Transcription
ICC PREFERRED PROVIDERPROGRAM MANUALRevised March 2019ICC Perf Provider Program Manual FINAL UPDATE 03092019.indd All Pages3/21/2019 10:37:04 AM
ICC Preferred Provider Program ManualTable of ContentsIntroduction and Historical Perspective . 11.0General Program Information. 21.1Goals of the Preferred Provider Program . 21.2Purpose of the Preferred Provider Program . 21.3Description of a Preferred Provider . 21.4Benefits of Becoming a Preferred Provider . 31.5Benefits to Users of the Preferred Provider Program . 41.6Categories of Preferred Providers. 41.7Acceptable Types of Preferred Provider Content . 52.0Provider Requirements . 62.1Registration as a Preferred Provider . 62.2Registration of Individual Education Courses. 72.3On-site: In-person Presentation of an On-site Preferred Provider Course. 82.4Online Live Webinar: Presentation of a PreferredProvider Live Webinar . 92.5Online On-demand: Presentation of a PreferredProvider Online On-demand Course . 92.6Presentation Guidelines . 102.7Additional Provider Requirements. 113.0Responsibilities of the International Code Council. 123.1Application and Course Review . 123.2Directory of Providers . 123.3Schedule of Courses . 123.4Provider Information Site . 123.5Program Monitoring. 123.6PP Wall Certificate and Tabletop Plaque . 124.0Audits and Appeals . 134.1Audits of Training and Providers . 134.2Results of Audits . 134.3Allowance to Appeal . 134.4Appeal Process . 135.0Definitions and Acronyms . 14i
Appendix AAppendix BAppendix CAppendix DAppendix EAppendix FAppendix GAppendix HAppendix IPreferred Provider Resources . 15Annual Fee Schedule . 21Overview of ICC Certification Renewal Program . 22ICC Chapter Education Benefit (CEB) Program . 26Preferred Provider Program Contact Information . 28Frequently Asked Questions . 29ICC Preferred Provider Logo License . 35Preferred Provider Application and Approval Process and Flow . 37Roster Upload Flow Chart . 40ii
Introduction and Historical PerspectiveThe International Code Council (ICC) is a member-focused association dedicated to helping thebuilding safety community, fire service and construction industry provide safe, sustainable andaffordable construction through the development and support of codes and standards used in thedesign, build and compliance process. Most US communities and many global markets choose theInternational Codes and ICC standards. ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), a subsidiary of the ICC, hasbeen the industry leader in performing technical evaluations for code compliance, fostering safe andsustainable design and construction. The ICC Family of Companies consists of the International CodeCouncil, ICC Evaluation Service, International Accreditation Service and the Solar Rating andCertification Corporation.The ICC (and its predecessor legacy organizations) has been providing quality education in supportof building safety, fire prevention and code administration for several decades. The ever-increasingpace of change in technology, sciences and building construction methodology, along with thecontinuous introduction of innovative products, has made it impractical for any single organizationor entity to provide the necessary education and training demanded by various segments of thebuilding construction industry and fire service. ICC intends to sharpen its focus on training in its coreareas of expertise and establish new partnerships with other organizations, educators andmanufacturers to broaden educational opportunities in the extensive areas of construction, codeand standard administration where quality training is needed. These partnerships are the basis ofthe ICC Preferred Provider Program (PPP).1
1.0General Program Information1.1Goals of the Preferred Provider ProgramThe Preferred Provider Program (PPP) focuses on training opportunities offered by variouscategories of ICC-approved education Providers, as identified in Section 1.6, whichcollectively form the ICC Preferred Provider Network (PPN). The Program recognizes andpromotes ICC-approved educational offerings by a variety of Providers as they relate tocodes, standards and guidelines, as well as building construction materials, products andmethods.1.2Purpose of the Preferred Provider ProgramThe ICC Preferred Provider Program is designed to accomplish several goals:1.31.2.1Create an easily accessible network of extensive training opportunities from a varietyof educational resources;1.2.2Provide access to quality training on specialty topics and building products that arebeyond the ICC core training programs;1.2.3Provide increased quality and support for educational renewal requirements of theICC Certification Program;1.2.4Enhance the relationship between ICC and educational Providers in support ofbuilding safety and innovation in building products and construction practices; and1.2.5Expand opportunities for maintaining a high level of professional achievementdemonstrated through obtaining ICC certification.Description of a Preferred ProviderUpon application and approval, education Providers will achieve ICC Preferred Provider (PP)status and become a part of the Preferred Provider Network (PPN). A wide range ofeducation Providers make up the Network and include any ICC Chapter, individual, group,organization, association, jurisdiction, institution, company or corporation that provideseducational opportunities through one or more methods in the areas of code administrationand compliance, building design and construction, materials and methods of construction, orsimilar areas through on-site presentations or online programs. More information can befound in Section 1.6.2
