(a) All construction inspectors, plans examiners and building officials who are not exempt from the requirements of this chapter pursuant to subdivision (b), or previously certified, shall complete one year of verifiable experience in the appropriate field, and shall, within one year thereafter, obtain certification from a recognized state, national, or international association, as determined by the local agency. The area of certification shall be closely related to the primary job function, as determined by the local agency.
(b) Any person who is currently and has continuously been employed as a construction inspector, plans examiner, or building official for not less than two years prior to the effective date of this section shall be exempt from the certification provisions of this section, unless and until that person obtains employment as a construction inspector, plans examiner, or building official with a different employer.
(c) Nothing in this article is intended to prohibit a local agency from prescribing additional criteria for the certification of construction inspectors, plans examiners, or building officials.
(d) Nothing in this chapter, as it relates to construction inspectors, plans examiners, or building officials, shall be construed to alter the requirements for licensure, or the jurisdiction, authority, or scope of practice, of architects pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5500) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, professional engineers pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, or land surveyors pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 8700) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
(Added by renumbering Section 18968 by Stats. 1996, Ch. 124, Sec. 63. Effective January 1, 1997.)