2026 Building Code Updates and Examination Transition Period
By Tony DeSha
The Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC) has adopted the 2024 editions of the International Building Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code and International Residential Code, with amendments effective September 14, 2026. The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) will implement a 90-day transition period for Oklahoma licensing tests.
During the 90-day transition period, applicants taking an affected examination may test using either the previous building codes or the newly adopted building codes. After the transition period ends, all examinations will be based exclusively on the newly adopted codes.
The transition dates for each examination are listed below.
Examinations Updated September 14, 2026
The following examinations will be updated to the new codes beginning September 14, 2026.
A 90-day transition period will run from September 14, 2026, through December 14, 2026. During this period, applicants may take the following examinations using either the old code or the newly adopted code.
- OK HVACR Contractor – Limited
- OK HVACR Contractor – Unlimited
- OK HVACR Journeyman – Limited
- OK HVACR Journeyman – Unlimited
- OK Sheet Metal Contractor
- OK Roofing Contractor – Commercial Endorsement
- OK Natural Gas Contractor
- OK Natural Gas Journeyman
- OK Process Piping Contractor
- OK Refrigeration Journeyman
- OK Refrigeration Contractor
- OK Sheet Metal Journeyman
- OK Limited Residential Installer
- OK Limited Residential Journeyman – Mechanical
- OK Residential Contractor – Plumbing and Natural Gas
- OK Residential Journeyman – Plumbing and Natural Gas
Beginning December 15, 2026, these examinations will be based exclusively on the newly adopted building codes.
Examinations Updated October 8, 2026
The following examinations will be updated to the new codes beginning October 8, 2026.
A 90-day transition period will run from October 8, 2026, through January 8, 2027. During this period, applicants may take the following examinations using either the old code or the newly adopted code.
- OK Plumbing Contractor and Gas
- OK Plumbing Journeyman and Gas
Beginning January 9, 2027, these examinations will be based exclusively on the newly adopted building codes.
Important
Applicants taking an affected examination during a transition period should review the applicable examination information and determine whether they wish to test under the previous building code or the newly adopted building code.
Once the applicable 90-day transition period has ended, all examinations will be administered using the newly adopted building code only.