ASSE 5110
Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester
The core credential. Testers verify that installed backflow prevention assemblies actually work, on a cycle their water authority enforces.
- Cert period
- 3 years
- Recert class
- 8 hrs
- Recert written
- 50 q
- Recert practical
- Yes
Entry requirements
- Minimum 40-hour training course covering all aspects of ASSE 5110.
- 100-question written exam, 70 percent or higher to pass.
- Hands-on practical exam: testing of ASSE 1013, 1015, 1020 and 1056 assemblies.
- Minimum five years of documented practical experience in plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, lawn irrigation or a related field.
The three-year clock
Recertification runs every three years through an ASSE Accredited School: a minimum 8-hour class, a 50-question written exam and a hands-on practical. Recertification can be completed up to six months early without losing any certification time, so the professional move is booking early in a slow season rather than gambling a busy one against an expiry date.
Common questions
How often does ASSE 5110 certification renew?
Every three years. Recertification requires a minimum 8-hour class and a 50-question written exam plus a hands-on practical exam, delivered through an ASSE Accredited School. Recertification can be completed up to six months early without losing any certification time.
What does it take to earn ASSE 5110?
Minimum 40-hour training course covering all aspects of ASSE 5110; 100-question written exam, 70 percent or higher to pass; a hands-on practical exam: testing of asse 1013, 1015, 1020 and 1056 assemblies; and minimum five years of documented practical experience in plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, lawn irrigation or a related field.
Who accepts ASSE 5110?
Acceptance varies by jurisdiction: some water authorities and states require ASSE certification, others recognize additional programs. Confirm with your water authority or state cross-connection control program before enrolling.
The rest of the ladder
| 5120 | Cross-Connection Control Surveyor |
| 5130 | Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer |
| 5140 | Fire Sprinkler Cross-Connection Control Tester |
| 5150 | Backflow Prevention Program Administrator |
The instrument this trade runs on
Mid-West 845-5 5-Valve Test Kit
Arbiter Mako MK5 Digital 5-Valve Kit
Acugauge TK Plus 3-Valve Kit
BAC-FLO-5 Test KitConfirm what your jurisdiction's test procedures require before choosing a kit.The kit guide.
The three-year clock sheet
One printable page: every 5000-series requirement, the recert timeline counted back from your expiry date, and the kit checklist. Free.
No spam. One useful sheet and occasional certification notes.