1.4Benefits of Becoming a Preferred ProviderThere are many important reasons that ICC Preferred Provider status benefits educationProviders, including:1.4.11.4.2Connecting Preferred Providers to ICC members to create a vast network ofeducational opportunities. The International Code Council has over 65,000members who rely on educational and informational opportunities to stay currenton varied aspects of building construction and use. The Program brings educationProviders together with these members, as well as over 360 ICC Chapters and53,000 ICC-certified individuals, to greatly expand the amount and quality ofavailable training needed to serve the significant needs. With a subscription base ofmore than 220,000 and database of over 450,000, significant exposureopportunities are possible. ICC’s periodic communication with its members andcustomer bases regarding the PPP and links to the PP website will facilitate theconnection between ICC members and customers with Preferred Providers.Leveraging a partnership between the Provider and ICC. The Program exposes theservices and products of education Providers to ICC’s broad audience through aProvider directory, listing of Provider educational offerings and links to Providerwebsites. In addition, the Provider can use the ICC Preferred Provider logo and brandfor marketing purposes. See Appendix G for ICC Preferred Provider logo usagerequirements.1.4.3Support of ICC Certification Renewal Program. The ICC certification programcertifies over 14,000 code officials, inspectors, plan reviewers, permit technicians,special inspectors and students every year in over 40 national examinationcategories. Such certifications must be renewed every three years, with renewalbased primarily on participation in educational programs. Every year more than12,000 individuals renew one or more of their certifications. To maintain a level ofquality assurance for the credibility of the ICC certification renewal program, theuse of ICC or Preferred Provider training is now required as a condition of allcertification renewals. More information is available in Appendix C. Beginning July1, 2016, a minimum of 50 percent of ICC Certification renewal credits (ContinuingEducation Units or CEU) shall be from a Preferred Provider or ICC training.1.4.4Participation in ICC Chapter Education Benefit Program (CEB). Eligible ICC Chaptersare awarded chapter education benefits (CEB) that have historically been limited toICC-provided training. The benefit has now been expanded so that Chapters canchoose to obtain educational services from a Preferred Provider as the Chapterbenefit with a significant reimbursement from ICC. More information on the CEBProgram can be found in Appendix D.3
1.51.61.4.5Special ICC Chapter discounted prices for ICC publications. Preferred Providers thatchoose to offer ICC publications as an integral part of their training offerings will beable to purchase such publications from ICC at ICC Chapter seminar prices. ICCChapter seminar prices are generally 20 percent lower than ICC Member prices;however, actual pricing may vary based on the individual publication. A minimumnumber of 5 books from each publication must be ordered for this discount to apply.1.4.6Wall certificate/tabletop plaque. Preferred Providers will receive a wall certificatefrom ICC in recognition of their initial approval as an ICC Preferred Provider. Atabletop plaque will also be provided for use at various exhibits and events.Benefits to Users of the Preferred Provider ProgramUsers of the Preferred Provider Program are able to benefit in a number of ways, including:1.5.1Provided with a comprehensive listing of available and relevant educationalprograms. Expanded topics and access to educational offerings will be available, bothon-site and online, and are identified through a live training schedule located on theICC Preferred Provider website. See Section 5.0 for definitions of “on-site training”and “online training.”1.5.2Opportunity to learn about products and services of PP. Users will have access toinformation about products, educational offerings and other services of PreferredProviders, and will be able to develop new relationships and networkingopportunities.1.5.3Utilize the Provider educational programs to renew ICC certifications. ICCcertificate holders are required to obtain a specified number of CEUs every threeyears in order to maintain their certifications. Half (50%) of these CEUs must beobtained through Preferred Provider or ICC training, or both Preferred Provider andICC. Increased opportunities to gain the necessary CEUs are available to ICCcertificate holders.1.5.4Guaranteed compliance of training for certification renewal. Those using thePreferred Provider Network for training are conveniently assured without anyfurther research that the training they participated in qualifies for ICC certificationrenewal.Categories of Preferred ProvidersEducation Providers become part of the Network upon application to, and approval from,ICC. To become a Preferred Provider, applicants must apply for Provider status in one of thefollowing categories:4
