Who Can Benefit from Education?
Deck builders, manufacturers, dealers/distributors, wholesalers, retailers, lumberyards, industry reps, inspectors
and providers in the outdoor living industry.
What Programs are in place?
Master Deck Professional – CODE
The MDP-CODE is available Online. Earn your MDP-CODE with NADRA. Developed and presented by BCC, fees apply and are a special rate for NADRA members. Also for those of you who need to update your current certification for another 3 years – this class is for you: MDPC – 3 of a four part series. To access go to the MDP-CODE tab to the left.
Deck Evaluation / Inspection 
The Deck Evaluation/Inspection Classes are face to face. Pricing is posted on the tab to the left: Deck Evaluation/Inspection and events are posted on the tab to the left: Upcoming Educational Events. Interested in hosting this class? Fill out the contact form below, provide details and we will contact you.
Master Deck Professional Certification – CODE
Courses and exam provided by Building Code College.
Ready to Register? Click here.
Code Education Program
North American Deck and Railing Association
The following courses are developed and presented by Building Code College
Building Codes for Building Decks, a Four-Part Series.
Earn your Master Deck Professional – CODE Certification with NADRA – fees apply for certification
Description:
This is a 4-part series, which includes four core building code courses and provides a comprehensive explanation of how International Residential Code regulates deck construction, from initial design to project completion. These courses support the North American Deck and Railing Association’s Master Deck Professional Certification program and are intended to prepare the audience for the four exams, respective to each course, that are required for NADRA member’s to earn their MDP Certification.
So, who can take the courses?
NADRA Members & Professionals in the deck and railing industry should take this course. In order to earn your MDP Certification you must be a NADRA member. However, non-members may take the class without taking the tests or being certified.
What are the costs involved?
Each class is free for NADRA Members and for non-members. NADRA Members are eligible to take the test after the class. You need to pass all four tests in order to obtain your MDP (Master Deck Professional Certification-CODE) There is a fee for the test and certification of 99.00 per class. Industry professionals wishing to receive credentialing from nadra.org are encouraged to join and register for MDPC Certification.”
CLASS CLASS I
The Existing Structure
Description: This course is related to how a new deck will interact with an existing site and building. Building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fuel-gas systems and codes must all be considered when designing a deck to effectively work with a home. Guidance, requirements and limitations for integrating a deck with a home are provided.
Length: Approximately 4 hours. ICC Approved for .3 CEU
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…
- 1. Be able to identify building systems and components located on the exterior of a typical home and how they may affect deck design.
- 2. Learn how to safely design a deck that will work with emergency escape and rescue windows and to mitigate the hazards associated with window glass.
- 3. Understand the various ways an improperly designed deck can negatively and hazardously affect building systems of the existing structure.
This course will prepare NADRA Members for their Master Deck Professional, Codes and Standards Certification Exam.
CLASS II
Structural Design I – Ledgers and Lateral Loads
Description: This course discusses the basics of structural design criteria for decks, such as loading, design methods and lumber properties, providing the foundational knowledge necessary for comprehension of the remainder of the course and the content in the Structural Design II course. The course continues with an in-depth review of ledger attachments, including how to handle various exterior cladding, flashing methods, and structural considerations. Lateral load resistance is also dissected in detail to provide a better understanding of what is required and how to provide it.
Length: Approximately 4 hours. ICC Approved for .3 CEU
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…
- 1. Learn the various loading conditions that must be accommodated for in deck design.
- 2. Realize the wide variations in proper ledger attachment and what must be considered.
- 3. Have a better understanding of lateral loads on decks and options for resisting them.
This course will prepare NADRA Members for their Master Deck Professional, Codes and Standards Certification Exam.
CLASS III
Down the Load Path
Description: Now updated with all the new 2015 IRC provisions, this course completes the load path started in course 2, Ledgers and Lateral Loads. Decking, joists, beams, posts, foundations and even properties of the earth are covered, so that the entire structural system and related codes can be understood. This course also covers the topics in the NADRA Master Deck Professional-Codes 2015 certification renewal!
Length: Approximately 4 hours.
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…
- 1. Understand the basics of proper deck foundation design and construction.
- 2. Comprehend the concept of a load path and how forces are transferred through a structure.
- 3. Learn of various standards and sources for validating a deck’s structural system, but without an engineer.
This course will prepare NADRA Members for their Master Deck Professional, Codes and Standards Certification Exam.
CLASS IV
NonStructural Provisions
Description: An in-depth explanation of non-structural building code regulations related to stairs, ramps, landings, guards, and handrails will be provided. Structural considerations for stairs and guards are also discussed. Design considerations for common amenities and features that often accompany deck construction, such as lighting, hot-tubs, gas-fired equipment and piping, and new doors are reviewed.
