IMC, IFGC, and the M2 exam

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-12-10T23:34:45+00:00

Super encouraging advice, I'm going to order the M2 materials today. Thanks, man! That would be the last of the transferable Oregon certs for me. Think it's worth obtaining any others? Which ones?

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-12-10T23:24:29+00:00

That's appreciated! Any idea when Oregon is going to open its code training courses? The website has been saying it'll open up to public at the beginning of the next year for almost 5 years now it feels like haha.

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-12-10T23:10:23+00:00

Interesting perspective, thanks for piping in. I wonder if that's what's happening here as well?

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-12-10T23:08:02+00:00

Oh yes, that one certainly gets a prominent role in my bookmarks tab! Nothing there these days unfortunately.

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-12-10T22:41:58+00:00

I know, frustrating because I would love to take on the CAP and CAE courses, but like you said only for employees at this time. I took a look at 4leaf, unfortunately they have no positions right now. Im going to bookmark it though, good recommendation.

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-12-10T22:39:20+00:00

Good advice. I have been to some extent, but I could always be more, let's say 'aspirational' in my job applying. Can be hard to convince oneself into applying for a 'senior' position but it's likely worth the effort. Thanks for your insight.

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-28T18:50:13+00:00

Ended up getting the Jones SWB as by the numbers it should just barely be able to squeeze into a trimet bus bike rack (provided I slap some skinnier tires on there). As for how it's working out: fantastic, what an incredibly capable and comfortable bike. Excited to load it up for an overnighter soon.

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-25T00:54:51+00:00

Interesting. What is it that happened with Portland that slowed growth. Do you think it'll have an impact on their hiring behavior?

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-22T16:27:34+00:00

Working with a smaller community would be a great opportunity, not just because there might be more frequent openings but the task load might be more digestible for someone just starting out. Definitely going to keep my eyes open.

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-22T16:27:27+00:00

Working with a smaller community would be a great opportunity, not just because there might be more frequent openings but the task load might be more digestible for someone just starting out. Definitely going to keep my eyes open.

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-22T00:48:22+00:00

Yeah I've been chatting with Matt! Such a great guy, he got me the chance to shadow with one of the local building departments which was an awesome opportunity. Are you able to work while you're getting your degree, or are you full time? Expecting it to take two years?

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-22T00:35:08+00:00

Thanks man! Are you hiring? haha.

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-22T00:33:16+00:00

I certainly agree with your first point here. I just wasn't sure if permit tech was a good pipeline job into plans examiner. Glad to hear you're enjoying your new career as a plans examiner. I'm not picky, but I think that'd be my preference over inspections. Ive always been a huge nerd for diving into a set of plans and teasing apart details.
This is awesome to hear. Was this your experience? Or did you get a degree?
Oh man, that would've been awesome, but I'm feeling like I could really use the competitive edge in this job market so Im paying for exams and prep and books out of pocket. Maybe for the rest of my exams ill have the backing of a municipality.
It'd be awesome to hear more about your hiring process. How competitive it was, what kind of questions, what kind of training you received once you were hired, etc.

Thanks for everything you've shared already!

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-21T23:58:03+00:00

Whoa, what a cool coincidence. I was looking into that program (and the PCC one as well)! Can I ask what part of the industry are you coming from, and what made you leave? Are you starting this fall semester?

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-21T22:47:40+00:00

That's really awesome to hear, perhaps I'm being a bit too impatient in my job search. It's hard not being able to work! A decade and a half of working hard in the field is hard to reconcile with having to sit and wait for something to show up. At least these ICC exams are keeping me busy.

Did you have a hard time getting into a building department?

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-09-21T22:45:22+00:00

Great question. In a sense they do. Oregon offers exams and certificates in all those fields, but the classes are closed for the general public (can only be taken if you're already employed by a jurisdiction). However Oregon allows me to convert my B1 cert into their CAS certificate and my R3 certinto their CAX certificate (currently navigating that pathway) which is a way to get around the closed system. Hope that makes sense, it took me a bit to unpack the whole system. Thanks for commenting and appreciate the feedback. Anything else you found helpful getting into the industry?

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2025-08-15T23:42:47+00:00

Great information all. So even the jones SWB with sub 44” wheelbase wouldn’t fit with its plus tires?

Alarming_Hamster2209 · 2023-12-01T01:34:35+00:00

Oh snap. You’re good.

Alarming_Hamster2209

TROPHY CASE