Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices

This course provides you with the skills and knowledge required to test, commission and maintain backflow prevention devices in water services. It covers the identification of requirements, preparation of work, commissioning and maintenance activities and finalisation of work including documentation.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) will be in attendance on the final day of training to conduct the external examination (4 hours) for those learners who wish to receive endorsement on their plumbing license in backflow prevention as a specialised class of plumbing.

Learners must hold VBA water supply registration and/or license.

This course has pre-requisite units which must be satisfied to be awarded this unit. Refer to Pre-Requisite tab for further details.

It is recommended that you have acquired language, literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to Level 3 and Level 4 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

The following pre-requisite units must be satisfied to be awarded this unit:

• CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
• CPCPWT3027 Install backflow prevention devices
• CPCPCM3023 Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping

Master Plumbers has a Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) process that will assist you in providing evidence that supports you have acquired the necessary skills to satisfy entry into the course. Further information will be provided as part of the course confirmation process.

You can also download the RCC instruction sheet and form by clicking on the following links:

• Enrolment, Registration and Licensing Information
• Backflow Prevention Work – Declaration of Experience

2024 Course Dates

Dates shown are accurate at time of publication. Dates may change due to demand.

Click on the ‘REGISTER NOW’ button below to register your name on the waitlist. If there are any cancellations or added courses, you will be notified via emai.

Course structure

Course delivery is face to face classroom training.

Course duration

24 hours over three (3) consecutive days. Includes a four (4) hour external practical assessment supervised by the VBA. Sessions run from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

Missed out?

Courses can fill quickly. To ensure you are contacted when new dates are released register your interest by clicking on the ‘ENROL NOW’ button below and fill in the enquiry form.

You can also monitor this site for new dates as they are available.

Course fees:

Additional VBA Examination fees

As of July 2020 additional fees apply and are payable directly to the VBA. To sit the VBA practical and theory assessments there is a $173.40 fee. After successful completion there is an application fee of $31.50 that needs to be paid for the endorsement to be added to any current license or registration area. These will be invoiced separately by the VBA. For further information on changes to VBA fees visit the VBA Plumbing licensing & registration fees webpage or contact the VBA direct.

Assessment arrangements

Unit assessment requires learners to:

• complete a theory assessment
• complete a practical assessment which requires you to successfully test, commission and complete relevant testing documentation for the following valves:
  • three different double check valves
  • a single (testable) check valve
  • two different registered air gaps (including two different orifice sizes and inlet pressures)
  • three different reduced pressure zone devices.
• removing and maintaining:
  • one double check valve
  • one reduced pressure zone device.

External assessment

The VBA will conduct a four (4) hour external assessment for those who wish to receive endorsement on their plumbing license in backflow prevention.

Course outcome

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

• Identify sources and gather information relevant to testing, commissioning and maintenance of backflow prevention devices.
• Apply safety and quality assurance requirements and demonstrate effective work methods relevant to testing, commissioning and maintenance of backflow prevention devices.
• Test, commission and undertake maintenance of high, medium and low hazard backflow prevention devices in water services.
• Identify and complete all relevant documentation relevant to testing, commissioning and maintenance of backflow prevention devices.

Recognition

By successfully completing this course you will receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment.

This unit is required by the Victorian Building Authority for registered\licensed plumbers who wish to seek endorsement in the specialised class of backflow prevention work. It is an accredited unit of competency in CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services.

For further details on registration and licensing requirements visit the VBA website for up to date information.