WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
ASSE 15000 Certification
Inspecting, testing and maintaining fire protection systems is meaningful work that comes with great responsibility – your job performance can literally mean life or death. Give employers and building owners confidence in your abilities with ASSE 15010 certification.
Although there are other organizations that certify individuals as being competent in the inspection and testing aspects of NFPA 25, ASSE International developed the ASSE 15000 certification program to raise the bar for fire protection industry personnel and ensure public safety. Individuals who are certified to ASSE 15010 have the ability to knowledgeably and skillfully inspect, test and maintain water-based fire protection systems to the satisfaction of the fire protection industry and beyond the minimum requirements of NFPA 25.
The evaluation of fire protection systems for conformance to codes and standards, and determining if a sprinkler system is adequate based on building evaluations and uses, is beyond the scope NFPA 25. A person certified to ASSE 15010 will have the qualifications to perform such evaluations, in consultation with a licensed engineer in some states.
ASSE 15010
Who is this certification for?
This certification applies to qualified individuals who perform inspection, testing, and maintenance activities for water-based fire protection systems in accordance with applicable installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance standards. This certification does not apply to individuals who perform engineering evaluations.
How do you become certified?
Applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Complete a minimum of 100 hours of documented training related to the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.
- Meet one of the following experience requirements:
- Successfully complete a five-year state or federally approved fire sprinkler apprenticeship program; or
- Possess a minimum of five years of acceptable documented practical experience in the water-based fire sprinkler industry, including at least three years performing inspection, testing, and maintenance activities.
- Successfully complete a minimum 40-hour training course covering all aspects of ASSE Standard 15010 through an ASSE 15000 approved school.
- Successfully pass a minimum 200-question written examination covering ASSE Standard 15010 with a score of 75% or higher.
- The exam makeup will be in accordance with the following table:
| Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-based Fire Protection Systems | 25% | NFPA 25 |
Reference Materials Permitted During the Examination
|
| Installation of Sprinkler Systems | 25% | NFPA 13 | |
| Fire Pumps | 25% | NFPA 20, NFPA 25 | |
| Standpipe Systems | 10% | NFPA 14 | |
| Other | 15% | NFPA 11, NFPA 22, NFPA 24, NFPA 750, and Best Practices |
- Successfully pass a practical exam which includes performing the following tests:
- Full-flow trip test of a dry pipe system including evaluation of the test results
- Trip test of a preaction system including evaluation of the test results
- Main drain test including evaluation of the test results
- Perform a full flow test on a diesel or electric driven fire pump including evaluation of the test results
ABOUT ASSE 15000 CERTIFICATION
- A minimum of five years of documented practical experience in the fire sprinkler industry required to qualify for certification
- Required comprehensive 200-question written exam, and closed book practical exam exam
- Certification is valid for three years
- Refresher course, written exam, and practical exam required for recertification
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
- Nationally recognized third-party certification
- Maintains all certification records
- 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
RESOURCES
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 15000 Certifications, please contact the ASSE International Professional Certifications department at assecertifications@asse-plumbing.org or (708) 995-3019.