(updated: January 4, 2024)

The Department of Buildings is pleased to announce that the next bi-annual Self-Certification Training Class will be held January 30-February 1, 2024.

All attendees will receive a print copy of the 3-volume Chicago Plan Review Manual (2024 edition) and up to 21 hours of continuing education credit.

Successful completion of the Self-Certification Training Class is a requirement for registration as a Self-Certification Professional.

Program Details

To apply

The application period for the January 2024 Self-Certification Training Program closed on January 2, 2024, and the training class is full. The Department anticipates that the next Self-Certification Training Program will occur in late 2025 or early 2026. Please  subscribe to the Department of Buildings' email alerts for updates.

Overview

The 3-day Self-Certification Training Class provides an intensive overview of important requirements of Chicago’s Self-Certification Permit Program, the Chicago Construction Codes, and other processes and requirements associated with obtaining building permits for small- and mid-sized projects in the City of Chicago.

Participation

Attendees are expected to be fully engaged in the training class and should not plan to multi-task during presentations. The class will use technology that helps to facilitate simultaneous questions and feedback from both in-person attendees and livestream participants.

Because the timing of breaks is subject to change, participants should not arrange to participate in time-sensitive outside obligations based on the draft break schedule.   

Schedule

Check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the program will begin at 8:30 a.m. each day. Attendees must be available until 5:30 p.m. each day. Multiple breaks will be provided throughout the day, but the timing of breaks is subject to change. The afternoon of Day 3 is optional for renewals only.

A draft schedule is available here. This schedule is subject to change.

Attendance

In-person attendees will be required to sign in and sign out each day.

Livestream participants are required to have a reliable high-speed internet connection and appropriate technology to observe and participate in a Zoom meeting and access websites. Livestream participants will be required to complete periodic online quizzes to confirm their active participation and may be required to have a web camera for check-in each day.

Participants who miss more than 30 minutes of the program on any day may receive prorated continuing education credit but will not be considered to have successfully completed the Training Class.

Meals

For in-person attendees, breakfast, lunch, and beverages will be provided each day.

Classroom

For in-person attendees, free wi-fi is available in the classroom. Attendees will be seated at tables. Seating assignments will be claimed on Day 1, so please arrive early if you have a seating preference. Please note that only a very limited number of electrical outlets are available in the classroom. Please do not plan to be able to charge device(s) at your seat.

Training materials

All attendees will receive a print copy of the 3-volume Chicago Plan Review Manual (2024 edition).

Print materials will be mailed to livestream participants in advance of the program.

Location

Malcolm X College Conference Center, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
(accessible by CTA bus and rail; free garage parking available with validation)

Who should attend?

The training class is for both first time and renewing self-certification professionals (details below). If there are available slots, other industry professionals may be approved to audit the training class.

2024 Fees

Class fee: professional seeking first-time registration              $1,750.00
Class fee: professional renewal (6-year)                                      $3,500.00
Class fee: professional early renewal (4-year)                             $2,333.00
Class fee: not seeking registration (audit)                                   $1,750.00

Livestream participation fee (in addition to class fee)               $150.00
Cancellation fee (after January 7, 2024)                                        $400.00

Fees are nonrefundable, however fees paid in excess of the cancellation fee can be credited toward a future training class.

Payment

Completing the application does not guarantee enrollment in the Self-Certification Training Class. All applications will be reviewed by the Department of Buildings. Admitted applicants will be notified by email and provided with an invoice to pay the registration fee online or at a City of Chicago payment center. The Department anticipates it will begin sending notifications and online payment instructions in late December. Payment will be due by January 7, 2024.

Public health

In-person attendees will be required to comply with applicable public health requirements for large events.

Accessibility

The Department of Buildings is committed to providing accessibility for all individuals, including people with disabilities. To request accessibility accommodations, please contact Claudette Hillock at Claudette.Hillock@cityofchicago.org.

Information for First Time Registrants

Illinois-licensed architects and structural engineers who have been licensed for at least 3 years and acted as either professional of record or project lead on at least 5 City of Chicago building permits and meet other requirements set forth in the Rules for the Self-Certification Permit Program are eligible to apply for the Training Class to register as self-certification professionals.

Information for Renewals

The training class is required for Self-Certification Professionals with registrations expiring December 31, 2023, if they wish to continue in the program. (Expiring registrations will be extended through Friday, February 16, 2024, for those who apply for the training class by Sunday, December 31, 2023.)

Early renewal

Self-Certification Professionals with registrations expiring December 31, 2025, may elect to attend this class and extend their existing registration by 4 years for a reduced fee. The next class will be offered in late 2025 or early 2026.

Registration status

All registrations were extended from 5 to 6 years in 2020, so your certificate might not accurately reflect your expiration date. Registered self-certification professionals can check their expiration date here:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/permits/svcs/self-cert-permits.html 

Online (livestream) option

The Department is offering a livestream option for remote attendance and participation for an additional cost for renewals only.