ASSE BACKFLOW INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
This instructor guide has been compiled to aid ASSE approved instructors in conducting tester certification and recertification classes in accordance with the ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 5000, Cross-Connection Control Professional Qualifications Standard.
Because of the ever changing nature of the building and construction industry, together with the continuing development of new technology and equipment in the backflow prevention industry, the need to continually update and improve our certification program is clear. The objective of this guide is to provide instructors with the resources that, along with both the ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 5000 standard and the ASSE Guide to Cross Connection Protection Devices and Assemblies- Application and Selection Book, will enable them to provide a quality educational experience for their students.
During its April 1987 meeting, the ASSE Board of Directors recognized a plumbing industry need and voted to develop professional qualification standards for individuals involved with backflow prevention. Like the ASSE product standards, these professional qualifications standards established minimum industry requirements for backflow prevention assembly testers, backflow prevention assembly repairers and cross-connection control surveyors. This voluntary consensus series of standards was the first in the plumbing and water supply fields to set minimum requirements for a qualified professional.
Backflow prevention assemblies and devices, along with their proper installation, testing and repairing, have been an important part of protecting public health since the 1890s. During the past 100 years, the industry grew in many directions and philosophies. To prepare this standard, representatives from different regions and industry segments dedicated themselves to achieving a true consensus and thereby advancing the backflow prevention community.
This standard, the Series 5000, was first issued by ASSE's Board of Directors in 1990 and was approved as an American National Standard on Nov. 14, 1991. The 2009 revision of the standard series included Professional Qualifications Standards for Fire-Sprinkler System Cross-Connection Control Testers and Backflow Prevention Program Administrators.
Please visit the ASSE Product Certificaton page to find ASSE Certified backflow prevention manufacturers.
Please visit the ASSE Product Certificaton Resources and Downloads page to view the most current list of ASSE Listed backflow device enclosures.
Contact the ASSE International Professional Certifications department at assecertifications@asse-plumbing.org to suggest additional resources for this list.
Contact the ASSE International Professional Certifications Coordinator at janice.mcnellis@asse-plumbing.org to request sample test questions (you must be an ASSE-accredited instructor).
We encourage you to join ASSE International, attend local and national meetings, get involved in chapter activities, and apply for national committee work.
Learn more about ASSE International memebrship and find your local chapter on our Membership page.
ASSE International recognizes that the quality of training is dependent on the training environment and believes that any approved training program should be adequately equipped to train the number of people in any given training session.
View our Guidelines for Cross-Connection Control Certification: Facilities and Equipment to be sure your training center is in compliance.
ASSE International recognizes that the quality of training is dependent on the training environment and believes that any approved training program should be adequately equipped to train the number of people in any given training session.
Contact the ASSE International Professional Certifications Coordinator to request the full ASSE Guidelines.