Building Code Glossary
Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 define registered design professional, 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
Registered design professional is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.” The IRC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 define the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 34 chapters of this corpus, most often in Scope and Administration (IBC 2009), Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009), Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 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?
Registered Design Professional — IBC 2009, Definitions:
An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Five of the I-Codes in this corpus define Registered Design Professional, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | An architect or engineer, registered or licensed to practice professional architecture or engineering, as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state in which the project is to be constructed. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | An individual who is registered or licensed to practice professional architecture or engineering as defined by the statutory requirements of |
Where registered design professional is used in the code
The term appears in 34 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 32 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 30 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 30 |
| Scope and Administration | IPC 2009 | 24 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 19 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 15 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 14 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 12 |
| Steel | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Scope and Administration | IRC 2009 | 8 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 7 |
22 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about registered design professional, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
Where required by the building official or where geotechnical investigations involve in-situ testing, laboratory testing or engineering calculations, such investigations shall be conducted by a registered design professional.
Where application is made for construction as described in this section, the owner or the registered design professional in responsible charge acting as the owner's agent shall employ one or more approved agencies to perform inspections during construction on the types of work listed under Section 1704.
The terms registered design professional 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 registered design professional covers:
- Jurisdiction — IBC 2009: The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.
Registered Design Professional: 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 IBC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Jurisdiction | |
| 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
- Jurisdiction: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Dwelling Unit: 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 registered design professional?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.” 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.
Do the I-Codes define registered design professional the same way?
No. IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 all define the term, but the wording is not identical, and a difference in wording can change which requirements are triggered. The comparison table above sets the versions side by side so you can read the one that governs your question.
Which parts of the code depend on registered design professional?
In this corpus the term is used across 34 chapters, led by Scope and Administration in the IBC 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 the definition of a registered design professional?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 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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