Building Code Glossary
Qualified Person: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define qualified person, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Qualified person is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “One who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 10 chapters of this corpus, most often in Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009), Aviation Facilities (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Qualified Person — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
One who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Qualified Person is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
One who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.
Where qualified person is used in the code
The term appears in 10 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Aviation Facilities | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Compressed Gases | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Flammable Finishes | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Tents and Other Membrane Structures | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about qualified person, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
During fuel-transfer operations, a qualified person shall be in control of each transfer nozzle and another qualified person shall be in immediate control of the fuel-pumping equipment to shut off or otherwise control the flow of fuel from the time fueling operations are begun until they are completed.
The special inspector shall be a qualified person who shall demonstrate competence, to the satisfaction of the bUilding official, for the inspection of the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection.
— IBC 2009, Structural Tests and Special Inspections
The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified person, firm or corporation approved by the building official and provided without charge to the enforcing agency.
— IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
The terms qualified person is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what qualified person covers:
- Equipment — IRC 2009: All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances that are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings.
Qualified Person: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Aviation Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Equipment | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Plenum: Building Code Definition
- Outlet: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of qualified person?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “One who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on qualified person?
In this corpus the term is used across 10 chapters, led by Power and Lighting Distribution in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is considered a qualified person?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “One who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.” It is defined in IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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