ASTTBC PPE case studies
ASTTBC PPE · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ASTTBC Professional Practice Examination (PPE) is the professional practice exam associated with the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC), the body that regulates technology professionals in the province. ASTTBC describes its mission as serving the public by contributing to a safe, sustainable society and environment through regulating technology professionals, accomplished by supporting competent, safe, and ethical practice of applied science technology in British Columbia. Candidates for certification as an Applied Science Technologist or Certified Technician, and others preparing for registration, should treat the PPE as a test of professional judgement as much as technical recall. The exam is organized around four equally weighted domains: professional practice, ethics and regulation; applied science technology practice; communication and documentation; and safety, sustainability and public protection. The ASTTBC PPE case studies are 5 cases and about 2,526 words.
1Confined Space Entry with Marginal Oxygen Reading
You are the field technologist supervising a crew of three at a wastewater treatment plant upgrade. The task is to inspect and repair a corroded valve inside a 2.4 m deep wet well.
491 words, about 2 min2Structural Load Calculation with Conflicting Test Results
You are a technologist designing a steel support bracket for a conveyor system. The bracket will carry a dead load of 12 kN and a live load of 8 kN.
545 words, about 3 min3Ethical Dilemma: Concealing a Minor Defect
You are a technologist inspecting a newly constructed pedestrian bridge. During your inspection, you discover that several welds on the underside of the bridge have minor porosity, which is a cosmetic defect but does not affect structural integrity.
491 words, about 2 min4Communication Breakdown: Misinterpreted Drawing Revision
You are a technologist overseeing the installation of a HVAC system. The project uses a set of drawings that have been revised multiple times.
485 words, about 2 min5Sustainability Trade-off: Recycled Material with Higher Embodied Energy
You are specifying materials for a new community center. The client wants to achieve a high sustainability rating and has asked you to evaluate two concrete mixes.
514 words, about 3 min