1.6.1ICC Chapters. ICC Chapters include all Chapters of the International Code Councilthat have obtained and maintain ICC Chapter eligibility.1.6.2Governmental and Nonprofit. Governmental units include municipalities, county,state and other jurisdictional units or agencies; nonprofit Providers includeassociations, public education institutions and similar nonprofit organizations.1.6.3Educator. Private for-profit education Providers include individuals, companies andprivate educational institutions and are classified as one of the following:1.6.3.1 Educator, Individual. Includes those for-profit education Providers whosenumber of staff dedicated to education-related activities is limited to oneindividual, and instruction is limited to 30 or fewer seminar days annually.This category provides on-site education only. See Section 5.0 for definitionsof “on-site training” and “online training.”1.6.3.2 Educator, General. Includes those for-profit education Providers whosenumber of staff or number of instruction days exceeds the limits listed in theIndividual Educator category.1.6.41.7Industry. Providers from industry include building product manufacturers, suppliers,distributors and others related to the industry.Acceptable Types of Preferred Provider ContentEducation offered by a Preferred Provider can be on-site, online, or both. See Section 5.0 fordefinitions of “on-site training” and “online training.” The training, both on-site and online, islimited to the following topic areas:1.7.1Building construction. Training on subjects related to construction of buildings.1.7.2Building products. Training on subjects related to building products.1.7.3Codes and standards. Training on subjects related to technical content of buildingconstruction codes and standards.1.7.4Administrative, legal and management. Training on subjects related to theadministration of building construction codes and standards and associated legal,communication, customer service, management, leadership, soft skills and othersimilar support topics.1.7.5Design professional related. Training on subjects related to building design in alldisciplines of architecture, engineering and similar professional disciplines.5
2.0Provider RequirementsIn order to become a Preferred Provider and maintain Preferred Provider status, eachProvider must follow the criteria established in this Manual. Providers are responsible fortheir own industry credentials, such as accreditations or certifications, and are not coveredunder ICC credentials. For a brief outline of the key steps in the process, see Appendix H.Designation as a Preferred Provider is at the sole discretion of the International Code Council.2.1Registration as a Preferred ProviderEducation Providers can apply as Preferred Providers on the ICC website. Applicants for PPrecognition must complete and submit to ICC an application, either online at the PP websiteor via email (See Appendix A for Application Form), to identify their organization, group orcompany, as well as the Provider category in accordance with Section 1.6. The application isrequired to be updated annually during renewal based on the original application date. For asummary the Preferred Provider application and approval process, see Appendix H.In order to be approved as a Preferred Provider, applicants must identify the appropriateProvider categories as established in Section 1.6, provide training in one or more categoriesof Section 1.7, pay an annual fee in accordance with Appendix B, develop and maintain aroster of participants in each training event in accordance with Section 2.3, and be incompliance with all other provisions of this Manual. Approval is issued for the main entityapplying for Preferred Provider status and is not valid for subsidiaries of the main entity.Multiple office locations of the same entity are authorized to operate under the PP status ofthe main entity.Upon submittal of the application and fee, ICC staff shall review within 10 working days andinform the applicant of the result of compliance or noncompliance with this Manual. Uponapproval, the Provider name will be added to the list of active ICC Preferred Providers, and aunique Provider number will be assigned. This Provider number will identify the PPthroughout various portions of the submittal/presentation/recognition process, including theawarding and tracking of participant CEUs.Once approved, Preferred Provider status is active for a one-year period based on the date ofapplication approval by ICC. Preferred Providers can remain on active status through anannual renewal process provided the PP remains in good standing with ICC.2.1.1Provider fees. An annual fee will be required to apply for and become a part of thePreferred Provider Network. Fees are based on the Provider Categories as listed inSection 1.6. The fee shall be submitted at the time of application. The fee will bereturned in full where the application for Preferred Provider status is denied.Provider status is maintained through renewal of the Provider on an annual basis.The number of courses a Provider can offer is not limited, except as provided in6
