Article 10 — INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION

Only a Project Inspector who holds valid certification issued by DSA shall be approved for inspection services on a public school

4-360. Inspector certification. Only a Project Inspector who holds valid certification issued by DSA shall be approved for inspection services on a public school or community college construction project. Special inspections of masonry, shotcrete, structural gluedlaminated and cross-laminated timber construction on public school and community college construction projects shall be performed only by a DSA Certified Special Inspector.

A Project Inspector is certified in one of four distinct classifications. Each classification has the following limit

4-360.1. Project Inspector classifications. A Project Inspector is certified in one of four distinct classifications. Each classification has the following limitations specific to the project for which the Project Inspector is hired by the local educational agency:

• (a) A Class 1 Project Inspector is qualified to inspect any construction project.

• (b) A Class 2 Project Inspector is qualified to inspect any construction project, except a project containing the construction of one or more new structures or additions with a primary lateral force-resisting system of steel, masonry or concrete.

• (c) A Class 3 Project Inspector is qualified to inspect construction projects containing alterations to buildings, site placement of relocatable buildings and construction of minor structures.

• (d) A Class 4 Project Inspector is qualified to inspect construction projects containing site placement of relocatable buildings and associated site work. A Class 4 Project Inspector certification examination is no longer offered; however, a Class 4 Project Inspector with valid certification remains eligible to renew certification in the classification according to Section 4-363.4 and is subject to the requirements of Article 10 of this chapter, as applicable.

• (e) An Assistant Inspector is a certified Project Inspector and approved by DSA to assist a Class 1 or Class 2 Project Inspector. In performance of their duties in the role, an Assistant Inspector is subject to the requirements of Article 10 in this chapter, as applicable.

• 4-360.2. DSA Certified Special Inspector classifications. A DSA Certified Special Inspector is certified in one or more of the following categories to inspect construction that contains:

  • (a) Masonry.

  • (b) Shotcrete.

  • (c) Structural glued-laminated and cross-laminated timber.

Fees are required for Project Inspector and DSA Certified Special Inspector certification. These fees are nonrefundable and shall not exceed the f

4-360.3. Fees. Fees are required for Project Inspector and DSA Certified Special Inspector certification. These fees are nonrefundable and shall not exceed the following:

• (a) Project Inspector certification fees:

  1. Application fee. Fee is due at application submittal and is assessed each time an application is submitted. Fee is determined by eligibility category:

     • A. $175.00 for California licensed architects and registered engineers.

     • B. $225.00 for all other applicants.

  2. Training fee. Fee is due at training registration and is required for all applicants at initial certification.

     • A. $500.00 Project Inspector Overview Training Fee.

     • B. Acceptance Testing Training is required for initial certification. A fee for the training, if required, is paid by the candidate directly to the independent provider.

  3. Examination fee. Fee is due at registration for the examination and is charged each time the candidate registers for the examination:

     • A. $200.00 Structural Plan Review.

     • B. $100.00 Architectural Plan Review.

     • C. $100.00 Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Plan Review.

     • D. $250.00 Structural Codes and Standards.

     • E. $100.00 Architectural Codes and Standards.

     • F. $150.00 Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Codes and Standards.

     • G. $100.00 Administrative Codes and Standards.

  4. $400.00 Project Inspector Certification Renewal Examination Fee, charged each time the candidate registers for the examination.

  5. $200.00 Project Inspector certification extension fee.

• (b) DSA Special Inspector certification and renewal fees:

  1. $100.00 Masonry Special Inspector Application Fee for processing the application. The examination fee, if required, is paid by the candidate directly to the independent provider.

  2. $475.00 Shotcrete Special Inspector Application Fee for processing the application. The examination fee, if required, is paid by the candidate directly to the independent provider.

  3. $490.00 Structural Glued and Cross-laminated Timber Examination Fee.

To be eligible for a Project Inspector examination, an applicant shall possess a high school diploma o

4-361. Project Inspector examination eligibility criteria. To be eligible for a Project Inspector examination, an applicant shall possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and shall meet the minimum qualifications indicated in the Project Inspector classification; or possess a valid California license as a structural engineer or architect; or possess a valid California license as a civil engineer demonstrating one year experience post licensure in the construction observation of buildings or structures. Information provided with the application will be verified. Information deemed as incomplete may be subject to additional inquiry, and alternative qualifications consistent with those noted herein may be considered.

