TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
Continuously expanding programs across the United States
IAPMO BPI provides training toward professional certification in backflow prevention. Our courses prepare students for each credential identified in the ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 5000 professional qualification standards.
At this forty (40) hour training, participants will be presented with the guidelines used for acceptable practices of testing backflow prevention assemblies. The participants will also learn the principles of cross-connection control and the methods and devices used to prevent backflow of undesirable substances into water distribution and plumbing systems carrying potable water. Upon completion of the course, the participants will receive sufficient information and skills to pass the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) Examination. On the last day of the training the certification examination will be administered. This consists of a written examination and a hands-on examination. The exam for an initial tester certification consists of 100 questions. Presently, the initial certification candidate must demonstrate the field test procedure for a reduced pressure principle assembly, double check valve assembly, pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and spill-resistant vacuum breakers without notes or assistance.
The ASSE 5130 Repairer certification course provides the necessary training and testing for individuals seeking certification as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer. Successful completion of an ASSE 5110 Tester class or approved equal is a prerequisite for this course. This course consists of twenty (20) hours of training culminating in a fifty (50) question examination. During the training portion of the course, participants can expect to discuss the basics of backflow prevention assembly troubleshooting and repair.
This course provides the necessary training and examination for individuals seeking certification as a Cross-Connection Control Surveyor. The course consists of twenty (20) hours of training culminating in a fifty (50) question examination. During the training portion of the course, participants can expect to discuss the basics of cross-connection control surveying, as well as safety, cross-connection control, product performance, conducting a survey, and proper terminology. Federal, state, and local regulations and codes related to cross-connection control and backflow prevention will be presented.
During this training, participants will review the guidelines used for acceptable practices of testing backflow prevention assemblies. The participants will receive the information and skills to help them pass the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) Recertification Examination. At the end of the course the recertification examination will be administered. This consists of a written and a hands-on examination. This training is mandatory in order for the tester to re-certify under ASSE program guidelines. The written exam for the tester recertification consists of 25 questions. In the practical examination the candidate must demonstrate the proper field test procedure for a reduced pressure principle assembly, double check valve assembly, pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and spill-resistant vacuum breaker assembly without notes or assistance.
Each course includes an American Society of Sanitary Engineering certification exam at the conclusion of the training. These ASSE certifications are recognized by model plumbing codes in the United States, including the Uniform Plumbing Code. IAPMO-BPI is dedicated to water system safety through plumbing-code compliance and supports the ASSE certification program.
GENERAL CLASS INFORMATION
All classes begin at 8 AM and will last until 5 PM. New certification students will be provided with textbooks and reference materials for the class. Re-certification students are asked to bring their manuals from their prior training course. All students are asked to bring their own note paper, pens/pencils, and a calculator.
All classes have a laboratory segment when students will practice backflow preventer field test procedures prior to the examination. Classroom attire should consider water exposure.
All class lectures are presented in English and all materials are published in English. If a student requires special assistance in any area, IAPMO should be notified prior to the start of a class.
Students should expect 'homework' outside of class time. The tester course contains a great deal of information that must be studied and retained for the examination.
CERTIFICATION AND PRE-REQUISITE INFORMATION
Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification Pre-requisite:
Five years of industry-related experience
Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer and Cross-Connection Control Surveyor Certifications:
Hold current Tester Certification
The IAPMO training program provides the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an ASSE certified backflow preventer tester, repairer, or cross-connection control surveyor.
When completing the application for the tester courses, IAPMO must receive a photocopy of any current certification for re-certification purposes or provide a minimum of 5 years experience in the industry prior to becoming certified as a backflow preventer tester.
Applications must be received by IAPMO two (2) weeks prior to a course start date. This ensures that training and certification materials will be available from ASSE for that course.
The certification examination consists of a written examination and a practical examination. The exam for an initial tester certification consists of 100 questions. The initial certification candidate must successfully demonstrate the field test procedure for a reduced pressure principle assembly, a double check valve assembly, a pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and a spill resistant vacuum breaker assembly without notes or assistance.
The recertification examination consists of a written examination and a practical examination. The written exam for recertification consists of 25 questions. The recertification candidate must successfully demonstrate the field test procedure for a reduced pressure principle assembly, a double check valve assembly, a spill resistant vacuum breaker assembly, and a pressure vacuum breaker assembly, without notes or assistance.
All candidates will know of successful field test exam results at the time of the test. All written examinations are submitted to ASSE for grading, and certification credentials are provided within two to four weeks after the exam. These certification credentials will be emailed from IAPMO. If a certification candidate is not successful, a written notice will be provided from ASSE.
Other class locations available
IAPMO BPI can provide training at your location. If your company or organization has a group that needs any of our Backflow Training and or certifications, please Contact Us and we can schedule your own backflow prevention class.
EXPANDED CERTIFICATION CLASS OFFERINGS
The Backflow Prevention Institute offers an expanded program of certification classes in backflow prevention installation, assembly repair, and cross-connection surveying. Several new four- and eight hour training classes for building, plumbing, and mechanical inspectors will also be offered, along with online seminars.
These programs, which are being developed, are in addition to the ASSE cross-connection training IAPMO BPI has been conducting for a number of years. BPI is bridging the gap between the different stakeholders who make up the cross-connection industry by offering certification and training to individuals in the inspection, irrigation, water, and wastewater industries. As an industry leader in cross-connection training, BPI is continuously expanding its programs to new areas across the United States.
IAPMO BPI is looking for volunteers for its new certification committees who will work to develop strong and balanced training requirements, guidelines, and both written and practical examinations for these new certifications.
For more information, please contact Vice President of Industry Programs and BPI Operations Sean Cleary at (909) 996-5336 or by e-mail at sean.cleary@iapmo.org.
For Questions On Seminar Registration Contact:
Toll free: 1-855-536-2800
E-mail: kim.curtis@iapmo.org