Prepare for New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Licensing and Professional Training.
Bergen Community College offers New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA)-approved education for individuals pursuing careers in municipal construction inspection, code enforcement, permitting and construction-office administration. Our courses support technical inspection licensing, administrative licensing and Technical Assistant certification under New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23).
Whether you are beginning a career in code enforcement or building on existing trade and inspection experience, Bergen offers training in building, electrical, fire protection, plumbing and elevator inspection, as well as municipal code administration.
Before enrolling: Completing a course does not automatically grant a DCA license or certification. State credentials may require specific work experience, education, examinations, background screening and an approved application. Review the NJ DCA UCC Licensing Information Booklet and the DCA Licensing and Continuing Education Unit before choosing a course.
Certificates and Program Pathways
Technical Licensing Pathways
New Jersey classifies technical inspector licenses according to the applicable subcode and level of responsibility:
- RCS — Residential and Small Commercial Specialist: The RCS inspector category applies to Building Inspection.
- ICS — Industrial and Commercial Specialist: The ICS inspector category is available in Building, Electrical, Fire Protection and Plumbing.
- HHS — Highrise-Hazardous Specialist: The HHS inspector category is available in Building, Electrical, Fire Protection, Plumbing and Elevator.
Building Inspection: RCS → ICS → HHS. The lower-level license qualifications form part of the progression to higher levels.
Electrical, Fire Protection and Plumbing Inspection: ICS → HHS. These pathways do not have an RCS licensing category.
Elevator Inspection: HHS only. There is no RCS or ICS Elevator Inspector licensing category.
The appropriate starting point depends on the specific license sought and your qualifying work experience, educational background and examination requirements. An instructional course sequence is not a substitute for DCA eligibility review.
Administrative Licensing and Technical Assistant Certification
Subcode Official: Prepares qualified technical inspectors to administer and enforce a designated subcode within a municipal construction office. DCA generally requires qualifications for an appropriate technical inspector license in the same subcode area, along with other applicable requirements.
Construction Official: Prepares qualified candidates for oversight of municipal construction-code enforcement and the coordination of subcode officials. DCA generally requires Subcode Official qualifications and other applicable requirements; consult DCA for recognized exceptions.
Technical Assistant: Provides training for staff who support permit processing, records management and the administrative operations of a municipal construction office. Technical Assistant certification is separate from inspector and administrative-official licensure.
Building Inspection
Building Inspector RCS (CD-075)
This course introduces the code knowledge and inspection practices associated with the Residential and Small Commercial Specialist level of Building Inspector licensing. Students learn to interpret construction drawings, examine structural systems, apply relevant code provisions, conduct field inspections and document findings. Topics include construction methods, plan review, structural components, fire protection, applicable building systems and code enforcement procedures.
Licensing pathway: Building Inspector RCS; foundational level of the Building Inspector progression. State licensing requires satisfaction of applicable DCA qualifications in addition to completing coursework.
90 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Building Inspector ICS (CD-225)
This course introduces the code knowledge and inspection practices associated with the Residential and Small Commercial Specialist level of Building Inspector licensing. Students learn to interpret construction drawings, examine structural systems, apply relevant code provisions, conduct field inspections and document findings. Topics include construction methods, plan review, structural components, fire protection, applicable building systems and code enforcement procedures.
Licensing pathway: Building Inspector RCS; foundational level of the Building Inspector progression. State licensing requires satisfaction of applicable DCA qualifications in addition to completing coursework.
75 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Building Inspector HHS (CD-290)
Designed for advanced building inspection, this course examines high-rise and hazardous structures, complex building systems, structural and fire protection requirements, occupancy classifications, accessibility and plan review. Students develop an understanding of the inspection and enforcement considerations associated with the HHS level.
Licensing pathway: Building Inspector HHS. DCA’s Building Inspector progression includes the applicable ICS-level qualifications before HHS licensure.
60 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Electrical Inspection
Electrical Inspector ICS (CD-066)
This course prepares students to apply electrical subcode requirements in commercial and industrial settings. Topics include electrical systems, service and feeder sizing, branch circuits, installation methods, materials, plan review, inspections, documentation and code enforcement practices.
