BACKFLOW PREVENTION
ASSE 5000 Certification
Grow your professional capabilities and protect our nation’s potable water supply with ASSE Cross-Connection Control Certification. ASSE Cross-Connection Control Certification meets the challenge of a sound and defensible credential program based on voluntary, industry consensus standards.
ASSE certification in backflow prevention assembly testing, repairing, and surveying adds nationally recognized credentials to your resume, enhances your skills, and increases the number of tasks you can perform – ultimately raising your employability.
Currently, there are more than 19,000 ASSE Certified backflow professionals spanning all 50 states and parts of Canada. Join these qualified individuals and expand your skill set by becoming certified at one of the 100-plus ASSE approved schools around the country.
If your jurisdiction accepts or requires ASSE Cross-Connection Control Certification, it’s for a good reason; training, testing, and certification is based on the ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 5000 standard, which provides stringent professional qualifications for the backflow prevention industry. Simply put: only those who are qualified to work on backflow prevention assemblies are allowed to perform cross-connection control tasks.
Jurisdictions and employers feel confidence knowing that ASSE certified professionals have completed a qualified course of instruction, and passed written and practical exams covering the knowledge and skills needed to protect our potable water supply from backflow or cross-connection contamination.
CERTIFICATIONS
ASSE 5110
Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester
ASSE 5120
Cross-Connection Control Surveyor
ASSE 5130
Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer
ASSE 5140
Fire Sprinkler Cross-Connection Control Tester
ASSE 5150
Backflow Prevention Program Administrator
ASSE 5110
ASSE 5110 certification is issued against the ASSE 5110 standard. The scope is limited to individuals performing field testing of installed backflow prevention assemblies. Eligibility for this certification requires a minimum five years of documented, related field experience; completion of a 40-hour training course; passing a question written exam; and a hands-on practical exam on four assemblies above (ASSE 1013 (reduced-pressure principle), 1015 (double check valve), 1020 (pressure vacuum breaker), and 1056 (spill-resistant vacuum breaker) assemblies.
ASSE tests to these procedures:
- USC 10th Edition Field Test Procedure
- ASSE Test Procedure
- EPA Test Procedure
- Illinois Test Procedure
- Missouri Test Procedure
- One-Hose Test Procedure
- TREEO Test Procedure
Some jurisdictions require the applicable test procedure to be identified on the certificant's wallet card. The wallet card is not the certification document. The approved practical examination procedures used for certification testing are identified above. The wallet card does not replace, nor is it equivalent to, a certificant's wall certificate. Individuals who wish to verify a certification should go to ASSE's website (https://asse.iapmo.org/public/certified)
The test procedure used during a practical examination is determined by the testing location and applicable AHJ requirements. ASSE considers all test procedures equivalent and the use of one test procedure versus another does not affect the practical exam process. For example, the USC 10th Edition test procedure is commonly used in California. Other jurisdictions may require a different approved test procedure based on local AHJ requirements.
Candidates are advised of the applicable test procedure prior to the examination. ASSE considers all test procedures equivalent. Regardless of the specific test procedure used, candidates are evaluated against the requirements of the ASSE certification scheme and must successfully complete the practical examination to achieve certification.
5110 BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTER REQUIREMENTS
- A minimum of five (5) years of documented practical experience in the installation or service of plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, lawn irrigation or a related industry field.
- Successful completion of a minimum 40-hour training course on backflow assembly testing covering all aspects of ASSE 5110.
- Successfully passing a 100-question exam with a score of 70% or higher.
- Successfully passing a practical exam that includes testing ASSE 1013, 1015, 1020 and 1056 assemblies.
- Certification to this standard shall be through a nationally recognized third-party certification body. See 9-3 for the definition of third-party certification.
- Certification shall be for a three (3) year period.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
- Nationally recognized third-party certification, independent of all training course providers and instructors
- Maintains all certification records, and notifies schools and individuals when it’s time to re-certify
- Qualifications and approval of instructors/proctors overseen by ASSE
- Quality and approval of training providers overseen by ASSE
- Certified individuals and approved training providers listed on ASSE website
Questions?
If you are interested in becoming an ASSE-accredited instructor and/or proctor, interested in having your school accredited, or interested in learning more about ASSE 5000 Certifications, please contact the ASSE International Professional Certifications department at assecertifications@asse-plumbing.org or (708) 995-3019.