Section 2.5.1, and there is no fee for course submission and approval. Annual feesare set forth in Appendix B.2.1.22.2Provider designated contact. Each Provider shall identify one individual as theprimary contact, responsible for communication with ICC in regards to the Program,and a secondary contact in case the primary contact is not available. Providers shallnotify ICC of any change in the contact individuals or applicable contact information.Registration of Individual Education CoursesTwo types of training experiences are CEU-eligible under the Preferred Provider Program: onsite and online. “Online” and “on-site” definitions can be found in Section 5.0. Verification ofcompletion of courses for the purposes of ICC certification renewal is accomplished by traineesobtaining documentation of PP training completion in accordance with Sections 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5.Each distinct education course must be submitted and approved in order to be eligible forICC certification renewal through the Preferred Provider Program. The Provider shall submiteach unique program to ICC for approval and issuance of a course number designation.Where a program is intended to be presented more than one time, there is no requirementfor resubmitting the program for approval. Course submittals shall comply with therequirements of this section. Upon submittal, ICC staff shall review within 10 working daysand shall inform the applicant of the result of compliance or noncompliance with thisManual. For a summary of the Preferred Provider course submittal and course approvalprocess, see Appendix H.Submitted courses that have been approved and have received a number designation maycontinue to be offered as long as they have not been changed substantially. When a course’scontent is changed significantly or updated to a new edition of a code or standard, it will beconsidered a new course and shall be submitted as a new course for approval and to receivea number designation.2.2.1Submittal of presentation. Each course to be approved for ICC certification renewalunder the PPP shall be submitted and shall include the title and a generaldescription of the Program. The general description must include the major topicsand detail the course purpose. Three fields for learning objectives of the coursehave been added such that the general course content can be easily and accuratelydetermined.2.2.2Learning objectives. Each course must have clearly identified learning objectivesconsistent with the course title and description. Such objectives must be listedin the Objectives field on the Add Course form.7
2.2.32.3Awarding CEUs. To be able to offer approved training and to qualify for ICCcertification renewal, Providers must submit to ICC each course intended for the CEUpurposes. Each course submittal shall identify the number of contact hours that arebeing offered. Course length may be as long as necessary to address the needsidentified in the objectives, with a minimum requirement of one hour. CEUs will beassigned by ICC based on actual contact hours of training, with 0.1 awarded for eachcontact hour of education.On-site: In-person Presentation of an On-site Preferred Provider Course2.3.1Live schedule. The presentation date and location of every on-site program may beentered by the PP in the designated location on the PP website in order to allow forpublication in the live schedule, which is populated immediately and automatically.The PP shall provide documentation for proof of course or training completion toeach attendee. Such documentation may be in the form of a certificate ofcompletion or by other means and shall include the information contained inAppendix A, “Information required on certificate of completion.” Preferred Providersare not mandated to place their training events on the live schedule of ICC’sPreferred Provider website.2.3.2Course presentation. On the day of the Preferred Provider on-site presentation, it isimportant that the Provider do everything possible to provide a positive learningexperience for the attendees. In addition, the Provider shall identify and verifyattendees and provide each attendee documentation of completion of course ortraining.2.3.3Class roster of attendance. The Provider shall obtain a roster of the programattendees in order to identify the individuals in attendance. The roster shall includethe Preferred Provider, course or training title and identifying PPP designated coursenumber, date and location of the on-site course and number of CEUs offered. Aftersigning into their Preferred Provider account, the PP course roster can be uploaded tothe PP website in an Excel spreadsheet format to allow students to be able to tracktheir training online and print their own certificate of course completion that willshow the Preferred Provider name and number. The trainee information in theuploaded roster is confidential and secured. Roster upload on the PP website issimple, for clarity however reference can be made to Appendix I, “Roster UploadFlow Chart.” A sample roster template can be found in Appendix A. The roster ofattendance shall be maintained by the Provider and if not uploaded to the PPwebsite, it shall be submitted to ICC upon request.8
