CLA FAQ's - ICC (2024)

A Credential of Learning Achievement (CLA) is issued by the International Code Council to those individuals who complete a training program on a specific subject and pass an assessment (examination) based on such training program.

An ICC Credential of Learning Achievement is awarded after completion of an ICC designated training program on a specific subject and passing an assessment (typically an examination) based on the training. It is a method of achieving a credential which has value including education and assessment. Professional Certifications certify a professional or occupational competency based on an examination developed by the ICC Exam Development Committee based on a job task analysis. An ICC Credential of Learning Achievement distinguishes an individual as being committed to professional development on important areas of building safety.

Yes and No. ICC does not have legal authority to mandate the CLA. ICC credentials however are often mandated by entities and jurisdictions for hiring, continued employment or promotion.

Yes. The When Disaster Strikes Institute is a training element required by FEMA for individuals to be able to be deployed, but FEMA and other local jurisdictions might also have additional requirements, such as licensing or ICC professional certifications, for actively deploying individuals for damage assessment. Individuals who complete this training element however, will now be able to take another step by passing the related assessment and obtain an important ICC credential and its related digital badge.

The length of training depends on the subject matter and the complexity of the topic. Currently the CLAs have training components that range from 6 to 12 hours in total.

Training may be in different formats such as in-person, online or a combination thereof. Information specific to each CLA will identify the type and the format of the training.

The length of the assessment will also depend on the length of the training and the specific subject matter. It is anticipated that in most cases the assessment portion of the CLA will be about an hour in length.

The assessment is in the form of an examination. In the future other formats of an assessment might be introduced, but at the current time assessment are examination via PRONTO.

The fees will vary based on the format and the length of training portion. The training fees can be viewed by clicking on the courses above. The assessment is $65 (fees are subject to change).

Consult the Exam Catalog for the passing scored required on the particular CLA assessment.

In most cases there will not be any required publications and resources, but there will be codes, standards and other publications or resources that will be helpful as a supplement to the training activity. Each CLA description will identify such resources that may be beneficial.

Yes, the exam must be taken within 365 days after the exam or training/exam bundle purchase date. Since the assessment is based on the completed training, it is always most effective if the assessment is taken soon after the training activity while the information retained is still fresh.

Yes.

No, the training must be taken and completed prior to taking the assessment.

Yes. There will be flexible options for purchasing the training and assessment as a bundle or separately. However, even if the bundle was purchased, the training must be completed prior to taking the assessment.

This will depend on the specific CLA. Since the CLAs are on specific subjects, in many cases general knowledge and experience in some aspects of building safety industry will be needed. For certain CLAs, credit will be given to previous credentials and less training may be required if the previous credentials are related to the CLA subject.

You will be able to take the test as many times as necessary to achieve a passing score. The testing fee must be paid for each test.

Since the test is being offered through the ICC Proctored Remote Online Testing Option (PRONTO), you will have access to your results immediately and will have access to document showing you CLA credential.

Yes.

No, an individual can participate in as many CLAs as they wish. There is no limit on the number of active CLAs held by an individual.