Length: Approximately 4 hours. ICC Approved for .3 CEU
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…
- 1. Understand the differences and similarities of guards and handrails.
- 2. Learn the strict geometric requirements of various stairways, including straight, winder and spiral, and the uniformity required of their components.
- 3. Understand real-world loading conditions of guards and the dynamics of their entire load path.
This course will prepare NADRA Members for their Master Deck Professional, Codes and Standards Certification Exam.
Courses and exam provided by Building Code College.
Ready to Register? Click here.
About Glenn Mathewson, Instructor
Glenn began his construction career in the trenches, starting as a laborer and carpenter’s apprentice, to framing homes as a subcontractor and later operating his own remodeling and deck-construction company. Glenn then spent five years working for the City of Westminster, CO as a building, plumbing and mechanical inspector, and earned a Master Code Professional certification from the International Code Council. He continues to work for the City as a part-time plans analyst and allots the remainder of his professional time to freelance work.
Drawing on his experience as a tradesman, contractor, consultant and building inspector, he is able to review, discuss and teach the standards of construction with a true understanding of the realities involved with applying them in the field.
Glenn has authored dozens of technical articles in the “Professional Deck Builder” and the “Journal of Light Construction”, as well as the International Code Council’s new book, Deck Construction Based on the 2009 International Residential Code. In 2011 he took the role as Technical Advisor to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), where he assists the association with code related initiatives and the development of the Master Deck Builder Certification program and exams. Glenn also works as a construction and code educator, with audiences ranging from contractors to building officials.
About NADRA’s Deck Evaluation/Inspection Certification Program:
This program will allow the industry professional the opportunity to employ the ability to safely evaluate a deck using the NADRA Deck Evaluation checklist. The NADRA Deck Evaluation checklist has been developed specifically for industry professionals as a comprehensive tool to be used to properly assess the safety issues of a deck.
After the Deck Evaluation Class the individual will understand how to analyze the following deck components and issues and more:
- Stairs
- Footings and Posts
- Joists
- Joist Connections
- Girders
- Ledger Connections
- Deck Boards
- Handrail Assemblies and Guards
- Recognize proper and improper fasteners
- Assess hardware or material corrosion
- Review of the safety standards of all (decks, stairs, guards) structures
Check out the 5 page DECK EVALUATION FORM for professionals
About Jim Mailey, Instructor
Jim Mailey, Training Manager, Simpson Strong-Tie
Jim Mailey is the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic market training manager for Simpson Strong-Tie
Jim is considered an expert in safe, outdoor wood deck construction and is an advisor on structural issues for the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA). Since joining Simpson Strong-Tie in 1992, Jim has given hundreds of presentations to more than 25,000 design professionals, building officials, home inspectors, builders, contractors and dealers.
He has been doing education to home inspectors since 1998 and was the 1st person to provide a complete program on what to look for on a deck to home inspectors at InspectionWorld in New Orleans in 2008. Additionally, he was the 1st person to provide deck education to contractors for NADRA.
He has written articles about deck safety for the ASHI Reporter and NAHI Forum home inspector publications and has written for ThisIsCarpentry about deck construction. He has been quoted in numerous contractor magazines and internet articles about deck safety.
Jim earned a B.A. in Biology from Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Pricing For ASHI Members –
Option 1: $199.00 includes attending the class, taking an exam and upon passing exam earning a certification. It also includes a one year NADRA Branch membership. Class also earns 4 ASHI CEU’s. Reminder: Although certifications is three years, member must renew each year to remain a current member and retain certification.
Option 2: $299.00 includes attending the class, taking an exam. It also includes a three year NADRA Branch membership to coincide with a three year certification after passing exam. Class also earns 4 ASHI CEU’s.
Minimum Guarantee: 25 paid attendees
Timing: Class is 4 hours, Q & A Session is dependent on the class, Exam 25/45 minutes , 4 ASHI CEU’s
Planning Your Class
To schedule a class or get more information please email info@NADRA.org your specific needs.
Pricing is in place for affiliated ASHI Members, not an ASHI member? Email info@NADRA.org with your specific needs.
Upcoming classes?
Deck Evaluation Program
Upcoming Deck Evaluation/Inspection Classes
will be posted under NADRA News on NADRA’s Calendar
Not A Member? Learn More Here.
Join A Committee
Get Involved By Joining A Committee Today!
Become a Member Today
NADRA is made up of deck builders, inspectors, manufacturers, dealers/distributors, lumberyards, wholesalers, retailers, and service providers to the deck, dock and railing industry. By working together we can be one voice for the industry and deliver a clear message to the consumer and the code development bodies.
Contact NADRA
NADRA helps the consumer by providing information on deck safety, design, and products by responding to consumer inquiries. Please use the form for consumer questions, membership questions or other comments and suggestions. Thank you.