Residential Code Sessions

Monday – AM/PM
2021 IRC “The Backbone” Building & Planning Basics (Chapter 3)
This full day session will cover IRC Chapter 3, Building Planning, sets up a compilation of code requirements that are specific to the building planning sector of the design and construction process. The provisions address a wide variety of issues important to designing a building that is both safe and usable. Without a broad workable knowledge of this chapter, it will be impossible to construct one- & two-family dwelling units and Townhomes. This course is applicable to all aspects of the design, construction, regulatory community, including contractors and design professionals.
Instructor: Russell Thornburg – Thornburg Code Services

Tuesday – AM
Means of Egress for Residential Dwellings 2021 IRC
A complete in-depth view of code requirements and best practices for stairways, landings, guards, and handrails etc… Illustrations used represent everyday problems and will serve as the basis for discussion and resolution to some of the problems of means of egress. This course is applicable to designers, contractors, framers, and building inspectors.
Instructor: Russell Thornburg – Thornburg Code Services

Tuesday – PM
2021 IRC Exterior Wall Systems
Water intrusion through exterior walls may be the largest problem in residential construction today. This course will discuss the IRC requirements for exterior walls of chapters 3, 6 and 7. General installation requirements of products will be discussed, including weather resistance barriers, flashing, vinyl/wood/hardboard siding, masonry and culture veneers, stucco and EFIS systems.
Instructor: Russell Thornburg – Thornburg Code Services

Wednesday – AM/PM
2021 IRC Framing Inspections
This overview surveys the requirements of the International Residential Code’s conventional wood framing provisions and the requirements associated with framing engineered designs for non-conventional construction. We will compare and contrast the prescriptive requirements with those of engineered designs. This course is appropriate for code enforcers, contractors, architects, and engineers.
Instructor: Russell Thornburg – Thornburg Code Services

Thursday – AM/PM
Accessory Buildings
This seminar will cover building code requirements for the construction of many accessory structures, including a brief overview of residential garages, sheds, decks, and porches. The topic will address design and plan review considerations, construction documents, and field inspection issues. To supplement code language, numerous illustrations will be used to generate interactive discussion.
Instructor: Russell Thornburg – Thornburg Code Services

Plumbing Code Sessions

Monday – AM/PM
Residential Fire Sprinkler Endorsement Prep Class (Day 1 of 3)
This exam preparation class is a 3-day course that is required prior to taking the Residential Sprinkler Endorsement Exam. Students must attend all 3 days to receive the required credit. A training manual is included for each student as part of the supplied course materials. Attendees of the 3 day course will be automatically registered to take the State Residential Sprinkler Endorsement exam administered by the TSBPE at BPI. The exam will take place at the Irving Convention Center on Thursday, May 9, 2024 starting at 1:00 PM. Additionally this class can provide the equivalent of 100 hours toward the State Plumbing Inspectors License requirements.
Instructor: Bobby Doran – Plumbing Continuing Education

Tuesday – AM/PM
Residential Fire Sprinkler Endorsement Prep Class (Day 2 of 3)
This exam preparation class is a 3-day course that is required prior to taking the Residential Sprinkler Endorsement Exam. Students must attend all 3 days to receive the required credit. A training manual is included for each student as part of the supplied course materials. Attendees of the 3 day course will be automatically registered to take the State Residential Sprinkler Endorsement exam administered by the TSBPE at BPI. The exam will take place at the Irving Convention Center on Thursday, May 9, 2024 starting at 1:00 PM. Additionally this class can provide the equivalent of 100 hours toward the State Plumbing Inspectors License requirements.
Instructor: Bobby Doran – Plumbing Continuing Education

Wednesday – AM/PM
Residential Fire Sprinkler Endorsement Prep Class (Day 3 of 3)
This exam preparation class is a 3-day course that is required prior to taking the Residential Sprinkler Endorsement Exam. Students must attend all 3 days to receive the required credit. A training manual is included for each student as part of the supplied course materials. Attendees of the 3 day course will be automatically registered to take the State Residential Sprinkler Endorsement exam administered by the TSBPE at BPI. The exam will take place at the Irving Convention Center on Thursday, May 9, 2024 starting at 1:00 PM. Additionally this class can provide the equivalent of 100 hours toward the State Plumbing Inspectors License requirements.
Instructor: Bobby Doran – Plumbing Continuing Education

