2022 code-based version of the Recertification Seminar availability on July 1, 2023. Project Inspectors renewing their certification who have not previously completed the 2019 code-based version must do so because it is a prerequisite to taking the 2022 code-based version.

This requirement is necessary to ensure inspectors do not miss training on an entire code year edition. Both seminars noted are free and available online and on-demand through the DSA Academy (Cornerstone LMS) System webpage. The Recertification Examination is not free and will be based on the 2022 codes. For additional information, please reference Step 3: Complete Your Required Training under the GUIDED STEPS section below.

DSA Project Inspector Certification is valid for four years. The inspector may renew his/her certification for an additional four-year term by meeting the requirements of the Recertification Program as described on this webpage.

The Recertification Program consists of the Recertification Seminars and Recertification Examination, and additional DSA specified training by other providers detailed below. Since July 1, 2023, the PIO is no longer a part of the renewal requirements. You must complete the 2019 and 2022 Recertification Seminars, successfully pass the Recertification Examination and complete any other DSA-specified training PRIOR to your expiration date unless noted otherwise. Specific information for completing the Recertification Seminars, and Recertification Examination through the LMS is provided below.

DSA will no longer issue reminder letters for your expiration date and requirements. If you have questions regarding your status or requirements still needed, please contact the DSA Project Inspector Unit at inspector@dgs.ca.gov or (916) 443-9932. You are still required to fully meet the recertification requirements prior to the expiration of your certification.

Please see DSA’s Taxpayer ID and Social Security Number Disclosure for Certification webpage for additional application requirements related to collection of social security/tax identification numbers. This information must be submitted with your application. Issuance of certifications will not be granted until this information is received.

The expiration date of a renewed certification is four years from the previous expiration date.

• If a certified inspector obtains another certification classification (such as a Class 2 inspector obtains Class 1 certification), the previous certification expires immediately. The certification period is four years from the date of the most recent examination that an inspector has successfully completed.

DSA has deployed a DSA Academy LMS, designed to provide you with the flexibility to start, stop, resume, and complete classes and trainings at times and locations that fit your personal schedule. This system will also allow you to take exams online during regular business hours.

If an inspector does not fulfill the requirements of the Recertification Program by the certification expiration date, the inspector’s name will be removed from the DSA website listing certified project inspectors. (NOTE: DSA may grant an extension period for certification reinstatement in accordance withPL 19-01: Project Inspector Certification Extension, which also describes consequences for lack of certification renewal.) 

If you have any questions or require further information, contact the DSA Project Inspector Unit at inspector@dgs.ca.gov or (916) 443-9932.