Applicants for certification must be at least 21 years of age, be able to speak, read and write English, have worked at least one year under the direct supervision of a certified blaster, have a working knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations, and pass an examination. Certification is renewable every three years upon request. In Virginia, the Training and Certification Office is responsible for the training and certification of building and fire code enforcement personnel, amusement device inspectors, and unrestricted and restricted blasters. The Office is also responsible for the Virginia Building Code Academy. The objective of the Academy is to provide the educational foundation for Virginia's building code and fire safety personnel, and to enhance the professionalism and level of knowledge of code personnel throughout the Commonwealth. Courses include the week-long core program as well as those designed to instruct in specialized or specific aspects of the code. Building Officials are required to be certified within one year from date of employment. Inspectors administering and enforcing the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code must be certified in their trade discipline within three years from date of employment (this also includes amusement device inspectors). Enforcement officials and technical assistants administering and enforcing Existing Building and Fire Prevention Codes have three years from date of employment to become certified. Individuals conducting blasting in Virginia must also be certified.
