REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio - Contractors in Ohio will now have to pass an International Code Council (ICC) examination to become licensed in the state. The ICC recently signed an agreement with Ohio's Department of Commerce to provide testing services for the Ohio Construction Industry Examining Board (OCIEB).

Ohio requires contractors in the construction industry to be licensed. The International Code Council will now administer tests for the state's trade and business law examination requirements for master plumbers, master electricians, and master HVAC contractors, as well as the state's refrigeration and hydronic heating categories.

"Contractor licensing is a vital part of ensuring public safety in our communities," said David S. Nelson, ICC vice president of Certification and Licensure. "Contractor licensing is especially effective when jurisdictions also certify their building officials and enforce up-to-date building codes, such as the International Codes, both of which the state of Ohio does."

Ohio currently enforces the 2000 International Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, and the 2000 International Fuel Gas Code by reference. The state also requires professional certification for its building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and fire inspectors.

The International Code Council Contractor Examination Program works with participating jurisdictions as a third-party testing agency for contractor exams. ICC examinations are the foundation for contractor licensing in 16 states, the District of Columbia, and the Cayman Islands.

For more information about contractor licensing in the state of Ohio, or the International Code Council Contractor Examination Program, visit www.iccsafe.org/contractor/.

Publication date: 06/07/2004