For all classifications, construction experience shall be under the jurisdiction of federal, state or local authority having jurisdiction within the United States (US). Where a degree is substituted for experience, the degree must be from an accredited institution recognized by the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), or the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA). Degrees earned or completed courses from foreign colleges or universities will be evaluated based on their US equivalents. Candidates must submit certified transcripts that have been reviewed by an educational evaluation service recognized by the ABET, NAAB EESA or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

A candidate for the Class 1 Project Inspector examination shall demonstrate the minimum qualifications

4-361.1. Class 1 Project Inspector minimum qualifications. A candidate for the Class 1 Project Inspector examination shall demonstrate the minimum qualifications specified in one of five categories.

4-361.1.1. Category one .

• (a) Four years of demonstrable experience in construction of new buildings or additions to buildings on minimum DSA Class 2 public school or community college projects, or hospital projects, or building projects of Type I or II construction in any of the following capacities:

  1. As lead project superintendent.

  2. As a code-enforcement entity’s representative performing construction inspection, with valid certification from any of the following:

     • A. Class “A” Hospital Inspector certified by the Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).

     • B. Commercial Combination Inspector certified by the International Code Council (ICC).

     • C. Div II (Building) Registered Construction Inspector certified by the American Construction Inspectors Association (ACIA).

     • D. Equivalent certification issued by a state or national organization accepted by DSA.

• (b) The following may be substituted for the requisite experience indicated in Section 4-361.1.1(a):

  1. A valid California license as a mechanical or electrical engineer responsible for the design and/or construction of respective building systems substitutes for two years of experience.

  2. A bachelor’s degree or higher with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for one year of experience.

  3. An associate’s degree with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for six months of experience.

Valid certification as a Class 2 Project Inspector and two years of demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 2 Project Inspector on publ

4-361.1.2. Category two. Valid certification as a Class 2 Project Inspector and two years of demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 2 Project Inspector on public school or community college construction projects consistent with the classification as specified in Section 4-360.1.

4-361.1.3. Category three.

• (a) Valid certification as a Class 2 Project Inspector with one year demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 2 Project Inspector on public school or community college construction projects consistent with the classification as specified in Section 4-360.1, and three years of demonstrable experience on commercial construction projects consistent with minimum DSA Class 2 classification as specified in Section 4-360.1, in any of the following capacities:

  1. As an Assistant Inspector as defined in Section 4-333(d).

  2. As lead project superintendent.

  3. As a code-enforcement entity’s representative performing construction inspection, with valid certification from any of the following:

     • A. Class “A” Hospital Inspector certified by OSHPD.

     • B. Commercial Combination Inspector certified by ICC.

     • C. Div II (Building) Registered Construction Inspector certified by ACIA.

     • D. Equivalent certification issued by a state or national organization accepted by DSA.

• (b) The following may be substituted for the requisite experience indicated in Section 4-361.1.3(a):

  1. Demonstrable experience as a journeyman-level tradesman working in the carpentry, steel, concrete or masonry trades on commercial projects of any type of construction. Experience is applied in monthly increments to a maximum of one year.

  2. Valid certification as a special inspector issued by ICC, American Welding Society (AWS), American Concrete Institute (ACI), or a state or national organization accepted by DSA, with demonstrable experience inspecting

steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry construction on commercial projects of any type of construction. Experience applied in monthly increments to a maximum of one year.

4-361.1.4. Category four.

• (a) Valid certification as a Class 3 Project Inspector and three years of demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 3 Project Inspector on public school or community college construction projects consistent with the classification as specified in Section 4-360.1, and three years of demonstrable experience on commercial construction projects consistent with minimum DSA Class 2 classification as specified in Section 4-360.1, in any of the following capacities:

  1. As an Assistant Inspector as defined in Section 4-333(d).

  2. As lead project superintendent.

  3. As a code-enforcement entity’s representative performing construction inspection, with valid certification from any of the following:

     • A. Class “A” Hospital Inspector certified by OSHPD.

     • B. Commercial Combination Inspector certified by ICC.

     • C. Div II (Building) Registered Construction Inspector certified by ACIA.