2.42.5Online Live Webinar: Presentation of a Preferred Provider Live Webinar2.4.1Live schedule. The presentation date of every webinar shall be entered by the PP inthe designated location on the PP website in order to allow for publication in thelive schedule, which is populated immediately and automatically. The PP shallprovide documentation for proof of course or training completion to eachattendee. Such documentation may be in the form of a certificate of completion orby other means and shall include the information contained in Appendix A,“Information required on certificate of completion.” Preferred Providers are notmandated to place their webinars on the live schedule of ICC’s website.2.4.2Webinar presentation. On the day of the Preferred Provider online webinarpresentation, the Provider must ensure a positive experience for attendees. Inaddition, the Provider shall identify and verify attendees and provide eachattendee with documentation of completion of course or training.Online On-demand: Presentation of a Preferred Provider Online On-demand Course2.5.1Schedule. The presentation type of on-demand shall be entered by the PP in thedesignated location on the PP website in order to allow for publication in theschedule, which is populated immediately and automatically. The PP shall providedocumentation for proof of course or training completion to each attendee. Suchdocumentation may be in the form of a certificate of completion or by other meansand shall include the information contained in Appendix A, “Information required oncertificate of completion.” Preferred Providers are not mandated to place theirtraining events on the live schedule of ICC’s website. On-demand courses arelimited to a maximum of 50 courses on the on-demand approved course list at anyone time per Provider.2.5.2Course presentation. The Provider must ensure a positive experience, shall identifyand verify attendees and shall provide each attendee documentation of completionof course or training.2.5.3Reporting where certificate is not available. In those situations where a certificate isnot offered or otherwise available from the Provider for their on-demand course,the student shall submit a self-reporting form as provided in Appendix A. This formor the link to its download location from the ICC PP website shall be given to theattendees by the PP.9
2.6Presentation Guidelines2.6.1Training quality. Training delivery must be high quality, based on the submitteddescription, and must accomplish the learning objectives. Providers and their courseinstructors must present and follow the course as approved by ICC. Coursematerials, such as the PowerPoint and seminar book, must include the course title,description and learning objectives and must deliver the course to support thelearning objectives. Some method of evaluation, such as completion of anevaluation form, quiz(zes), automated online feedback, or other similarly effectiveprocedure, shall be performed by the PP in order to gain feedback from theattendees on key aspects of the training experience.2.6.2Endorsement of products and systems. The promotion and/or discussion ofproducts and other proprietary information for sole purpose of endorsement,marketing and sales are prohibited as part of the educational offering. Anypresentation time devoted to such information shall not be applied toward thenumber of contact hours submitted for the course. Training on various technicalaspects of products and systems is not prohibited as long as it is in compliance withSection 1.7.2.6.3Use of logos. Logos, including the Preferred Provider Program logo and proprietarylogos, are allowed only on the introductory slide and the last slide of the PowerPointprogram, course workbook and other instructional materials. See Appendix G for ICCPreferred Provider Logo License.2.6.4Copyright ownership of materials. Providers must use their own developed trainingcontent unless they have obtained formal approval for the use of others’ copyrightedmaterials. Proper recognition and credit must be given to those whose copyrightedmaterial is used or licensed to be used. Distribution of industry technical manualsand supporting technical information is not prohibited.2.6.5Speaker and developer qualifications. Provider speakers and course developersmust be qualified individuals with knowledge and expertise in the subject matterbeing taught. Related license or certification in the areas being taught is preferredbut not required.10
2.7Additional Provider Requirements2.7.1Historic recordkeeping. Providers must maintain records related to their PPP statusand all other records related to the program and their courses to be able to submitas requested for audit or other purposes. Participant roster of attendees and relatedrecords must be maintained for at least five years from the date the course wasoffered.2.7.2Marketing and use of logo and statements of compliance. By becoming part of theNetwork, Providers are automatically issued a limited-use license by ICC for the useof the ICC Preferred Provider logo in connection with their approved educationalofferings, with use permitted on the Provider’s website, in marketing materials, onany course-related materials and certificates of completion in compliance withSection 2.6.3, use of logos, and in relation to approved educational offerings. SeeAppendix G for ICC Preferred Provider Logo License. The use of the PP logo or thephrase “ICC Preferred Provider” on any materials related to approved courses,marketing, PowerPoint files, etc., is highly recommended. The use of the PP logo orthe phrase “ICC Preferred Provider” on PP course certificates of completion isrequired in accordance with Appe
quality assurance for the credibility of the ICC certification renewal program, the use of ICC or Preferred Provider training is now required as a condition of all certification renewals. More information is available in Appendix C. Beginning July 1, 2016, a minimum of 50 percent of ICC Certification renewal credits (Continuing
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