Introduction to the International Building Code (IBC) - Fire and Life Safety

Day One

Welcome and Introduction                                            

Code Application                                    

• Scope and intent
• Alternate methods and materials
• Existing buildings

 Occupancy Classification                        

• Use and Occupancy
• Occupancy Groups
• Mixed occupancies

 Automatic Sprinkler Systems                    

• Fire areas
• Sprinkler requirements
• Sprinkler tradeoffs 

Types of Construction                                               

• Classification
• Building element protection 

Allowable Building Size                               

• Allowable building height
• Mezzanines
• Allowable building area
• Mixed occupancies
• Unlimited area buildings
• Podium buildings

Day Two

 Location on Lot                                                         

• Exterior wall ratings
• Buildings on the same lot
• Openings in exterior walls

 Fire and Smoke Resistance                                         

• Fire-resistance ratings
• Fire-rated walls
• Horizontal assemblies
• Penetrations
• Opening protectives
• Fire and smoke dampers

 Fire Protection Systems                                          

• Standpipe systems
• Fire alarm systems

 Interior Finishes                                           

• Wall and ceiling finishes
• Floor finishes

 Means of Egress                                

• General egress components
• Occupant load determination
• Egress capacity and width
• Doors and stairways
• Exit signs
• Handrails and guardrails
• Number and location of exits
• Corridors
• Horizontal exits
• Interior exit stairways
• Exterior exit stairways
• Exit discharge

Appendices                            

• A: Effective use and application of the IBC
• B: Special detailed occupancy requirements
• C: Safety glazing
• D: Key changes in the 2018 IBC
• E: Key changes in the 2021 IBC

Registration Date/Time:
5/12/2026 7:30am Central Time

Event Dates/Times:

• 5/12/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
• 5/13/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time

• Program Director

  Mark Malkin

• Douglas Thornburg

  VP & Technical Director of Products and Services at International Code Council (ICC)

  Douglas W. Thornburg, AIA, CBO, is currently Vice-President and Technical Director of Products and Services for the International Code Council (ICC) where he provides administrative and technical leadership for the ICC product development activities. Doug creates and presents building code seminars nationally and has developed numerous educational texts and resource materials and was awarded ICC's inaugural Educator of the Year Award. Prior to employment with ICC, he was in private practice as a code consultant and educator on building codes for nine years. Doug also spent 10 years with the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) where he served as Vice-President/Education. A graduate of Kansas State University and a registered architect, Doug has over 36 years of experience in building code training and administration. He has authored a variety of code-related support publications, including the IBC Illustrated Handbook and the Significant Changes to the International Building Code.

• George Mann

  Retired from the Department of Housing Buildings and Construction for the Commonwealth of Kentucky

  George Mann spent his 30-year code enforcement career with the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction Division of Building Code Enforcement in service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Over his 30-year career, George was a plan examiner, promoted to Technical Advisor in 1990, then to Assistant Director in 2005 during which time he trained and supervised the plan review and field inspection staff, and finally Deputy Commissioner / Chief Building Official in 2008 till his retirement. In 1985 took on additional responsibilities serving as the Departments educational developer and instructor, providing training on the use and application of building codes. Nationally, George served on the Building General Committee of the National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors (NCPCCI) from 1992 to 2012, the International Code Council’s Education Committee from 2004 to 2010 and NFPA 5000 Building Code Development Committee from 2002 to 2006. George retired from the Department in 2012 but continues to provide educational services to the International Code Council, Kentucky AIA, Code Administrators Association of Kentucky.

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

• Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
• Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
• You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

• Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
• Provide the registrations representative with:
  • the course name, dates, and/or course number.
  • the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

• Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
• Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
• Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

• Request Purchase Order information from interpro@union.wisc.edu
  • If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
• You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email interpro@union.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.