     • D. Equivalent certification issued by a state or national organization accepted by DSA.

• (b) The following may be substituted for the requisite experience indicated in Section 4-361.1.4(a):

  1. Demonstrable experience as a journeyman-level tradesman working in the carpentry, steel, concrete or masonry trades on commercial projects of any type of construction. Experience is applied in monthly increments to a maximum of one year.

  2. Valid certification as a special inspector issued by ICC, AWS, ACI, or a state or national organization accepted by DSA, with demonstrable experience inspecting steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry construction on commercial projects of any type of construction. Experience applied in monthly increments to a maximum of one year.

Valid certification as a Class 3 Project Inspector with one year demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 3 Project Inspector on public

4-361.1.5. Category five. Valid certification as a Class 3 Project Inspector with one year demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 3 Project Inspector on public school or community college construction projects consistent with the classification as specified in Section 4-360.1; and ten years of demonstrable construction experience, of which four years shall be as a journeyman-level tradesman working in the carpentry, steel, concrete or masonry trades on commercial construction projects consistent with minimum DSA Class 2 classification as specified in Section 4-360.1. The following may substitute for the required experience:

• (a) A bachelor’s degree or higher with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for journeyman-level tradesman experience.

• (b) An associate’s degree with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for two years of journeyman-level tradesman experience.

• (c) Coursework from an accredited college or university in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for the journeyman-level tradesman experience. Each completed course is applied a sixweek time credit, to a maximum of one year experience.

• 4-361.2. Class 2 Project Inspector minimum qualifications. A candidate for the Class 2 Project Inspector examination shall demonstrate the minimum qualifications specified in one of five categories.

4-361.2.1. Category one.

• (a) Three years of demonstrable experience in construction of new buildings or additions to buildings on minimum DSA Class 2 public school or community college, or hospital projects, or building projects of Type I, II, III or IV construction in any of the following capacities:

  1. As lead project superintendent.

  2. As a code-enforcement entity’s representative performing construction inspection, with valid certification from any of the following:

     • A. Class “A” Hospital Inspector certified by OSHPD.

     • B. Commercial Combination Inspector certified by ICC.

       • i. Five years of experience in the same role as a Commercial Building Inspector or Residential Combination Building Inspector certified by ICC may substitute for the requisite experience indicated in Section 4-361.2(a)2.

     • C. Div II (Building) Registered Construction Inspector certified by ACIA.

     • D. Equivalent certification issued by a state or national organization accepted by DSA.

• (b) The following may be substituted for the requisite experience indicated in Section 4-361.2.1(a):

  1. A valid California license as a mechanical or electrical engineer responsible for the design and/or construction of respective building systems substitutes for two years of experience.

  2. A bachelor’s degree or higher with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for one year of experience.

3. An associate’s degree with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for six months of experience.

Valid certification as a Class 3 Project Inspector and two years of demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 3 Project Inspector on publ

4-361.2.2. Category two. Valid certification as a Class 3 Project Inspector and two years of demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 3 Project Inspector on public school or community college construction projects consistent with the classification as specified in Section 4-360.1.

4-361.2.3. Category three.

• (a) Valid certification as a Class 3 Project Inspector with one year demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 3 Project Inspector on public school or community college construction projects consistent with the classification as specified in Section 4-360.1, and two years of demonstrable experience on commercial construction projects consistent with minimum Class 2 classification as specified in Section 4-360.1, in any of the following capacities:

  1. As an Assistant Inspector as defined in Section 4-333(d).

  2. As lead project superintendent.

  3. As a code-enforcement entity’s representative performing construction inspection, with valid certification from any of the following:

     • A. Class “A” Hospital Inspector certified by OSHPD.

     • B. Commercial Building or Residential Combination Inspector certified by ICC.

     • C. Div II (Building) Registered Construction Inspector certified by ACIA.

     • D. Equivalent certification issued by a state or national organization accepted by DSA.

• (b) The following may be substituted for the requisite experience indicated in Section 4-361.2.3(a):

  1. Demonstrable experience as a journeyman-level tradesman working in the carpentry, steel, concrete or masonry trades on commercial projects of any type of construction. Experience is applied in monthly increments to a maximum of one year.

