If you hold a certification from the International Code Council (ICC), continuing education can help you maintain your credentials and stay up to date with building codes, construction practices, and industry standards.
ICC Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are used to meet certification renewal requirements. The number of CEUs you need depends on the certification you hold and the credentials you are renewing. You must also ensure that the required portion of your CEUs comes from ICC or an approved Preferred Provider.
In this guide, you’ll learn how ICC continuing education works, how to check your CEU requirements, which training options to consider, and how to submit your completed credits. American Technical Institute (ATI) offers construction inspection training options for professionals looking to develop their knowledge and explore relevant continuing education opportunities.
What Is ICC Continuing Education?
ICC Continuing Education refers to educational activities that help ICC-certified professionals maintain their knowledge and meet applicable certification renewal requirements. These activities can include approved courses, seminars, online training, and other eligible professional development activities.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) measure the amount of qualifying education completed. Before enrolling in a course, check whether it is eligible for your specific ICC certification renewal and whether it meets the applicable provider requirements.
ICC-certified professionals can explore continuing education through:
- ICC training: Courses, seminars, and other education opportunities offered by ICC.
- ICC Preferred Providers: Approved education providers offering eligible courses.
- Other qualifying activities: Certain additional professional development activities may count toward the total CEUs required.
Review the official ICC certification renewal guidance to understand the current requirements for your credential.
Why Are ICC CEUs Important?
Continuing education helps ICC-certified professionals keep their knowledge current and meet applicable certification renewal requirements. It can also support professional development in construction inspection, plan review, and building code enforcement.
Completing eligible continuing education can help you:
- Maintain your certification: Earn the required CEUs within the applicable renewal period.
- Stay current with codes: Learn about relevant code updates, construction practices, and technical developments.
- Develop professional skills: Strengthen your understanding of inspection methods and building safety.
- Demonstrate ongoing learning: Show employers and clients that you take professional development seriously.
Missing a renewal deadline or failing to meet CEU requirements can affect your certification status. Check your expiration date and applicable renewal rules through the official ICC renewal page.
Types of Construction Inspection Courses to Consider
The most suitable continuing education course depends on your current certification, professional responsibilities, and learning goals. Construction inspection professionals may be interested in subjects such as reinforced concrete, structural masonry, and spray-applied fireproofing.
American Technical Institute offers training options in several construction inspection specialties:
- Reinforced Concrete Special Inspection: Relevant to professionals who want to develop their knowledge of reinforced concrete inspection.
- Structural Masonry Special Inspection: Suitable for learners interested in masonry construction and inspection practices.
- Spray-Applied Fireproofing Inspection: Focuses on inspection considerations related to spray-applied fire-resistive materials.
Explore ATI’s ICC CEU courses and training options to learn more about available programs.
Important: Not every construction training course automatically qualifies for ICC renewal CEUs. Before enrolling, confirm that the specific course has the appropriate approval and CEU credit for your renewal needs.
How Many ICC CEUs Do You Need?
The number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required for ICC certification renewal depends on the number and type of credentials you are renewing. Under ICC’s published 2026 renewal bulletin, the standard requirements for many credentials are:
- One credential: 1.5 CEUs
- Two to five credentials: 3.0 CEUs
- Six to ten credentials: 4.5 CEUs
- Eleven or more credentials: 6.0 CEUs
Certain credentials, including Certified Building Official (CBO), Certified Fire Marshal (CFM), and Master Code Professional (MCP), have specific requirements. Always verify the applicable requirements for your credential.
ICC also requires at least 50% of the required CEUs to come from ICC or an ICC Preferred Provider. The remaining credits may be earned through other eligible activities, subject to ICC rules.
CEUs must be earned within the applicable three-year period before renewal, and you should retain documentation proving completion. Review the official ICC Credentialing Renewal Bulletin and the ICC renewal guidance before planning your courses.
Choosing an ICC Continuing Education Provider
When choosing a continuing education provider, consider whether the courses match your professional goals and meet the requirements for your ICC certification renewal.
Before registering, check the following:
- Course eligibility: Confirm that the course qualifies for the CEUs you need.
- Provider approval: Verify whether the provider and specific course meet ICC’s requirements.
- Course format: Choose online or in-person learning based on availability and your schedule.
