Certification Preparation
Led by a Former State Building Inspector
From 2005 to 2019, while serving as a Massachusetts State Building Inspector, I provided certification test preparation courses for Local Inspector and Building Commissioner candidates through the Commonwealth.
In 2024, the Division of Occupational Licensure / Office of Public Safety and Inspections discontinued offering this service. After retiring in August 2024, I chose to continue providing this structured preparation independently to support municipal candidates across Massachusetts.
Local Inspector Certification Course – Fall 2026
This in-person course prepares candidates for the three required exams necessary for Massachusetts Local Inspector certification.
Schedule:
Spring Class Cancelled.
Register now for the Fall Class.
Schedule and Location TBD in near future. Secure a seat for this 10 week class (10 weekly consecutive 4 hour sessions).
Tuition: $1,150.00
The course focuses on strategic navigation of the code books, timed practice exams, and structured review of key concepts. These are open-book exams requiring efficiency and famiarization, not memorization.
Course Overview
• 10 weekly consecutive 4 hour sessions
Dates: TBD
• Time: TBD
• Location: TBD
• In-person, structured classroom format
The course prepares candidates for the NCPCCI Exam Program, specifically:
• 1A Exam – One & Two-Family Dwelling General
• 1B Exam – Building General
• 3B Exam – Fire Protection
Passing these three exams along with meeting experience requirements under MGL Chapter 143, Section 3 and the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) is required for certification as a Local Inspector. Individuals appointed by a municipality must obtain this certification within a specified timeframe.
Why This Course Is Different
While employed by the Commonwealth, he taught similar certification courses to building professionals across the state. Very few State Building Inspectors have taught these specific preparatory programs. In the past year, the state discontinued offering them, creating a significant gap now filled by private instruction.
His teaching background is both rare and proven:
• Former students have gone on to become State Building Inspectors.
• The majority are now serving as Local Inspectors, Inspectors of Buildings, or Building Commissioners.
• He understands the exams from the inside and knows exactly how to prepare candidates for success.
These are open-book, timed exams based on thousands of pages of codes and standards. Success is not about memorizing every provision, it’s about mastering navigation, speed, and understanding how to efficiently locate and interpret code language under time pressure.
Students will:
• Complete timed practice exams at home.
• Review answers and concepts in class.
• Focus on code structure, indexing, and strategic test-taking methods.
• Receive individualized guidance tailored to their learning style.
David takes the time to get to know his students, ensuring each candidate builds both confidence and competence before exam day.
Who Should Enroll
This course is designed for individuals who meet the minimum qualifications under MGL Chapter 143, Section 3 and have been appointed — or expect to be appointed — as a Local Inspector in a Massachusetts municipality. Certification must typically be achieved within one year of appointment.
Course Tuition
Local Inspector Certification (10 Weeks) – $1,150
Building Commissioner / CBO Prep (10 Weeks) – $1,300
Payment required to reserve seat. Class size is limited.
Next Steps
2. Submit payment
3. Obtain all required reference books prior to the first class
Seats are limited to ensure focused instruction and individual attention.
Built on Experience. Focused on Results.
Decades of Code Enforcement Experience
Exam-Focused Strategy
Individualized Instruction
Proven Track Record
About David
With more than four decades in the building and public safety professions, David brings an unmatched depth of experience to the classroom.
David recently retired after 27 years as a State Building Inspector for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, following 5 years as the Inspector of Buildings in Belchertown. Over the course of his career, he has worked extensively in building code enforcement, construction oversight, fire safety, and municipal compliance.
In addition to his building inspection career, David served 15 years as a Captain with the Call Force of the Amherst Fire Department and was a Rescue Technician with the Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team. David holds ProBoard Certifications in Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, and Trench Rescue. Thus reinforcing a lifelong commitment to safety, precision, and professionalism.
David has been a Licensed Construction Supervisor for over 40 years and a Registered Home Improvement Contractor for more than 30 years. Today, he continues to stay active in the industry through select construction projects and part-time work with a local lumber company.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a proud husband of 40 years, father of nine, and grandfather of nine. David brings both leadership and steady perspective to everything he does.
Proven Results from Building Professionals
I am writing to highly recommend David Holmes for his coaching and instructional services. David played a pivotal role in preparing me for the state required building inspector certification exams. His deep knowledge of the building code, combined with the effective test-taking strategies he teaches, was critical to my successful certification.
During my years as a building inspector and code enforcement officer, David served as my District State Building Inspector. He was always available to interpret complex code questions and facilitated our monthly district meetings. In these meetings, he meticulously reviewed building code changes, which was essential for keeping our entire team current and compliant. I have no doubt that David will be successful in his new coaching endeavor. He has the unique ability to coach others to success just as he did for me.
Sincerely,
Jon Thompson
Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
If you have questions about the course, the exams, required materials, or whether this preparation is right for you, please reach out. I am happy to speak with you in advance and help you understand what to expect.
This course is designed to support candidates at all levels of experience. Do not be concerned about where you are starting. Whether it is reading speed, familiarity with the code books, or test-taking confidence. Many capable professionals feel unsure about timed, open-book exams. That is completely normal.
The goal of this course is not just to cover material, but to build strategy, confidence, and comfort with the exam process. With structured guidance and practice, candidates who may not consider themselves strong test-takers often discover that the exams become manageable and straightforward.
I look forward to working with you and helping you prepare with clarity and confidence.
David Holmes
Former Massachusetts State Building Inspector
27 Years State Experience | 40+ Years Construction & Code Enforcement