  2. Valid certification as a special inspector issued by ICC, AWS, ACI, or a state or national organization accepted by DSA, with demonstrable experience inspecting steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry construction on commercial projects of any type of construction. Experience applied in monthly increments to a maximum of one year.

Eight years of demonstrable construction experience, of which three years shall be as a journey-manlevel tradesman working in the carpe

4-361.2.4. Category four. Eight years of demonstrable construction experience, of which three years shall be as a journey-manlevel tradesman working in the carpentry, steel, concrete or masonry trades on commercial construction projects consistent with the minimum DSA Class 2 classification as specified in Section 4-360.1. The following may substitute for the required experience:

• (a) A bachelor’s degree or higher with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for journeyman-level tradesman experience.

• (b) An associate’s degree with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for two years of journeyman-level tradesman experience.

• (c) Coursework from an accredited college or university in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for the journeyman-level tradesman experience. Each completed course is applied a sixweek time credit, to a maximum of one year experience.

Two valid certifications as a special inspector in steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry construction issued by ICC, AWS, ACI, or a s

4-361.2.5. Category five. Two valid certifications as a special inspector in steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry construction issued by ICC, AWS, ACI, or a state or national organization accepted by DSA, and eight years of experience as a special inspector inspecting steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry construction on commercial projects of any type of construction. A maximum of three years of experience for each type of construction can be used to qualify.

A candidate who is within one year of meeting the minimum qualifications specified in one of the five Class 2 cat

4-361.2.6. Conditional examination eligibility. A candidate who is within one year of meeting the minimum qualifications specified in one of the five Class 2 categories may test for the Class 2 Project Inspector examination, upon approval by DSA. Certification will be withheld until the candidate demonstrates completion of the minimum qualifications specified in one of the five categories within three years of the date of passing the examination.

A candidate for the Class 3 Project Inspector examination shall demonstrate the minimum qualifications

4-361.3. Class 3 Project Inspector minimum qualifications. A candidate for the Class 3 Project Inspector examination shall demonstrate the minimum qualifications specified in one of six categories.

4-361.3.1. Category one.

• (a) Two years of demonstrable experience on building construction or construction consistent with minimum DSA Class 3 classification as specified in Section 4-360.1 in any of the following capacities:

  1. As lead project superintendent.

  2. As a code-enforcement entity’s representative performing construction inspection, with valid certification from any of the following:

     • A. Class “A” or “B” Hospital Inspector certified by OSHPD.

     • B. Commercial Building Inspector or Residential Combination Inspector certified by ICC.

     • C. Div II (Building) or Div IV (Public Works) Registered Construction Inspector certified by ACIA.

     • D. Equivalent certification issued by a state or national organization accepted by DSA.

• (b) The following may be substituted for the requisite experience indicated in Section 4-361.3.1(a):

  1. A bachelor’s degree or higher with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for one year of experience.

  2. An associate’s degree with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for six months of experience.

  3. Coursework from an accredited college or university in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for required experience. Each completed course is applied a six-week time credit, for a maximum of six months experience.

Valid California license as a mechanical or electrical engineer with one year demonstrable experience in the construction observation of

4-361.3.2. Category two. Valid California license as a mechanical or electrical engineer with one year demonstrable experience in the construction observation of building systems.

Valid certification as a Class 4 Project Inspector with two years of demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 4 Project Inspector on p

4-361.3.3. Category three. Valid certification as a Class 4 Project Inspector with two years of demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 4 Project Inspector on public school or community college construction projects consistent with the classification as specified in Section 4-360.1.

4-361.3.4. Category four.

• (a) Valid certification as a Class 4 Project Inspector with one year minimum demonstrable experience as the DSA Class 4 Project Inspector on public school and community college construction projects consistent with the classification as specified in Section 4-360.1, and one year of demonstrable experience on commercial or residential construction projects consistent with minimum DSA Class 3 classification as specified in Section 4-360.1, in any of the following capacities:

  1. As an Assistant Inspector as defined in Section 4-333(d).

  2. As lead project superintendent.

  3. As a code-enforcement entity’s representative performing construction inspection, with valid certification from any of the following:

     • A. Class “A” or “B” Hospital Inspector certified by OSHPD.

     • B. Residential Combination Inspector or Commercial Building Inspector certified by ICC.