- Course content: Look for training relevant to your inspection specialty and professional responsibilities.
- Completion records: Confirm how you will receive proof of completion and whether you need to enter the credits into your myICC account.
American Technical Institute provides construction inspection training options in areas such as reinforced concrete, structural masonry, and spray-applied fireproofing. Review the ATI course offerings and confirm the CEU eligibility of the specific course before enrolling.
How to Complete Your ICC Continuing Education
Follow these steps to plan your certification renewal:
- Check your certification: Sign in to your myICC account and confirm your credential and expiration date.
- Determine your CEU requirements: Review the official ICC renewal bulletin to identify how many CEUs you need and how many must come from ICC or a Preferred Provider.
- Choose eligible courses: Select training that matches your certification and renewal requirements.
- Complete the training: Attend the course or finish the approved online learning activities.
- Record your CEUs: Follow the provider’s instructions and enter eligible credits in your myICC account when required.
- Keep proof of completion: Retain certificates and other supporting records in case ICC requests verification.
- Renew on time: Submit your renewal by your credential’s expiration date.
For detailed instructions, visit the official ICC certification renewal page.
Can ICC CEU Course Bundles Help You Meet Renewal Requirements?
Course bundles can be convenient if you need training across multiple subjects. Depending on the courses included, a bundle may simplify registration and help you organize your learning.
Before purchasing a bundle, check:
- How many CEUs each course provides.
- Whether the courses are eligible for your specific ICC renewal.
- Whether the provider and courses meet ICC’s applicable requirements.
- Whether the bundle covers the topics you need.
- Whether the total price offers value compared with taking individual courses.
ATI offers course options related to reinforced concrete, structural masonry, and spray-applied fireproofing inspection. Explore the ATI course catalog and verify the CEU details before purchasing a bundle.
Remember that buying a bundle does not automatically guarantee that every course will count toward your certification renewal.
COnline vs. In-Person ICC Continuing Education
Online and in-person courses can both be useful ways to continue your professional development. The best format depends on your schedule, learning preferences, and the courses available for your certification.
Online courses may offer greater scheduling flexibility and allow you to study from different locations. Check whether the course is self-paced or instructor-led and whether it qualifies for your required CEUs.
In-person courses provide opportunities to learn directly from instructors, ask questions, and interact with other professionals. Availability and practical activities vary by course.
Before registering for either format, confirm the course’s CEU eligibility, content, schedule, and completion requirements. You can explore ATI’s construction inspection training options to find a course that suits your learning goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICC CEUs
How many CEUs do I need to renew an ICC certification?
For many standard ICC credentials, one credential requires 1.5 CEUs per three-year renewal period. Requirements increase when renewing multiple credentials, and some credentials have specific rules. Check the current ICC renewal bulletin for your situation.
How often do ICC certifications need to be renewed?
ICC credentials are generally valid for three years and must be renewed on or before their expiration date to remain active.
Can I earn ICC CEUs through online courses?
Yes. Eligible online courses can count toward ICC renewal requirements. Confirm that the specific course meets ICC’s applicable CEU and provider requirements before enrolling.
Do ICC CEUs expire?
CEUs generally must be earned within the three years before the renewal processing date. Credits earned outside that period cannot normally be applied to that renewal.
Can I use courses from an ICC Preferred Provider toward renewal?
Yes. Eligible courses from ICC or an ICC Preferred Provider can count toward the required portion of your CEUs. Verify the course’s approval and credit details before registering.
How do I submit CEUs through myICC?
Sign in to your myICC account to track or enter eligible CEUs and complete your renewal. Keep proof of manually entered credits in case ICC requests documentation.
Final Thoughts: Stay Current with ICC Continuing Education
ICC continuing education helps certified professionals maintain their credentials and continue developing their knowledge of construction codes, inspection practices, and building safety.
To prepare for renewal, check your certification’s expiration date, confirm the required CEUs, choose eligible courses, and keep records of your completed training. Because requirements can differ by credential and the number of certifications being renewed, always consult the latest ICC renewal guidance.
American Technical Institute offers construction inspection training options for professionals looking to develop their skills. Explore ATI’s course offerings and confirm that your chosen course meets your continuing education needs before registering.
For official requirements and renewal instructions, visit the ICC Credentialing Renewal page.