Backflow Certification & Re-Certification

Ranken Technical College is an ASSE (American Society of Sanitary Engineering) certified school for Backflow Assembly Tester training.

Ranken Technical College offers both certification and re-certification courses for backflow assembly testers on a regular basis with the examinations given immediately following all courses.

ASSE is recognized by the State of Missouri to certify backflow testers. Those completing the course receive a Missouri Department of Natural Resources certification and an ASSE backflow tester certification which is recognized in many states throughout the nation. You will also earn PEU’s for the St Louis City and County.

ASSE publishes 20 Standards on backflow prevention and cross-connection control devices and assemblies and is accredited by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).

The ANSI/ASSE Series 5000 Qualification Standard for Backflow Prevention Testers, Repairs, & Surveyors is the only ANSI accredited qualification standard for backflow testers, repairers and surveyors in the industry. This means that by completing the ASSE Backflow Assembly Tester Certification or Re-certification Training program, you will be certified to an ANSI accredited standard.

This class is designed for someone who is never been certified as a backflow tester.

The course is 40-hours and covers information on cross-connection control, state and federal regulations, basic hydraulics, hands-on training on how to test various types of backflow devices, ASSE standards as they pertain to cross-connection, basic repairs and troubleshooting. All students receive a comprehensive study guide in class.

The objective is to teach someone new to the backflow industry the practical and technical knowledge necessary to test backflow devices and trouble-shoot when failures occur.

Following the course students take a 100-question written exam and a hands-on exam and test a Reduce Pressure Zone Assembly, a Double Check Assembly, a Pressure Vacuum Breaker and a Spill Resistant Vacuum Breaker BY MEMORY.

Prerequisite: ASSE requirements for those taking the class are that: “a student has demonstrated at least five years of experience in a plumbing, pipefitting or a related industry field…” Experience in lawn irrigation is acceptable. Students must verify this experience when they register for the class.

THE RECERTIFICATION CLASS IS NOW AN 8-HOUR CLASS. THOSE RECERTIFYING MUST TEST THE RPZ, DC, PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER, AND SPILL RESISTANT VACUUM BREAKER BY MEMORY

This course is designed to review the principals of cross-connection control for the individual who currently holds a backflow tester certification.

The class reviews basic information about cross-connection, state and federal regulations, reviews hydraulics and the operation of backflow devices and assemblies. In addition to the 25-question written exam, a hands-on test consists of testing a RPZ, DC, Pressure Vacuum Breaker and Spill Resistant Vacuum Breaker. All four of these devices are tested BY MEMORY.  A Study Guide is given to all students who are enrolled.

Note: You must have a valid backflow tester card issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, ASSE, or ABPA. ASSE will give a six-month grace period for expired cards in order to take the re-certification class. It is recommended you re-certify 60-90 days before your card expires. If you have been previously certified through any organization other than ASSE or ABPA, ASSE must approve your certification before enrolling. You are not certified to test backflow devices if your card is expired. It can take up to 4-6 weeks after class to receive your renewed card.