     • C. Div II (Building) or Div IV (Public Works) Registered Construction Inspector certified by ACIA.

     • D. Equivalent certification issued by a state or national organization accepted by DSA.

  4. Demonstrable experience as a journeyman-level tradesman working in the carpentry, steel, concrete or masonry trades on commercial projects of any type of construction.

  5. Valid certification as a special inspector issued by ICC, AWS, ACI, or a state or national organization accepted by DSA with demonstrable experience inspecting steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry construction on commercial projects of any type of construction.

• (b) The following may be substituted for the requisite experience indicated in Section 4-361.3.4(a):

  1. An associate’s degree or higher with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for one year experience.

  2. Coursework from an accredited college or university in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for required experience. Each completed course is applied a six-week time credit, to a maximum of six months experience.

Six years of demonstrable construction experience, including two years demonstrable experience as a journeyman-level tradesman working

4-361.3.5. Category five. Six years of demonstrable construction experience, including two years demonstrable experience as a journeyman-level tradesman working in the carpentry, steel, concrete or masonry trades on commercial or residential construction projects consistent with minimum DSA Class 3 classification as specified in Section 4-360.1. The following requirements substitute for the required experience:

• (a) A bachelor’s degree or higher with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for up to two years journeyman-level tradesman experience.

• (b) An associate’s degree with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for up to one year journeyman-level tradesman experience.

• (c) Coursework from an accredited college or university in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction substitutes for required experience. Each completed course is applied a six-week time credit, to a maximum of six months experience.

Two valid certifications as a special inspector in steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry construction issued by ICC, AWS, ACI, or a st

4-361.3.6. Category six. Two valid certifications as a special inspector in steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry construction issued by ICC, AWS, ACI, or a state or national organization accepted by DSA, and four years of experience as a special inspector inspecting steel, concrete, mass timber or masonry on commercial projects of any type of construction. A maximum of two years of experience for each type of construction can be used to qualify.

A candidate who is within one year of meeting the minimum qualifications specified in one of the six Class 3 cate

4-361.3.7. Conditional examination eligibility. A candidate who is within one year of meeting the minimum qualifications specified in one of the six Class 3 categories or a candidate with a bachelor’s degree or higher with major work in architecture, engineering, building inspection and/or construction may test for the Class 3 Project Inspector examination, upon approval by DSA. Certification will be withheld until the candidate demonstrates completion of the minimum qualifications specified in one of the six categories within three years of the date of passing the examination. If three years pass prior to

obtaining the experience, DSA may require the candidate to pass an examination covering regulatory changes since the previously passed examination and pay applicable examination fees.

• 4-361.4. Assistant Inspectors. Prior to being approved by DSA as an Assistant Inspector for a project, the individual shall satisfy the following requirements:

  • (a) Hold valid certification as a Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 or Class 4 inspector.

  • (b) Have three years of demonstrable construction and/or inspection experience in the type of construction that the Assistant Inspector will be approved to inspect.

  • (c) For newly certified inspectors without prior inspection experience on projects under DSA jurisdiction, completion of specified training is required.

Eligibility criteria for DSA Certified Special Inspector examinations shall be in accord

4-362. DSA Certified Special Inspector examination eligibility criteria. Eligibility criteria for DSA Certified Special Inspector examinations shall be in accordance with this section. To be eligible for a DSA Certified Special Inspector examination, an applicant shall possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and shall:

• (a) Demonstrate at least three years of experience in construction or special inspection work in the category for which the candidate is applying for examination.

• (b) Hold valid certification as a special inspector in concrete, masonry or mass timber types of construction issued by ICC, ACI, or a state or national organization accepted by DSA.

• 4-363. Certification requirements. A candidate for Project Inspector and DSA Certified Special Inspector certification shall meet the requirements of this section to obtain certification.

  • 4-363.1. Candidate eligibility application. A candidate for Project Inspector and DSA Certified Special Inspector certification shall submit the applicable candidate eligibility application for approval and payment of an application fee corresponding to the candidate’s eligibility category.

  • 4-363.2. Inspector examination. Each Project Inspector classification examination measures the applicant's ability to read and comprehend construction documents associated with performing inspections on projects under DSA jurisdiction consistent with the classification and the construction, inspection and testing requirements of the California Building Standards Code .

