Masonry Special Inspector Certification Program

All masonry construction on school projects requires continuous inspection by an appropriately qualified individual. The individual must be DSA certified in masonry inspection and approved by DSA for each specific project.

Masonry Special Inspectors are listed on the DSA Certified Masonry Special Inspector List.

See the DSA 178: Masonry Special Inspector Information and Examination Application Package (PDF - 93 KB) Updated 05/20/13 for information on the testing and certification procedures for masonry inspectors.

Please see DSA's AB 1424 Notification page for additional application requirements related to collection of social security/tax identification numbers. This information must be submitted with your application.  Issuance of certifications will not be granted until this information is received.

The following information will help you prepare to become a DSA Certified Masonry Special Inspector:


Certification Process

DSA has changed its policy with regard to testing and certification of special masonry inspectors. A detailed description of the process may be found in the links below. A brief description is as follows:

  • Step 1 - Applicants must be certified as a Structural Masonry Inspector per the International Code Council (ICC).
  • Step 2 - Applicants must submit evidence of their certification in Step 1, masonry construction/inspection experience, and other qualification data on the new California Title 24 Masonry Inspector Exam Application to DSA for review.
  • Step 3 - Upon acceptance of qualification and experience by DSA, the applicant schedules the California Title 24 Masonry Inspector Exam with ICC.
  • Step 4 - Upon confirmation of passing the exam, DSA certifies the individual in masonry special inspection and posts his/her name on the DSA Certified Masonry Special Inspector list on the web site.

Exam Information

Candidates will receive a more detailed outline on the Masonry Exam procedures upon application approval by DSA.

Exam Format: 60 questions, 2-hour time limit, open-book

Exam References:

  • 2010, Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Parts 1 and 2
  • Building Code Requirements of Masonry Structures (ACI 530-08/ASCE 5-08/TMS 402-08)
  • Specification for Masonry Structures (ACI 530.1-08/ASCE 6-08/TMS 602-05)
  • ASTM Standards (A615/A615M-04a, C62-05, C90-06b, C140-07, C216-07, C270-07, C476-10, C1019-05, C1314-07)

Older editions of reference will not be allowed.

Exam Content Outline

  1. Title 24 Administrative Requirements
  2. Masonry Quality
  3. Reinforcement
  4. Masonry Placement
  5. Grout Placement
  6. Veneers

Approval Process

Form DSA-5: Inspector Qualification Record for approval on a specific project (PDF - 529 KB) - Once certified, per current practice, individuals must apply to the DSA regional office for approval for each specific project by submitting form DSA-5. The form DSA-5 must be submitted at least ten days prior to start of work. Individuals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria prior to approval:

  • Must be posted on DSA's web site as a certified special masonry inspector.
  • Must indicate on form DSA-5 that an adequate amount of his/her time will be allocated to the project.
  • Must be approved by the school district, architect, and structural engineer for the project.

Renewal Process

All holders of current DSA Special Masonry Inspector (SMI) certification must file for renewal every four years. You must renew prior to your DSA Masonry expiration date.

Below is a brief description:

  • Step 1- Submit your application (work history is not needed): DSA 178: Masonry Special Inspector Information and Examination Application Package (PDF - 93 KB) Updated 05/20/13
  • Step 2- Attach a copy of your current Structural Masonry Special Inspector (SMSI) certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC). UBC and Legacy WILL NOT be accepted.
  • Step 3- Include payment in the amount of $65.00 payable to DSA.
  • Step 4- Mail to:

    DSA Inspector Unit
    1102 Q Street, Suite 5100
    Sacramento, CA 95811
  • Step 5- Upon receiving notification from DSA, the applicant schedules the California Title 24 Masonry Inspector Exam with ICC.
  • Step 6- When the ICC exam is passed, DSA will be notified and the individual will be extended for another four years via website.

Special Inspector Certification Program Contact

If you have any questions, please contact:

Special Inspector Coordinator
Project Inspector Unit
Division of the State Architect - Headquarters
1102 Q Street, Suite 5100
Sacramento, CA 95811

Certification Unit Hotline

916.554.7019
inspector@dgs.ca.gov