B&I Launches New Building Inspector Training Academy!
AWARD WINNING TRAINING ACADEMY
The Building and Inspection Department launched a new Building Inspector Training Academy designed to provide the full range of basic knowledge and experience for a professional career as a building inspector with the City of Cincinnati. The Academy is an intensive 48-week program. It is designed to attract a diverse pool of candidates as entry level building inspector recruits with the aptitude, experience, and desire to serve the public. The Academy is a mix of classroom and field learning including construction and building code training for the first 24 weeks. The second 24 weeks is a combination of field inspection training under the close supervision of an Ohio Board of Building Standards approved Trainee Supervisor to apply the concepts learned in the classroom in practical field exercises.
The locally taught Building Inspector Training Academy currently has 22 participants and is the first program of its kind to be approved by the Ohio Board of Building Standards! The Academy allows us to hire inspectors on potential and lead them to the required certifications to be successful on the job.
Additionally, the Department has adopted Permit Technician and Inspection Career Ladders, allowing upward mobility with appropriate training and experience benchmarks for inspectors.
"This groundbreaking training program is a beacon of excellence in our local government, exemplifying creativity, inclusivity, and a commitment to workforce development in the building inspection profession, while solving a critical workforce shortage that was significantly impacting the ability for the department to provide its core services."
- Sheryl M. M. Long, City Manager, City of Cincinnati
Learn More About the Building Inspector Academy
What is The Academy?
The Academy is an intensive 48-week training program designed to prepare individuals for careers as entry-level Building Inspector recruits. This program is committed to diversity, inclusion, and public service, and seeks candidates with potential, relevant experience, and a passion for making communities safer.
Program Highlights
• Duration: 48 Weeks
• Format: Classroom + Field Training
• Location: Varies by assignment
Program Structure
📚 Weeks 1–24: Classroom & Hands-On Instruction
• Learn construction fundamentals
• Study building code regulations
• Participate in simulated inspections
• Develop technical and analytical skills
🔍 Weeks 25–48: Supervised Field Inspection Training
• Work alongside a Trainee Supervisor certified by the Ohio Board of Building Standards
• Perform inspections in real-world environments
• Apply classroom knowledge on-site
• Receive performance feedback and mentorship
Ideal Candidates
We are looking for individuals who are:
• Motivated to learn and grow
• Experienced or familiar with construction or trades
• Committed to public service
• Strong communicators and problem-solvers
• Eager to contribute to community safety
Career Path
• Graduates of The Academy earn the professional credentials required for their careers. For
full job duties and qualifications, please see the attached Building Inspector 1 Job
Specification.
Interested?
We are excited to announce that applications for the 2026 cohort will be opening soon. We encourage you to regularly visit the City’s website for updates on upcoming opportunities within the Department of Buildings & Inspections. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cincinnati.
The Academy is proud to support equal opportunity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
CLASS OF 2025 TRAINING ACADEMY
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL AWARD
The Building Inspector Training Academy won the 2024 International Code Council Innovation Award