  • Each DSA Certified Special Inspector examination measures the applicant’s knowledge of administrative, documentation and

  • reporting requirements as well as proper verification of relevant construction materials and their fabrication and installation.

  • A candidate may register for the Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector examination upon confirmation of eligibil-

  • ity. At each registration for the Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector examination, a candidate shall submit the examination registration form by the deadline and payment of the applicable examination fee corresponding to the examination for which the candidate is registering.

  • 4-363.3. Issuance of certification. A candidate may request certification as a Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector upon confirmation that the candidate has passed the classification examination.

    • (a) A request for certification by the candidate is demonstrated by submission to DSA of a completed and signed prescribed form that includes the candidate’s contact information, Social Security Number and/or Federal Taxpayer ID.

• (b) Certification is valid for a period of four years beginning on the date specified in the letter of certification confirmation. Project Inspectors who successfully complete the requirements for a higher classification will have their lower classification superseded by the higher classification, with certification valid for a period of four years beginning on the date specified in the letter of certification confirmation for the higher classification.

  - (c) A Project Inspector and DSA Certified Special Inspector with valid certification will be added to the DSA Certified Inspectors List published on the DSA website. 
  
  - (d) Project Inspectors will not be approved for inspection services for projects requiring Title 24 Part 6 Acceptance Testing until the Project Inspector has completed applicable training. 
  

  • (e) Project Inspectors who have not previously taken the Project Inspector Overview training course are required to successfully complete the course before they will be approved for a project.

  • 4-363.4. Certification renewal. A Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector shall renew certification prior to the last day of the certification period to avoid certification expiration.

    • 4-363.4.1. Project Inspector certification renewal request. A request for Project Inspector certification renewal is demonstrated by meeting the following requirements:

      • (a) Successful completion of specified training.

      • (b) Payment of the certification examination renewal fee.

    • (c) Successfully passing the examination associated with renewal.

    • 4-363.4.2. DSA Certified Special Inspector certification renewal request. A request for DSA Certified Special Inspector certification renewal is demonstrated by meeting the following requirements:

      • (a) Submission of a renewal application.

      • (b) Submission of evidence of valid certification from ICC, when applicable.

If a Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector fails to satisfy the requirements in Section 4-363.4, the certificat

4-363.5. Certification expiration. If a Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector fails to satisfy the requirements in Section 4-363.4, the certification is no longer valid.

• (a) Individuals without valid certification shall not perform inspections on projects under DSA jurisdiction and shall have active project approval withdrawn.

• (b) Individuals without valid certification issued by DSA will have their name removed from the applicable DSA Certified Inspectors List published on the DSA website.

• (c) A Project Inspector certification which is not renewed within six months after its expiration in accordance with Section 4- 363.6 may not be renewed.

A Project Inspector certification that has expired may be extended, subject to DSA approval, up to six months

4-363.6. Project Inspector certification extension. A Project Inspector certification that has expired may be extended, subject to DSA approval, up to six months after expiration provided the individual has no pending cause for action in accordance with Section 4-365. A request for extension can be made up to three months prior to certification expiration or any time during the sixmonth period after certification expiration.

A Project Inspector must make a request to extend their certification by contacting the DSA Inspector Certification Unit in writing to DSA Headquarters, in addition to payment of the certification extension fee. The request must include the following information: name, business mailing address, business phone number, email address, certification number, certification expiration date and an explanation why the requestor is/was unable to meet recertification requirements of Section 4-363.4 prior to their certification expiration.

Upon confirmation by DSA of successful extension, the Project Inspector must meet the renewal requirements of Section 4- 363.4 prior to the expiration of the extension. Only one extension will be granted. Upon completion of renewal requirements, the four-year renewal period is established from the day after the original expiration date of the previous certification period.

DSA Certified Special Inspectors are not eligible for certification extension.

An individual who fails to renew their Project Inspector certification within six months of certification expiration may obtain certification anew in the classification previously held by meeting the requirements commencing with Section 4-363, or in a higher classification by meeting the requirements of Section 4-361, provided there was no pending cause for action under Section 4-365 when the individual’s certification expired.

An individual who fails to renew their DSA Certified Special Inspector certification prior to the certification expiration may obtain certification anew in the classification previously held by meeting the requirements commencing with Section 4-363, provided there was no pending cause for action under Section 4-365 when the individual’s certification expired.

