ASSE Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Course and Exam

Earn the ASSE Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification by completing this course and exam. The ASSE Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification meets Backflow Tester certification requirements in Minnesota, Michigan and many other states.

Practical training for plumbers, sprinkler fitters, facility maintenance personnel, and utility workers focusing on procedures for cross-connection control, backflow prevention, and testing of backflow prevention assemblies.

Day 1

Introduction to Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention 

• Cross-connection basics
• Hazards to public health
• Causes of backflow and backflow prevention methods
• Air gap
• Barometric loop

Backflow Prevention Assemblies—Double Check Valve Assembly (DC)

• How the DC works
• Appropriate application of the DC
• Assembly limitations

Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies

• 3-valve and 5-valve test gauges
• Care and maintenance of test gauges
• Calibration requirements

Workshop

• Demonstration of proper testing practices
• Demonstration of DC assembly test procedures
• Hands-on practice with DC testing

Day 2

Quiz

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

• Reduced Pressure Principal Assembly (RPZ)
  • How the RPZ works
  • Appropriate application of the RPZ

• Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) and spill-resistant vacuum breaker (SVB)
  • How the PVB and SVB work
  • Appropriate application and limitations of the PVB and SVB
• Test procedures for (RPZ), (SVB), and (PVB) assemblies
• Hands-on practice—all testable assembly types

Day 3 

Backflow Prevention Devices

• Appropriate device applications
• Limitations of devices

Cross-Connection Program Authority, Responsibility, and Liability

• Federal authority
• State responsibilities
• Municipality or water purveyor responsibilities
• Designer, installer, and manufacturer responsibilities
• Facility owner responsibilities
• Liability issues

Safety

• How to minimize hazards for testers
• Personal protective equipment
• Confined space, lockout/tagout, fall prevention

Quiz

Day 4

Wisconsin Rules and Codes

• Rules and regulations
• Requirements for new and existing services

Municipal and Utility Cross-Connection Programs

• How to establish a utility cross-connection control program
• Cross-connection survey programs
• How to manage cross-connection programs—documentation, tracking, and follow-up

Troubleshooting Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventers

• How to relate malfunction symptoms to cause
• Repair of backflow preventers
• Hands-on troubleshooting and discussion

Troubleshooting Workshop—Hands-On Practice Classroom

Review Session

Individual ASSE Tester Practical Exams 

Day 5

Individual ASSE Tester Practical Exams Continue

Manufacturer Presentations

• Discussion of backflow prevention assemblies from various manufacturers

 ASSE written exam

Benjamin Jordan

Program Director at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Department of Engineering Professional Development, Ben develops continuing education courses for civil engineers and public works professionals. He is also director of the Wisconsin Transportation Information Center, providing training and technical assistance to county highway departments, town road departments and city and village public works departments in Wisconsin. Mr. Jordan has over 35 years of experience in civil engineering and public works. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois.