The International Code Council now offers a Residential Sprinkler Installer Examination for builders, plumbers and other professional contractors to demonstrate their qualifications to install in accordance with, and their knowledge of, the sprinkler requirements in the 2009 IRC.  

The 2009 International Residential Code requires fire sprinklers in all new townhomes when the code is adopted, and in all new one- and two-family residences beginning Jan. 1, 2010. The International Code Council now offers a Residential Sprinkler Installer Examination for builders, plumbers and other professional contractors to demonstrate their qualifications to install in accordance with, and their knowledge of, the sprinkler requirements in the 2009 IRC.

Those who pass the exam will receive official documentation of their score report from the ICC that may be presented as evidence for state licensure or other business purposes. By passing the test, contractors demonstrate their knowledge to code officials, who are responsible for ensuring sprinklers are installed according to code, ICC announced.

The exam assesses competency in five areas:

*Sprinkler components

*Piping components

*Water supply

*System design

*Installation

The exam was developed by a committee of experts, each with practical experience in the design and installation of residential sprinkler systems. The exam references the 2009 IRC, NFPA 13D and NFPA 13.

To see further details in the 2009 ICC National Contractor Trades Examination Program Bulletin, visithttp://www.iccsafe.org/certification/2008/pdf/ICC_National_CIB_05122009C.pdf.

Source: The International Code Council