A2LA

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The A2LA Special Inspections Accreditation Program assists jurisdictions or individual agencies in providing accreditation to confirm the technical competence and professional judgment requirements listed in Chapter 17 of the International Building Code (IBC) are met.

Special Inspections are inspections required by the International Building Code (IBC) or other specific State codes, for materials testing, installation, fabrication, erection, or replacement of components and connections requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and codes. Along with confirming technical competence for specific inspections, we ensure that the organization has the appropriate management system procedures in place, per ISO/IEC 17020:2012, to maintain that competence.

Program Requirements

Special Inspections Subprograms

In addition to the general Special Inspections Accreditation Program, sub-programs have been developed for those special inspection agencies within the following areas:

  • Clark County, NV Special Inspection Agencies
    • A2LA’s program for the accreditation of special inspection agencies has been approved by the Department of Development Services, Building Divison of Clark County, NV, as detailed on their website. Clark County requires special inspection agencies doing business within its jurisdiction to be accredited by an approved, nationally-recognized accreditation body, such as A2LA. Special inspections entail the monitoring of certain critical aspects of building construction as defined in Chapter 17 of the International Building Code (IBC). The Clark County Department of Development Services, Building Division then amplifies the requirements through technical bulletins and the Building Administrative Code (BAC).
  • New York, NY Special Inspection Agencies
    • The New York City Department of Buildings has recognized A2LA’s program for accrediting Special Inspection bodies, as detailed on their website. This program is suited specifically for Special Inspection agencies doing work within the New York City jurisdiction. Special Inspections entail the monitoring of certain critical aspects of building construction as defined in Chapter 17 of the International Building Code (IBC). The NYC Department of Buildings also has specific technical requirements which form part of A2LA’s accreditation program in this area.
  • Philadelphia, PA Special Inspection Agencies
    • The City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections has recognized A2LA’s program for accrediting Special Inspection bodies, as detailed on their website. This program is suited specifically for Special Inspection agencies doing work within the City of Philadelphia jurisdiction. Special Inspections entail the monitoring of certain critical aspects of building construction as defined in Chapter 17 of the International Building Code (IBC). The City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections also has specific technical requirements which form part of A2LA’s accreditation program in this area.
  • Rochester Hills, MI Special Inspection Agencies
    • The City of Rochester Hills Building Department recognized A2LA’s program for accrediting Special Inspection agencies, as detailed on their website. Special Inspections entail the monitoring of certain critical aspects of building construction as defined in Chapter 17 of the Michigan Building Code (MBC). Per the Minimum Qualifications for Special Inspectors, Fabricators, Special Inspection Agencies, Testing Labs and Laboratory Technicians, a Special Inspection Agency shall comply with at least one of the requirements noted below: An Agency has been accredited by an approved Inspection Agency in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020.

If you are interested in becoming accredited for construction materials testing, please visit the Construction Materials Accreditation Program page.