2026 Iowa Permit Technicians Association Annual Conference

Join us for a two-day class designed to prepare you for becoming a Certified Permit Technician, taught by experienced instructor Steve Burge
About this Event

The Original Complete Permit Technician

Instructor: Steve Burger, C.B.O., LEED A.P.

Join the Iowa Permit Technician Association for a two-day course designed to provide essential information for permit technicians, front-counter personnel, building department staff, and anyone interested in preparing for the 2021 or 2024 ICC Permit Technician Certification Exam.

This comprehensive course covers code administration and history, legal aspects, customer service, basic construction, the inspection process, zoning requirements, permit fee calculations, occupancy and construction types, and strategies for working with difficult customers.

Day 2 builds on the knowledge gained during Day 1, so attendance both days is recommended.

Course Details

Dates: November 5–6, 2026
Location: Hiawatha Community Center
ICC CEUs: 0.7 per day / 1.4 total
Contact Hours: 14

The course includes morning and afternoon breaks and a one-hour lunch break.

What to Bring

Please bring the following materials:

• Calculator
• Highlighter
• 2021 or 2024 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2021 or 2024 International Zoning Code (IZC)
• Legal Aspects of Code Administration
• Basic Code Enforcement (optional)

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants will be better able to:

1. Understand the importance of the Permit Technician position.
2. Prepare for the ICC Permit Technician Certification Exam.
3. Explain the basics of code administration.
4. Understand the history of how codes are developed and implemented.
5. Understand basic zoning terms and concepts.
6. Identify the information necessary for a complete permit submittal.
7. Understand basic plan review requirements, symbols, and related documents.
8. Understand basic minimum inspection types.
9. Locate administrative code sections, primarily within Chapter 1 of the International Building Code.
10. Recognize basic occupancy classifications.
11. Recognize basic types of construction.
12. Understand the importance of good customer service and effectively working with permit applicants.
13. Understand basic legal concepts and the importance of due process during the permitting process.
14. Explore the importance of customer service and why we are “Selfish!”
15. Apply course knowledge through a 40-question sample exam at the conclusion of the class.

Food & Refreshments

Lunch and snacks will be provided both days.

Hotel Accommodations

A block of rooms has been reserved for conference attendees at the Hilton Garden Inn for the nights of November 4 and November 5, 2026, at a group rate of $189 per night.

The discounted room block rate ends October 14, 2026. After this date, rooms and rates are subject to availability.

Reserve Your Room at the Conference Rate

Please reach out with any questions regarding the hotel room block.