ASSE 6010 study plan
ASSE 6010 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Cross-Connection Control Principles and Backflow Theory
Define cross-connection, backflow, backsiphonage, and backpressure in your own words without notes
Explain how a negative or reduced pressure zone in a supply main creates a backsiphonage condition, using a numeric pressure example
Distinguish contamination from pollution and assign a hazard level to at least ten common building connections
Trace the path of a potential backflow event through a typical domestic water service, irrigation main, and boiler feed
Your checkpoint
A one-page written hazard inventory listing 15 real-world cross-connections with the backflow type (backsiphonage or backpressure) and hazard class for each, self-scored against the domain-1 outline until you reach 90% accuracy.
Cross-Connection Control Principles and Backflow Theory & Backflow Prevention Assembly Types, Design, and Operation
Calculate the pressure differential that drives backflow in three given scenarios using elevation and friction-loss inputs
List the five assembly families (RPZ, DCVA, PVB, AVB, SVB) and state for each whether it protects against backsiphonage only or both backflow types
Describe the operating sequence of a reduced-pressure principle assembly from normal flow through each check and the relief valve
Match each assembly type to the hazard level and application it is typically required for
Your checkpoint
An eight-attribute comparison table covering all five assembly families, checked against your study references with every discrepancy corrected and annotated.
Backflow Prevention Assembly Types, Design, and Operation
Identify every component of an RPZ and a double check assembly from a verbal description of the water path alone
Explain the function of each test cock and shutoff valve in the standard test-cock numbering scheme
State the installation requirements for orientation, drainability, freeze protection, and accessibility for each assembly type
Explain why an RPZ relief valve discharges and what conditions cause nuisance dumping
Your checkpoint
A from-memory written parts list and flow-path narrative for the RPZ, DCVA, PVB, and AVB, verified against reference material with a corrected final version submitted.
Field Test Procedures and Equipment Use
Set up a differential pressure test kit and describe the purpose of each hose connection before pressurizing
Narrate the full field test sequence for an RPZ, including which test cock is read at each step and the accept/reject value for each reading
Narrate the full field test sequence for a double check assembly and identify which check failure produces which symptom
Distinguish gauge calibration drift from an actual assembly failure when readings are marginal
Your checkpoint
A written, step-numbered RPZ and DCVA test procedure with expected readings and pass/fail criteria recorded at each step, performed once on a training bench or simulator and logged with the actual numbers obtained.
Field Test Procedures and Equipment Use & Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance
Narrate the field test sequence for a pressure vacuum breaker, an atmospheric vacuum breaker, and a spill-resistant vacuum breaker
Explain what each test reveals about check-valve or air-inlet condition, and how a failed reading maps to a specific defective part
Describe gauge calibration verification and the acceptable error tolerance before a test result is valid
Complete a set of timed practice items on test procedures with at least 80% accuracy
Your checkpoint
A completed test-report form for all five assembly types with expected versus observed readings and a written note for each reading that failed, naming the faulty component.
Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance
Diagnose the six most common RPZ failures from symptoms alone and list the repair for each
Explain the causes of check-valve fouling, relief-valve chatter, and continuous discharge, and the corrective action for each
Describe a preventive maintenance routine including flushing, strainer cleaning, and inspection intervals
Explain how debris, water hammer, and thermal expansion each damage internal assembly components
Your checkpoint
A troubleshooting matrix of at least 12 symptom-to-cause-to-repair rows, self-quizzed until you can reproduce it from a blank page.
Regulations, Codes, and Program Administration
Outline the roles of the authority having jurisdiction, the water purveyor, the tester, and the property owner in a cross-connection control program
Describe the typical elements of a written cross-connection control program: hazard surveys, assembly selection, testing frequency, and record retention
Explain the tester's administrative duties: notification, tagging, report submission, and recordkeeping
Compare how local requirements can differ from the model standard and where to confirm the governing rule
Your checkpoint
A one-page checklist of the administrative steps a tester must complete before, during, and after a field test, written from memory and then validated against your local program requirements.
Cross-Connection Control Principles and Backflow Theory & Regulations, Codes, and Program Administration & Backflow Prevention Assembly Types, Design, and Operation & Field Test Procedures and Equipment Use & Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance
Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test conditions
Review every missed item and write a one-sentence correction for each
Re-derive the RPZ, DCVA, PVB, and AVB test sequences and troubleshooting matrices from a blank page
Identify and close your two weakest remaining sub-areas
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam log showing both attempts, a written error-analysis list, and a final self-assessment rating each domain 1 through 5 on a 1-to-5 confidence scale with evidence cited for each rating.
Milestones
Week 2: Explain backsiphonage versus backpressure and the operating principle of all five assembly types aloud in under five minutes with no notes.
Week 4: Walk through the complete RPZ and DCVA field test procedures, including every test-cock reading and pass/fail value, from memory without prompts.
Week 6: Reproduce the 12-row troubleshooting matrix from a blank page and score at least 80% on a timed mixed-domain practice set.
Week 8: Score 85% or higher on two consecutive full-length timed practice exams and rate every domain at 4 or 5 with supporting evidence.