Board raises licensing, testing and Spanish-language access for contractor exams

Members asked whether alternative testing approaches to ICC certification were acceptable and raised concerns about unproctored online exams and language access for Spanish-speaking contractors.

Board members noted that some jurisdictions allow remote, unproctored tests and others use monitored or proctored systems; staff said peer-review groups are evaluating testing options and that some jurisdictions accept reciprocity for registrations. "There is a way to manipulate at least in one of the jurisdictions that uses that," one member said regarding unproctored testing, and staff agreed to prepare guidance on preferred testing approaches. Members also urged improved Spanish-language access: staff confirmed some Spanish resources are on the county website but agreed this should be expanded to ensure contractors can read code materials and access test information.

Staff offered to circulate peer-review meeting links and provide guidance on which testing approaches the county would accept when drafting the ordinance and registration policy.