Licensing pathway: Electrical Inspector ICS. Applicants must meet the relevant DCA experience, education and examination requirements.
60 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Electrical Inspector HHS (CD-228)
This advanced course addresses inspection of electrical installations in complex, high-rise and hazardous occupancies. Students examine service and distribution systems, feeders, branch circuits, equipment installations, plan review, field inspection practices and enforcement documentation.
Licensing pathway: Electrical Inspector HHS. DCA requires qualifying ICS-level credentials or qualifications and any other applicable requirements.
45 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Elevator Inspection
Elevator Inspector HHS (CD-229)
This course covers elevator and escalator safety codes, inspection procedures, equipment and system components, required testing, code compliance and documentation. Students study the responsibilities involved in examining elevator installations, witnessing tests and supporting public safety through regulatory enforcement.
Licensing pathway: Elevator Inspector HHS. This is an HHS-only inspector category with its own DCA eligibility and examination requirements.
90 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Fire Protection Inspection
Fire Protection Inspector ICS (CD-496)
Students learn to interpret and apply fire protection requirements through plan review and field inspection. Coursework addresses building classifications, construction types, means of egress, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire protection equipment, testing standards and inspection documentation.
Licensing pathway: Fire Protection Inspector ICS. State licensure also requires meeting the applicable DCA qualifications.
120 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Fire Protection Inspector HHS (CD-521)
Students learn to interpret and apply fire protection requirements through plan review and field inspection. Coursework addresses building classifications, construction types, means of egress, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire protection equipment, testing standards and inspection documentation.
Licensing pathway: Fire Protection Inspector ICS. State licensure also requires meeting the applicable DCA qualifications.
60 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Plumbing Inspection
Plumbing Inspector ICS (CD-065)
Students learn to interpret and apply fire protection requirements through plan review and field inspection. Coursework addresses building classifications, construction types, means of egress, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire protection equipment, testing standards and inspection documentation.
Licensing pathway: Fire Protection Inspector ICS. State licensure also requires meeting the applicable DCA qualifications.
120 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline- specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Plumbing Inspector HHS (CD-227)
Students study advanced plumbing inspection requirements for high-rise and hazardous structures, including complex water-supply, drainage and related systems, materials, testing, plan review, code interpretation and field enforcement practices.
Licensing pathway: Plumbing Inspector HHS. DCA requires applicable ICS-level qualifications and other licensing requirements.
60 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Administrative Licensing
Construction Official (CD-062)
This course addresses the leadership, legal and administrative responsibilities of a municipal Construction Official. Students study UCC administration, legislation, enforcement procedures, municipal construction-office operations, oversight of subcode functions and coordination of regulatory activities.
Licensing pathway: Construction Official. Candidates must meet DCA’s applicable Subcode Official qualifications and other licensure requirements, subject to any recognized exceptions.
45 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Subcode Official (CD-063)
Students study advanced plumbing inspection requirements for high-rise and hazardous structures, including complex water-supply, drainage and related systems, materials, testing, plan review, code interpretation and field enforcement practices.
Licensing pathway: Plumbing Inspector HHS. DCA requires applicable ICS-level qualifications and other licensing requirements.
45 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Technical Assistant Certification Program (CD-214)
This course addresses the leadership, legal and administrative responsibilities of a municipal Construction Official. Students study UCC administration, legislation, enforcement procedures, municipal construction-office operations, oversight of subcode functions and coordination of regulatory activities.
Licensing pathway: Construction Official. Candidates must meet DCA’s applicable Subcode Official qualifications and other licensure requirements, subject to any recognized exceptions.
45 instructional hours | Prerequisite: See NJ DCA licensing booklet and individual course entry for discipline-specific eligibility and experience requirements
View course details, tuition and registration availability →
Additional Section Information
Bergen may offer restricted sections of Electrical Inspector ICS, Electrical Inspector HHS and Subcode Official for eligible IBEW Local 164 members. These sections are versions of the courses listed above, not additional licenses. Consult the course listing for current availability and participation requirements.
Why This Program Matters
- Public safety and code compliance: Support consistent application of New Jersey’s construction codes through education in inspection, plan review and enforcement.
