ASSE 5150 study materials
ASSE 5150 study resources

ASSE 5150 study plan

ASSE 5150 · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Plumbing and Mechanical Code Fundamentals & Water Supply and Distribution Systems

  • Map the scope and structure of the plumbing and mechanical code so you can locate any requirement for materials, joints, and fittings within two minutes

  • Define and distinguish potable water, nonpotable water, and the terminology used for pressure, flow, and fixture demand

  • Compute fixture-unit values for a mixed-occupancy building and convert them into estimated demand in gallons per minute

  • Identify the required minimum pipe sizes and the sizing method used for a water service and building supply main

  • Explain the difference between a public water main, a private service, and a building distribution system

Your checkpoint

A one-page reference sheet of code definitions plus three worked fixture-unit-to-demand sizing examples with answers verified

Week 2

Water Supply and Distribution Systems & Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

  • Size a cold and hot water distribution system for a two-story building using the applicable tables and friction-loss method

  • Calculate the pressure available at the most remote fixture and check it against the required residual pressure

  • Describe how thermal expansion, water hammer, and pressure-reducing valves are addressed in design

  • Define cross-connection, backflow, backsiphonage, and backpressure with a written example of each

  • Classify the types of backflow prevention assemblies and state where each is required

Your checkpoint

A complete water supply sizing worksheet for a two-story building, including residual pressure check and a backflow protection selection table

Week 3

Sanitary Drainage, Venting, and Storm Drainage & Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

  • Convert fixture units to drain pipe sizes and verify slope requirements for horizontal branches and building drains

  • Determine vent pipe sizes and identify where a vent stack, stack vent, and circuit vent are each permitted

  • Explain trap seal protection and the conditions that require a relief vent

  • Identify the situations that mandate a reduced-pressure principle assembly versus a double check valve assembly

  • Describe testing requirements for backflow assemblies and the responsibilities of the tester and the owner

Your checkpoint

A drainage and venting riser diagram for a two-bathroom building with all pipe sizes, slopes, and vent types labeled, plus a backflow assembly selection justification

Week 4

Sanitary Drainage, Venting, and Storm Drainage & Inspection, Testing, and Plan Review

  • Size storm drainage conductors, leaders, and gutters using rainfall intensity data and roof area calculations

  • Compute roof drainage area for flat, pitched, and combined roofs including vertical wall contributions

  • List the inspection stages required for underground rough-in, rough-in, and final inspection

  • Write the sequence of a hydrostatic drain test and a water distribution pressure test with required pressures and durations

  • Identify the items a plan reviewer checks on a submitted plumbing drawing set

Your checkpoint

A storm drainage calculation for a 10,000 square foot roof with sized leaders and a written inspection and testing checklist covering all three inspection stages

Week 5

Fixtures, Fixture Fittings, and Water Heaters & Inspection, Testing, and Plan Review

  • State the minimum fixture clearances, spacing, and installation requirements for water closets, lavatories, and bathtubs

  • Explain the venting, combustion air, and temperature and pressure relief requirements for water heaters

  • Identify the materials permitted for fixture fittings and the lead-free requirements for wetted surfaces

  • Perform a plan review of a sample residential plumbing plan and log every deficiency against a specific code section

  • Prepare a correction notice that cites the code section, describes the condition, and states the corrective action

Your checkpoint

A completed plan review of a sample residential plumbing plan with at least eight deficiencies cited to code sections and a professional correction notice

Week 6

Inspection, Testing, and Plan Review & Administration, Permits, and Code Enforcement

  • Describe the permit application process, the information required on submittals, and the conditions under which a permit may be issued

  • Explain the authority of the inspector, the right of entry, and the process for stop-work orders

  • Distinguish between a variance, an alternative method, and a code modification and state who approves each

  • Outline the certificate of occupancy and final approval sequence for a plumbing installation

  • Apply the adopted code edition and local amendments to a scenario involving conflicting requirements

Your checkpoint

A written permit and enforcement scenario response covering three cases: unpermitted work, a failed inspection, and an alternative materials request, each with the correct administrative action

Week 7

Administration, Permits, and Code Enforcement & Safety, Materials, and Special Plumbing Systems

  • Identify the special plumbing systems covered by the code, including medical gas, fuel gas piping, and gray water reuse

  • State the safety requirements for traps, cleanouts, and access for maintenance in concealed spaces

  • Explain the material standards and marking requirements for pipe, fittings, and solder

  • Describe the requirements for protecting potable water from contamination during construction and repair

  • Apply the administration provisions to a complaint investigation and document the findings

Your checkpoint

A special systems and materials summary table plus a written complaint investigation report with findings and citations

Week 8

Plumbing and Mechanical Code Fundamentals & Water Supply and Distribution Systems & Sanitary Drainage, Venting, and Storm Drainage & Fixtures, Fixture Fittings, and Water Heaters & Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention & Inspection, Testing, and Plan Review & Administration, Permits, and Code Enforcement & Safety, Materials, and Special Plumbing Systems

  • Complete a full-length timed practice examination and score it by domain

  • Review every missed question and trace the governing code section for each

  • Re-drill the weakest two domains with focused problem sets until accuracy exceeds eighty percent

  • Recite the key numerical thresholds, clearances, and test pressures from memory

  • Build a final one-page summary sheet of the most testable code provisions

Your checkpoint

A scored practice exam with a domain-by-domain performance report and a one-page final summary sheet

Milestones

Week 2: Score at least 80 percent on a 20-question mixed quiz covering water supply sizing and backflow fundamentals, with every missed item traced to a code section

Week 4: Produce a drainage, venting, and storm drainage drawing set with no sizing errors and pass a 25-question timed quiz on domains 3 and 6 at 75 percent or better

Week 6: Complete a full plan review and an administrative scenario set, scoring at least 80 percent on a 20-question quiz covering domains 4, 6, and 7

Week 8: Achieve 75 percent or higher on a full-length timed practice exam, with no single domain below 65 percent