Thursday – PM
***Residential Fire Sprinkler Endorsement Test Administered by TSBPE***
This Exam is administered by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and subject to their approval. BPI is only offering a location for the exam. Those who attended the 3 day prep course will be automatically registered to take this exam. The paperwork and qualifications for the exam are subject to TSBPE approval and not BPI’s. The exam will take place at the Irving Convention Center on Thursday, May 9, 2024, starting at 1:00 PM. You do not have to be registered as a student with BPI to take this exam and no additional fees will be charged by BPI for the examination. Please address all questions concerning the exam to TSBPE. Room locations will be posted at the registration desk.

Thursday – AM/PM
2024 Plumbing Continuing Education
This session is approved for TSBPE continuing education and will cover State of the industry; Remote Inspections; IPC Fixtures, Faucets, and fixture fittings; Water conservation/Alternate Supplies; IFGC Ch. 4 Gas Piping Installation; and Fatal Four Revisited.
Instructor: Bobby Doran – Plumbing Continuing Education

Mechanical Code Sessions

Monday – AM/PM
2021 IRC Mechanical Inspections
This full day session will cover mechanical installation and inspection based on the 2021 IRC Mechanical provisions.
Instructor: Roy Garcia – RVG Code Experts & Consulting

Tuesday – AM/PM
2021 IMC Chapter 5 – Exhaust Systems, Installation and Inspections
This full day session will cover every aspect of Chapter 5 exhaust systems from environmental exhaust, product conveying exhaust, to commercial kitchen exhaust systems.
Instructor: Roy Garcia – RVG Code Experts & Consulting

Wednesday – AM/PM
2021 IMC Chapter 6 – Duct Systems, Installation and Inspections
This full day session will cover the duct systems as addressed in the code. It is intended to address the commercial side of installation and inspection of duct systems.
Instructor: Roy Garcia – RVG Code Experts & Consulting

Thursday
No class

Electrical Code Sessions

Monday
No class

Tuesday – AM/PM
Analysis of Changes-2023 NEC (and TDLR law for Texas Electrical License)
This program will take an in-depth look into some of the more important changes to the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code® (NEC). The seminar will consist primarily of material developed for the IAEI’s Analysis of Changes-2023 NEC textbook. This seminar will cover the top 50 or so changes including new articles, new definitions and their new location in the NEC, dwelling unit kitchen countertop receptacle requirements, equipotential bonding of splash pads, permitted 10 ampere branch circuits at dwelling units, working space about electrical equipment, new GFCI requirement for appliances, new exception for rapid shutdown of PV systems, load calculations for EV charging systems, and much more. If you are an installer or an inspector, it is critical that you stay informed on the upcoming changes to the latest edition of the NEC so you can perform your duties at optimum levels. This seminar has been recognized and approved by TDLR for meeting your continuing education requirement in renewing your State of Texas electrical license. TDLR Course No: 28218
Instructor: Keith Lofland – Electrical Consultant

Wednesday – AM/PM
Grounding and Bonding Fundamentals (and TDLR law for Texas Electrical License)
This seminar is a must for those who wish to keep informed and increase their expertise in the grounding and bonding of electrical systems. Completely revised to the current edition of the NEC, it is based on the authoritative text IAEI’s Soares Book on Grounding and clearly explains the fundamentals and practice of grounding in easily understood language. Dozens of new and revised color illustrations and photos of actual installations clarify and simplify the fundamental principles of grounding and bonding. This course will not only cover the fundamentals for grounding and bonding, but the “why” these requirements are in the Code in the first place. Information is provided about grounding and bonding in an easily understandable manner. This seminar will take the “mystery” out of grounding and bonding Code requirements. This course is designed to cover the major changes and fundamentals in the National Electrical Code for grounding and bonding. The basics of grounding and bonding will be presented in a concise yet comprehensible manner rather than a heavy topic that most grounding and bonding seminars provide. The goal is not only to discuss the grounding and bonding requirements itself but provide insight into the purpose for the requirement as well. TDLR Course No: 28499
Instructor: Keith Lofland – Electrical Consultant

