BCO PA Exam 2026
What is the PCCA?
The Pennsylvania Construction Code Act
What is the UCC?
Uniform Construction Code
What is Act 157 of 2006 (amended by Act 36 of 2017)?
A law that amended the UCC, primarily adding a $4.50 fee on each construction or
building permits issued, for education and training purposes
Why are manufactured homes exempt from the UCC?
Manufactured homes are assembled and shipped bearing a label which certifies that it
conforms to Federal construction and safety standards
When can you apply the UCC to a manufactured home?
If there is construction, alteration, repair, change of occupancy, or relocation by the
original purchaser, or resold to a subsequent purchaser.
What is the key focus of the PCCA?
To set consistent building codes across PA to ensure safety and quality in construction
practices.
How many business days from the filing date does a BCO have to grant or deny an
application for permits or inspections?
15 days
If drawings are prepared and the application contains a certificate from a licensed
professional which meets USS standards, the application can be denied or granted
within how many business days?
5 days
After how many business days will an application be automatically approved if the BCO
has not responded?
30 days
Who is responsible for enforcing the PCCA?
Municipalities and the Department of Labor and Industry.
What act established the UCC?
Act 43 of 2001
, When does the UCC allow religious belief exemptions?
When an applicant provides an affidavit for exemption stating: what their sect is, how
the provision conflicts with their sect, and whether it is a residence or one-room school
house
True or False: An applicant with an approved exemption is selling or leasing the
building; therefore, is must be brought up to codes - or the new owner / lessee must file
an affidavit for exemption.
True
Who establishes a Board of Appeals (aka Zoning Hearing Board)?
The municipality in which the BoA will function
What does a Board of Appeals do?
The BoA will hear and rule on appeals from decisions of the code administrator,
variance requests, and extensions of time under the UCC
What is the duty of a nonmunicipal administration who have not adopted an ordinance
enforcing the UCC?
The municipality must notify any applicants of permits that they are responsible for
obtaining the services of a code official, as well as the UCC
What is the BOCA?
Building Officials and Code Administrators International Inc.
How long do BCO certifications last before they expire?
Three (3) years from the issuance date
True or False: The UCC can grant you a waiver for certain categories if you passed a
test similar to the required standards.
True
How many credit hours must a BCO earn before the can renew their certification?
15 credit hours
If multiple certifications are held, how many credits hours does a BCO need to recertify?
15 credit hours each, but no more than 45 credit hours
What does the UCC accept for CEUs (continuing education units)?
1. Seminars or presentations by approved providers
2. Self study courses
3. Classroom courses
4. successful completion of exams
5. attendance at a code exchange hearing
What is the PCCA?
The Pennsylvania Construction Code Act
What is the UCC?
Uniform Construction Code
What is Act 157 of 2006 (amended by Act 36 of 2017)?
A law that amended the UCC, primarily adding a $4.50 fee on each construction or
building permits issued, for education and training purposes
Why are manufactured homes exempt from the UCC?
Manufactured homes are assembled and shipped bearing a label which certifies that it
conforms to Federal construction and safety standards
When can you apply the UCC to a manufactured home?
If there is construction, alteration, repair, change of occupancy, or relocation by the
original purchaser, or resold to a subsequent purchaser.
What is the key focus of the PCCA?
To set consistent building codes across PA to ensure safety and quality in construction
practices.
How many business days from the filing date does a BCO have to grant or deny an
application for permits or inspections?
15 days
If drawings are prepared and the application contains a certificate from a licensed
professional which meets USS standards, the application can be denied or granted
within how many business days?
5 days
After how many business days will an application be automatically approved if the BCO
has not responded?
30 days
Who is responsible for enforcing the PCCA?
Municipalities and the Department of Labor and Industry.
What act established the UCC?
Act 43 of 2001
, When does the UCC allow religious belief exemptions?
When an applicant provides an affidavit for exemption stating: what their sect is, how
the provision conflicts with their sect, and whether it is a residence or one-room school
house
True or False: An applicant with an approved exemption is selling or leasing the
building; therefore, is must be brought up to codes - or the new owner / lessee must file
an affidavit for exemption.
True
Who establishes a Board of Appeals (aka Zoning Hearing Board)?
The municipality in which the BoA will function
What does a Board of Appeals do?
The BoA will hear and rule on appeals from decisions of the code administrator,
variance requests, and extensions of time under the UCC
What is the duty of a nonmunicipal administration who have not adopted an ordinance
enforcing the UCC?
The municipality must notify any applicants of permits that they are responsible for
obtaining the services of a code official, as well as the UCC
What is the BOCA?
Building Officials and Code Administrators International Inc.
How long do BCO certifications last before they expire?
Three (3) years from the issuance date
True or False: The UCC can grant you a waiver for certain categories if you passed a
test similar to the required standards.
True
How many credit hours must a BCO earn before the can renew their certification?
15 credit hours
If multiple certifications are held, how many credits hours does a BCO need to recertify?
15 credit hours each, but no more than 45 credit hours
What does the UCC accept for CEUs (continuing education units)?
1. Seminars or presentations by approved providers
2. Self study courses
3. Classroom courses
4. successful completion of exams
5. attendance at a code exchange hearing
