
Education Webinar
Code Compass: Navigating IBC, IRC, IFC & IEBC for Structural Engineers
January 15, 2026 | Thu 12:00 America/Chicago
Duration: 1.5 Hours
CE Credits: 1.5
$300
Which code applies—and when? Structural engineers often face the challenge of determining which building code governs a particular project. This webinar demystifies the scoping and application of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Fire Code (IFC), and International Existing Building Code (IEBC). Whether you’re designing a new commercial structure, modifying a residential home, or assessing an existing building, understanding the intent and scope of each code is critical. Join us for a practical, engineer-focused session that clarifies code boundaries and highlights common pitfalls to guide your decision-making.
- Course will award 1.5 hour of continuing education
- Diamond Review approved in all 50 states
- This webinar will be available as a recording.
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Which code applies—and when? Structural engineers often face the challenge of determining which building code governs a particular project. This webinar demystifies the scoping and application of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Fire Code (IFC), and International Existing Building Code (IEBC). Whether you’re designing a new commercial structure, modifying a residential home, or assessing an existing building, understanding the intent and scope of each code is critical. Join us for a practical, engineer-focused session that clarifies code boundaries and highlights common pitfalls to guide your decision-making.
Speakers:

John “Buddy” Showalter, P.E., is a principal staff engineer with the ICC product development group. He develops technical resources and provides education in support of the structural provisions of the IBC and IRC. He has over 38 years of experience in the development and support of building codes and standards having spent 26 years with the American Wood Council. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Showalter has also been a member of the editorial board for STRUCTURE magazine for 20 years.

Sandra Hyde, P.E., is Vice President of Product Development for the International Code Council (ICC) where she develops books and seminars about the structural provisions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and structural topics. Sandra has coauthored books and seminars on these topics including the Special Inspection Manual and the Significant Changes to the IRC and IBC. She has experience in manufacturing and research of engineered wood products with Weyerhaeuser. Sandra is a Registered Civil Engineer and a member of NCSEA, EERI and ASCE.

Rob Neale, CFPS, is the owner and principal of Integra Code Consultants, a Maryland-based firm that provides construction code consulting, plan review, course development and training. Previously, he was the International Code Council’s Government Relations Vice President for National Fire Service Activities where he coordinated efforts to promote US fire service engagement in the code development and enforcement process. Rob also served as the Deputy Superintendent for the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. He was responsible for development of curriculum aimed at improving the professionalism of America’s fire service.
NCSEA Webinars and Digital Events Cancellation and Refund Policies
Webinar Cancellation
By NCSEA: If a webinar is canceled by NCSEA, all registered attendees will be notified via email. NCSEA will issue a full refund if the event cannot be rescheduled. If the event is rescheduled and a registrant can not attend on the rescheduled date, NCSEA will offer a credit in the amount of the purchase price.
By Registrant/Attendee: Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the webinar (or the first webinar in the case of a series or bundle) and in writing via email (ncsea@ncsea.com) with the subject line “NCSEA Webinar Cancellation” and include the following in the body of the email: Title of Webinar, Order/Invoice Number, Name of Registrant, and Reason for Cancellation. No telephone refund requests will be accepted.
If the request has been approved, NCSEA can do one of the following:
- Refund the amount back to the original order payment method (a $25 cancellation processing fee will be assessed)
- Issue a full credit on the purchaser’s account that can be used towards a future webinar/event.
If you are unable to attend the webinar and the cancellation deadline has passed, a recording will be available (in most cases) in the Education Portal after the webinar has concluded.
Refunds are not granted due to attendee technology issues. It is your responsibility as the webinar attendee to test your computer setup prior to the start of the webinar.
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