Thursday
No class

Energy Code Sessions

Monday
No class

Tuesday
No class

Wednesday – AM/PM
2021 IECC Residential Energy Design and Inspections
This course will cover residential energy provisions in full, including not only the basics about energy use but also, state adoption rules, amendment procedures and IECC requirements, including how to apply and inspect for compliance.
Instructor: Shirley Ellis – City of Austin, ICC Board of Directors

Thursday – AM
2021 IECC Maintenance Information and System Commissioning
This course will include maintenance and commissioning requirements contained in all the IECC code family. It provides an understanding of the various requirements and the processes and documentation required.
Instructor: Shirley Ellis – City of Austin, ICC Board of Directors

Thursday – PM
2021 IECC Mechanical Provisions
This course will cover the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code Commercial provisions for the design and inspection of mechanical systems.
Instructor: Shirley Ellis – City of Austin, ICC Board of Directors

Certified Building Official (CBO) Prep

Monday – AM/PM
Exam Prep for the Legal Portion of the CBO Certification
This course is for anyone wanting to obtain their Certified Building Official (CBO) certification or to learn more about being a Chief Building Official. Subjects that will be discussed include Legislative, Code Enforcement, Human Resources, and Public Records. Test-taking techniques will also be discussed in class. The course is based on the 2021 I-Codes. This is one of three exams for the CBO certification.
Instructor: Frank Morris – Tri-State Consultants & Study the Code

Tuesday – AM/PM
Exam Prep for the Management Portion of the CBO Certification
This course is for anyone wanting to obtain their Certified Building Official (CBO) certification or to learn more about being a Chief Building Official. Subjects that will be discussed include Customer Service, Financial Management, Personnel Management, Records Management. Test-taking techniques will also be discussed in class. The course is based on the 2021 I-Codes. This is one of three exams for the CBO certification.
Instructor: Frank Morris – Tri-State Consultants & Study the Code

Wednesday – AM/PM
Exam Prep for the Building Codes & Standards Portion of the CBO Certification (Day 1 of 2 for Codes & Standards)
This course is for anyone wanting to obtain their Certified Building Official (CBO) certification or to learn more about being a Chief Building Official. Subjects that will be discussed include Architectural Plan Review, Structural Plan Review, Building Systems Plan Review and Field Inspection. Test-taking techniques will also be discussed in class. The course is based on the 2021 I-Codes. This is one of three exams for the CBO certification.
Instructor: Frank Morris – Tri-State Consultants & Study the Code

Thursday – AM/PM
Exam Prep for the Building Codes & Standards Portion of the CBO Certification (Day 2 of 2 for Codes & Standards)
This course is for anyone wanting to obtain their Certified Building Official (CBO) certification or to learn more about being a Chief Building Official. Subjects that will be discussed include Architectural Plan Review, Structural Plan Review, Building Systems Plan Review and Field Inspection. Test-taking techniques will also be discussed in class. The course is based on the 2021 I-Codes. This is one of three exams for the CBO certification.
Instructor: Frank Morris – Tri-State Consultants & Study the Code

Code Enforcement Sessions

Monday – AM
Small Town Code – Big Town Problems
This course sheds light on enforcement in small towns and large cities. It talks about the differences and similarities of enforcement in our communities. It also gives a strategic backdrop to ensure that you are protected when there are outside forces challenging the work of enforcement.
Instructor: Kelvin Beene – Code Performance Consultants

Monday – PM
Introduction to Zoning – Zoning 101
This course is a basic course in the theory of Zoning. It details the why and how’s of Zoning. This course will develop your zoning skills by enhancing the interpretation of zoning ordinance and the rationale behind the creation of zoning.
Instructor: Kelvin Beene – Code Performance Consultants

Tuesday – AM
Case Development – Legislative Updates
This class takes you step by step through the judicial process. It includes a mock trial, jury selection process, courtroom behavior, and how to be a good witness and court case preparation.
Instructor: Kelvin Beene – Code Performance Consultants

Tuesday – PM
Hoarding
This course discusses the various levels of hoarding, strategies to abate hoarding and the possible resources available to inspectors. It also educates the participants on the reasoning and psychological aspects for hoarders.
Instructor: Kelvin Beene – Code Performance Consultants

