ICC Permit Technician Practice Exam

Inspections by an approved agency must be documented by reports certified by whom?

1. Local government officials

2. The contractor responsible

3. The design professional

4. The client

The correct answer is: The design professional

The requirement for inspections conducted by an approved agency to be documented by reports certified by the design professional stems from the established roles and responsibilities within the construction and inspection process. The design professional, typically an architect or engineer, is responsible for ensuring that the project is built according to the approved plans and specifications, as well as relevant codes. Having the reports certified by the design professional adds a layer of accountability and expertise to the inspection process. They possess the necessary knowledge to evaluate whether the work complies with the design criteria and applicable regulations. Their certification means that they have reviewed the inspection findings and are affirming that the construction aligns with both the intended design and the safety standards established by building codes. Other options suggest various stakeholders such as local government officials, the contractor, or the client, but none of these parties hold the same level of responsibility for the project's design integrity and regulatory compliance as the design professional does. Local government officials are typically involved in the permitting and enforcement phases, while contractors are focused on executing the work. The client is generally not involved in the technical certification of the project, making the design professional the most appropriate certifying authority for inspection reports.