This letter responds to the invitation to comment on the need to continue regulation of select professions/occupations issued by the Virginia Board for Professional and Occupational Regulation (the “Board”).
On behalf of the ASSE International Chapter of IAPMO (“ASSE International” or “ASSE”) we respectfully request the Board continue the regulation of backflow prevention device workers. We also request the Board expressly recognize ASSE 5110 certification as an equivalent to the certification offered by Virginia.
ASSE International is a membership organization, standards developer, and product and personnel certification agency with 113 years of history advocating for standardized plumbing practice, and more than 25 years of certifying qualified personnel.
Virginia already recognizes standards from the ASSE/ANSI Series 5000 for backflow regulation: the Virginia Administrative Code cites Series 5000 standards for testing of backflow prevention assemblies.[1] Further, this Board has expressly adopted the Series 5000 testing methods as an appropriate basis for the education of backflow testers in Virginia.[2] The same Series 5000 provides a framework and requirements for backflow tester certification, ASSE 5110. It is certification by ASSE, pursuant to this program, that we request this Board recognize.
ASSE’s program offers testing and certification to the 5110 Standard for backflow professionals. An individual certified by ASSE will have completed 40 hours of training at a recognized school and passed a comprehensive written exam and closed-book practical exam demonstrating proper field test procedures; in these ways the program parallels the requirements in 18VAC50-30-40.[3]
The Commonwealth of Virginia should clarify that ASSE 5110 certification is an acceptable equivalent to the existing Commonwealth-issued certification, with the understanding that any ASSE-certified professional would still be required to register with the Commonwealth.
We urge the Board to continue to regulate the backflow prevention device worker (tradesman) along with accepting ASSE 5110 Tester certification as an equivalent to the Commonwealth of Virginia certification.
[1] 13VAC5-63-530 D.6.
[2] 18VAC50-30-40 D (“The board accepts the American Society of Sanitary Engineers' (ASSE) standards for testing procedures”).
[3] “Applicants for examination to be certified as a backflow prevention device worker shall furnish evidence that one of the following experience and education standards has been attained: 1. Four years of practical experience in water distribution systems and 40 hours of formal vocational training in a school approved by the board; or 2. Applicants with seven or more years of experience may qualify with 16 hours of formal vocational training in a school approved by the board. The board accepts the American Society of Sanitary Engineers' (ASSE) standards for testing procedures. Other programs could be approved after board review. The board requires all backflow training to include instruction in a wet lab.”