Wednesday – AM
Code Enforcement Mental Health Strategies
This half day session is designed to help you identify mental health issues and gives you the tools to make safe decisions on the factors identified while conducting inspections. This is a scenario-based training class.
Instructor: Kelvin Beene – Code Performance Consultants

Wednesday – PM
Effective Communications
Effective communication is mission critical for a high performing code department. We’ll explore the “who, what, when and how” of communication and stock your enforcement communication toolbox with the right tools that will surely set you and your team up for success.
Instructor: Kelvin Beene – Code Performance Consultants

Thursday – AM
Nuisance Abatement of Properties
This course references the necessity of nuisance abatement and how they impact your city. It also identifies strategic difficulties in conjunction with the securing of properties via board ups and other methods.
Instructor: Kelvin Beene – Code Performance Consultants

Thursday – PM
Officer Safety and Situational Awareness
This course assists code officers in the identification of risk factors to their safety and problems that will give them administrative strife. The important points to this course will broaden the thought process of code officers and train them to make good sound decisions based on the facts they are presented along with physical safety strategies.
Instructor: Kelvin Beene – Code Performance Consultants

Permit Technician Sessions

Monday – AM/PM
Understanding Construction Plans for Permit Technicians
Overview on how to interpret construction drawings and what the various types of drawings may contain. This course has been designed to help Permit Techs understand and identify the different types of drawings and plans. We will review various lines, shapes, symbols, and abbreviations most commonly used on drawings and the key components of construction plans.
Instructor: Carey Frazier – City of Prosper

Tuesday – AM
Permit Technician Records Management
This half day session will provide guidance on required and useful information regarding record retention, including State Law requirements for building department record retention. This session will include types of retention methods (pros and cons).
Instructor: Samantha Morrow – City of Garland

Tuesday – PM
Customer Service Skills
This half-day session will provide useful information regarding basic customer service skills necessary for front counter personnel. We will go over what to say and how to say it to effectively communicate with your customers. Additionally we will discuss body language and visible cues to let you know that you are communicating your desired information.
Instructor: Samantha Morrow – City of Garland

Wednesday – AM/PM
Basic Inspections for Permit Tech
This session is intended to provide permit technicians with basic understanding of inspections and inspection requests. We will go over the basic inspection types as well as technical terms to help you understand what is being requested or discussed. This session will take the inspections in order as they would normally be requested.
Instructor: Brett King – Building Official City of Carrollton

Thursday – AM
Permit Tech Specialist Overview
If you are ready to rise to the level of Permit Technician Specialist this session will review the basics for the code specialist exam including the basic references covering legal concerns, management issues, budget, and communication skills that are necessary for the ICC Code Specialist.
Instructor: Carey Frazier – City of Prosper

Texas Accessibility Standards

Monday – AM/PM
Understanding & Applying Texas Accessibility Standards
This course is an overview of TDLR, the state statute and rules, comparison of the Federal ADA and standards applicable to the design, construction, and alteration of building/facilities. This course is also an overview of the 2012 TAS applied to common situations encountered in real life. This course can be used for the one hour of self-reported barrier free AIA CEU requirements for Architects and 8 hours of RAS CEUs. Non-RAS are welcome.
Instructors: Marsha Godeaux & Jonathan Sparks – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Texas Accessibility Academy

Tuesday – AM/PM
Texas Accessibility Academy | Day 1
This is Day 1 of a 2-day course for Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS), architects, designers and building officials. This is a comprehensive study of the Texas Architectural Barriers Act (TABA), Administrative Rules and the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (2012 TAS). Attendees will receive general information about the TABA, Administrative Rules and the 2012 TAS, including participation in activities to reinforce technical content. The full 2-day course is certified for 16-hours of RAS CEUs.
Instructors: Marsha Godeaux & Jonathan Sparks – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Wednesday – AM/PM
Texas Accessibility Academy | Day 2
This is Day 2 of a 2-day course for Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS), architects, designers and building officials. This is a comprehensive study of the Texas Architectural Barriers Act (TABA), Administrative Rules and the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (2012 TAS). Attendees will receive general information about the TABA, Administrative Rules and the 2012 TAS, including participation in activities to reinforce technical content. The full 2-day course is certified for 16-hours of RAS CEUs.
Instructors: Marsha Godeaux & Jonathan Sparks – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Thursday
No class