• 4-364. Professional conduct. A candidate in the process of certification, and a Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector with valid certification, shall maintain good standing in accordance with the following:

  • (a) The designation of Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector shall only be used by those who hold valid certification.

  • (b) A Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector shall conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner on projects under DSA jurisdiction.

  • (c) A change in contact information to an inspector’s mailing address, email address and telephone number shall be submitted to DSA within ten business days of such change.

  • (d) An applicant for either the certification or recertification examination shall conduct themself during the examination in an ethical manner, with honesty and consideration for other examinees, shall not reveal examination contents with anyone during or after the examination and shall comply with published rules of the examination.

  • (e) A candidate in the process of certification, and a Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector with valid certification shall not engage in any act that affects good standing, including but not limited to those acts specified in Section 4-365. The candidate or inspector shall immediately report to DSA any act that affects good standing as set forth in Section 4-365.

• 4-365. Cause for action. DSA may deny eligibility for certification examination, deny issuance or renewal of certification, withdraw project approval, or suspend or revoke certification for any of the following acts affecting good standing, including but not limited to:

  • (a) Failure to satisfy the requirements of Article 5, Article 6 and Article 10 of Group 1 in this chapter, and failure to comply with the applicable inspection-related referenced standards on the DSA-approved plans and specifications.

• (b) Making a false statement or omitting a material fact required to be disclosed in the candidate eligibility application, certification renewal application or in the reporting requirements on projects under DSA jurisdiction.

  • (c) Conviction of a crime considered to be substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a Project Inspector or a DSA Certified Special Inspector. A conviction within the meaning of this section means a plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. Such crimes shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

    1. A conviction of child abuse.

    2. A conviction as a sex offender.

    3. The conviction of any crime involving narcotics, dangerous drugs or dangerous devices, as defined in Section 4022 of the Business and Professions Code.

    4. A conviction for assault and/or battery or lewd conduct.

  • (d) The suspension, revocation or denial of a professional license by a state licensing board or other governmental agency, or by another state or territory of the United States.

• (e) The appearance of a certification holder on a certified list of persons (obligators) who have not complied with a judgment or court order to provide child support payments, pursuant to Family Code Section 17520, and who fails to come into compliance within 150 days of issuance of a written notice of intent to suspend or withhold issuance or renewal of certification. Temporary certification will be offered for a period of 150 days, which, upon expiration, the temporary certification will be invalidated unless DSA has received a release from the local child support agency that submitted the name on the certified list.

• (f) The appearance of a certification holder on a certified list of persons who have outstanding tax obligations due to the Franchise Tax Board or the State Board of Equalization, pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 494.5, and who fails to come into compliance within 90 days of issuance of a written notice of intent to suspend or withhold issuance or renewal of certification. Temporary certification will be offered for a period of 90 days, which, upon expiration, the temporary certification will be invalidated unless DSA has received a release from the Franchise Tax Board or the State Board of Equalization that submitted the name on the certified list.

• (g) Acts of dishonesty, fraud or deceit that are substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector with the intent to substantially benefit themselves or another, or substantially injure another.

• (h) Failure to immediately report to DSA information that affects good standing, and/or failure to provide documentation requested/required.

DSA may expel an applicant from a certification or recertification examination without passage of any or all parts, require forfeiture of

4-366. Adverse action. DSA may expel an applicant from a certification or recertification examination without passage of any or all parts, require forfeiture of fees, require payment of fines and other costs incurred by DSA in addressing noncompliance, and nonentry to future certification or recertification examinations for any act in violation of Section 4-364 or acts affecting good standing associated with examinations, including but not limited to those specified in Section 4-365.

DSA may withdraw project approval, deny issuance or renewal of certification, or suspend or revoke certification for any act in violation of Section 4-364 or acts affecting good standing associated with inspector certification or project approval, including but not limited to those specified in Section 4-365. In case of withdrawal of project approval or suspension of certification, failure to successfully address the corrective measures specified may lead to additional adverse action, including revocation of certification.

• (a) DSA will withdraw the approval of the inspector from any or all active projects if DSA determines an action by the inspector causes the risk of immediate and serious harm to public health, life and safety.