- Career development: Prepare for technical and administrative responsibilities in municipal construction and code enforcement offices, subject to state qualification requirements.
- Progressive training: Build expertise through discipline-specific licensing levels and advanced coursework.
- Practical instruction: Strengthen your understanding of code provisions, regulatory documentation, field procedures and construction-office operations.
- Flexible course options: Review available in-person, live online and hybrid sections to find a format that fits your schedule.
Enrollment and Eligibility
Before registering:
- Identify the technical inspection, administrative licensing or Technical Assistant credential you intend to pursue.
- Review the DCA Licensing Information Booklet and verify the current requirements for your intended license, including relevant trade or inspection experience, education and exams.
- Select a course and review its individual listing for current enrollment status, meeting dates, delivery format, tuition, materials and college registration requirements.
- Register for the applicable course or contact Bergen for guidance on the appropriate training sequence.
Important: College course admission requirements are not the same as DCA license eligibility requirements. Students are responsible for confirming that their experience and credentials satisfy state licensing standards. Applicants to restricted employer or union sections must satisfy the conditions stated in the individual listing.
View all UCC courses and available sections
Certification and Credential Information
DCA Licensing and Certification
Bergen’s training courses provide education relevant to New Jersey UCC licensing and certification. Successful course completion does not automatically authorize someone to work as a licensed inspector, Subcode Official or Construction Official. DCA evaluates applicants against the applicable state requirements, which may include qualifying experience, educational coursework, license-level examinations, application documents and background screening.
DCA accepts licensing applications through its online licensing portal, not by mailed paper application. Use the DCA Licensing and Continuing Education Unit for current examination, application and official credentialing instructions.
NJ DCA Tuition Reimbursement
Eligible students may qualify for tuition reimbursement associated with approved UCC coursework, subject to DCA rules, current eligibility, documentation and processing requirements. Reimbursement is not automatic and should not be assumed when registering.
Bergen’s current instructions direct students to email reimbursement paperwork rather than mail it. Submit required documents to Genevieve Montana-Khalil at [email protected]. For eligibility and reimbursement questions, contact the NJ DCA Licensing Unit at (609) 984-7834. Confirm current forms, completion-date restrictions and requirements before submitting a request.
Quick Links
- Full UCC Course List and Registration Details
- NJ DCA UCC Licensing Information Booklet
- NJ DCA Licensing and Continuing Education Unit
- NJ DCA Current Adopted Construction Codes
- CEWD Student Gateway
For course and registration assistance, call (201) 447-7488 or email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does completing a Bergen UCC course give me a state license?
No. Completing the course provides education documentation. DCA separately determines whether an applicant meets the required experience, education, examination, application and other criteria for a specific license.
Do I have to complete RCS, ICS and HHS in order?
Not for every inspection discipline. Building Inspection has RCS, ICS and HHS levels. Electrical, Fire Protection and Plumbing offer ICS and HHS. Elevator Inspection is an HHS-only category. Consult DCA’s requirements for the license you plan to obtain.
Can I take a course before I qualify for a state license?
College registration policies and state license eligibility are separate. Before enrolling, review the course’s published requirements and confirm with DCA whether your experience and qualifications support your intended licensing goal.
Do I need an inspector license to become a Subcode Official or Construction Official?
DCA generally requires technical inspector license qualifications in the appropriate subcode to become a Subcode Official, and Subcode Official qualifications to become a Construction Official, with certain exceptions. Review the DCA licensing rules and booklet for the applicable requirements.
Is the Technical Assistant course an inspector license?
No. Technical Assistant certification is a separate credential focused on municipal construction-office administrative operations and support.
Are courses available online or in person?
Offerings may include in-person, live online and hybrid formats. Delivery methods depend on the course section; check the individual registration page for current information.
Can I register for an IBEW Local 164 members-only section?
Only if you meet the eligibility conditions for that specific restricted section. Other sections may be available to the general public.
Is DCA tuition reimbursement guaranteed?
No. Reimbursement depends on eligibility and applicable DCA requirements. Check the current process and required documentation before submitting a request.
Where can I find class dates, tuition and registration?
Select a course using the links above or visit the Full UCC Course List for the current schedule, cost and registration options.