How Do I Become a Building Control Officer?

To become a building control officer, it is important in most regions to earn the proper certification. Individuals who are interested in earning certification normally must take a number of courses in which they learn about building regulations and other aspects of the construction industry. While it may not be necessary to earn a college degree to become a building control officer, many employers do prefer to hire only job candidates who have had some formal academic training. Once you have received the proper education and certification, it can be a good idea to develop a resume, which you can distribute to potential employers.

A building control officer is commonly known as a building inspector. This is a professional who is responsible for making sure that structures are compliant with local regulations regarding safety, health, and environmental concerns. Professionals in this field tend to spend part of their time in an office, analyzing and producing reports. They also may spend much time on the field, inspecting buildings.

In most regions, an individual who would like to become a building control officer must first receive certification. He or she normally first must take courses where he or she learns about regulations that apply to the regions where they wish to practice. It also is common for certification candidates to have to pass exams in which they demonstrate proficiency in subjects such as mathematics and language.

Normally, aspiring building control officers are not required by law to have college degrees. Many professionals in this field, however, have found that it is easier to find employment with formal academic training. Likewise, it might easier to pass proficiency exams for certification having already acquired a college education.

Higher education also can serve as a great opportunity to participate in internships. By concentrating in a field such as construction management, you may have the opportunity to learn from established professionals. These experiences also can strengthen a resume, making it easier to find work.

Computer skills also are valuable for an individual who wants to become a building control officer. These skills commonly can be acquired in a college or vocational school. Individuals without college educations can take instructional computer courses that are not part of a degree of certification program.

Once you have earned certification and experience, you should compose a resume to hand out to potential employers. This is a one page document on which you list all relevant experiences. Employers who see promise in your resume may call you in for job interviews.