Special Topics

Monday – AM
Modular Construction in Your Community
This half-day session will provide for TDLR’s Industrialized Housing and Building (IHB) department to discuss what the local building official should know and do when a modular building or home arrives in their community. IHB Specialists clarify the information and documents you should get, propose questions you should ask, and identify the players involved. The session will also review the authority, role, and responsibilities of the municipal authority, and discuss what happens when a modular installation is outside the jurisdiction of a city or inside a city with no building inspection department.
Instructor: Crisi Cooper – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Monday – PM
APA Technical Seminars on Shear Walls as High Wind Resistance
First Session: Shear Wall Selection for Wood Framed Buildings. From wall bracing to FTAO, there are many ways to secure the walls of a building. It’s great to have options, but how do you evaluate which is best for a project? As architects and builders, you may be in the dark about this evaluation process being made by your structural engineer and how it impacts your architectural vision and ease of construction. And as an engineer, you may have always gone with the status quo. But what could you be overlooking? This session examines shear wall options along with the pros and cons of each to help building professionals determine and communicate what structural approach is best for your next wood-framed project. Second Session: After the Storm – Lessons Learned about Building for High Wind Resistance. This session will discuss structural failures observed during storm damage assessments and the behavior of wood structures during high wind events. An overview of how high wind forces work, the importance of a complete load path, and how good design and construction practices can improve the storm resistance of buildings will be provided. Both code requirements and APA’s above-code recommendations which contribute to improved overall performance in the structural shell will be discussed. They focus on good connection details and common failure modes seen in storm damage assessments and help builders cost effectively build a safer home. By understanding key code requirements and lateral load concepts, home damage in future storms can be minimized.
Instructor: Roy Frederick – APA

Tuesday – AM
APA Technical Seminars on Framing
First Session: Advanced Framing for Wood Framed Construction. As energy codes become stricter, builders and designers are seeking options for energy-efficient construction that maintain strength, durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Advanced framing is a system of construction framing techniques designed to optimize material usage and increase energy efficiency. The primary purpose for most advanced framing techniques is to eliminate unnecessary framing members, reducing construction costs, while simultaneously minimizing thermal bridging and increasing insulation volume in the thermal envelope of the building. Second Session: Frame for Success. Based on hundreds of job site inspections, APA – The Engineered Wood Association staff have identified the most common wood construction framing and sheathing challenges and errors found in today’s wood framed construction. This session will examine the consequences of the errors and provide practical solutions for avoiding them in future construction.
Instructor: Roy Frederick – APA

Tuesday – PM
APA Technical Seminars on Engineered Wood
First Session: Engineered Wood: A to Z. With the expanding choice and use of engineered wood products (EWPs) in today’s construction market, it is now more important than ever to understand how to properly select, install and detail engineered wood materials. This presentation will address the benefits and proper application of engineered wood products, including plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), glued laminated timber (glulam), I-joists, and structural composite lumber (SCL). Second Session: Advancements in Engineered Wood Beams. This presentation will review proper design, specification, and installation of glued laminated (glulam) beams and structural composite lumber (SCL). New technologies streamlined design options, and sustainability issues will be addressed, as will, the constructability benefits of engineered wood beams.
Instructor: Roy Frederick – APA

Wednesday – AM
GIS – Who, What, Where, When, Why and How
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Who needs it? Why is it important? What do they need? Where can GIS be used? When can they get GIS? and HOW CAN WE GET IT? Plus demonstrate some applications for different functions – Inspectors – GIS In the field.
Instructor: Susan Whitcomb – City of Little Elm

Wednesday – PM
Using GIS for Disaster, Post Disaster and Recovery
This session will cover why GIS is important for disaster response, what GIS apps and map products are available for disaster response, how GIS maps are used all the way through recovery. We will have examples of how GIS has been used in Texas for disaster response.
Instructor: David Allen – City of Roanoke

Thursday
No Class