• (b) DSA will issue a written notice to the Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector of the intent to suspend or revoke certification, or to deny issuance or renewal of certification.

  1. The written notice shall include the action being taken, a summary of the facts and allegations, and, if applicable, material upon which the action is based. The notice shall provide the Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector ten (10) calendar days to respond, and the effective date of the action if no response is received within the ten calendar days. Service of the written notice shall be by registered mail addressed to the individual at the most recent address filed by the individual with DSA. Service by mail is complete at the time of mailing.

  2. DSA shall issue a decision in writing within 15 calendar days from the receipt of the response. The time to render the decision may be extended as necessary. Service of the decision shall be by registered mail addressed to the individual at the most recent address filed by the individual with DSA. Service by mail is complete at the time of mailing.

• (c) The individual with suspended or revoked certification shall not use the Project Inspector or DSA Certified Special Inspector designation or perform work requiring certification beyond the effective date of suspension or revocation of certification.

• (d) The individual will be removed from the published Certified Inspectors List and/or DSA Special Inspector List.

• (e) The individual may make a request for reinstatement as set forth in Section 4-369 after DSA determines that the individual has met the criteria for reinstatement set forth in Section 4-368.

• 4-367. Filing an appeal. An individual may appeal the decision of denial of candidate eligibility, denial of issuance or renewal of certification, or suspension or revocation of certification.

  • (a) The appeal from the denial of eligibility shall be accompanied by supporting documentation and shall be filed with DSA within 30 calendar days from the date of mailing of the denial. DSA shall issue its decision within 30 calendar days of the appeal. The decision from appeal of candidate eligibility is final. A candidate may reapply for eligibility as set forth in Section 4-363.1.

  • (b) A decision of denial of issuance or renewal of certification, or suspension or revocation of certification may be appealed to the State Architect. Appeal hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, Chapter 5, Part 1 of Division 3, Title 2, Government Code, commencing with Section 11500. There shall be no stay of the decision pending an appeal.

    1. The appeal shall be filed in writing to DSA within 30 calendar days of the date of the mailing of the decision.

    2. The appellant shall be notified in writing of the final determination made by the State Architect or their designee. Service of the final determination shall be by registered mail. Service shall be complete at the time of mailing.

• 4-368. Criteria for reinstatement. When considering reinstatement of candidate eligibility for examination, or reinstatement of certification eligibility after disciplinary action pursuant to Sections 4-365 to 4-367, the State Architect may consider the following criteria:

  • (a) Nature and severity of the act(s) or offense(s) leading to the conviction.

• (b) The time that has elapsed since conviction.

• (c) If applicable, evidence of expungement proceedings pursuant to Sections 1203.4, 1203.4a or 1203.41 of the Penal Code.

• (d) Evidence submitted by the candidate or the individual whose certificate had been revoked, including but not limited to the circumstances surrounding the dismissal, any pattern of successful rehabilitation after the dismissal, improved behavior, acceptance of responsibility, demonstration of readiness, and any other relevant information.

An individual may request reinstatement of candidate eligibility for examination, or reinstatement of certificati

4-369. Reinstatement after disciplinary action. An individual may request reinstatement of candidate eligibility for examination, or reinstatement of certification eligibility after disciplinary action, according to the following:

• (a) A request for reinstatement shall be filed in writing to the State Architect and may be granted upon proof of compliance of all provisions of the decision as to reinstatement or, in the absence of that decision, upon proof of rehabilitation pursuant to Section 4-368.

• (b) If certification is reinstated prior to certification expiration, no extension of the certification period will be granted, and the certification will expire on the last day of the certification period.

• (c) The provisions of Section 4-363.6 are not applicable to a certification that has expired after disciplinary action.

• (d) If reinstatement of eligibility for certification is granted by DSA after certification expiration, the individual may obtain certification by meeting the requirements commencing with Section 4-363 except as provided in Section 4-369(e).

• (e) If after certification expiration an appellant has had eligibility for certification reinstated through the appeal process as set forth in Section 4-367, the individual is subject to the requirements of Section 363.4, which must be completed prior to receiving project approval, and if renewal is successful, the four-year certification period is established from the day after the original expiration date of the previous certification period.

Authority: Education Code Sections 17310 and 81142.

Reference: Education Code Sections 17311 and 81143.