Over the past year, staff has met with the ASSE 15010 Water Based Fire Protection Technical Committee to review and update the ASSE 15010 examination. The committee met three times to review question item banks to ensure that references for the questions were up to date and to write new test questions for the examination. The task of updating questions and references is an important part of administering an examination that is up to date with current best practices.
ASSE International is a third-party certification organization that prides itself on administering the best possible unbiased examination in the industry. We utilize our subject matter experts to ensure that the test items are written properly, reflect current protocols in the industry, and that we are administering an examination that measures the test taker’s knowledge, skills and abilities.
Candidates must show they have an in-depth understanding of water-based fire protection systems so that employers and building owners will have the confidence that their systems have been inspected, tested and maintained properly.
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 15000-2024, Professional Qualifications Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, was recently updated and approved by the ASSE Board of Directors. Here is one of the changes made to the standard in relation to professional qualifications and eligibility requirements:
Must be at least 21 years of age, provide 100 hours of documented training related to inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. and have either:
- Completed a 5-year state or federally approved fire sprinkler apprenticeship program, OR
- A minimum of 5 years of acceptable documented practical experience in the water-based fire sprinkler industry with at least 3 years of this experience consisting of inspection, testing, and maintenance activities.
NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium- and High-Expansion Foam; NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems; NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection; NFPA 22, Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection; NFPA 24, Standard for Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances; NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems; NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
In addition to those requirements, the candidate must have successfully completed an all-encompassing training course that is 40 hours or more and covers all aspects of ASSE Standard 15010 on inspection, training, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems through an ASSE 15000-approved school.
The candidate must also pass an exam that is a minimum of 200 questions, encompasses all aspects of ASSE Standard 15010, and receive a score of 75% or greater. The exam breakdown has also been updated (see the table above).
These new guidelines will take effect during the first quarter of 2025. All ASSE-approved schools that teach the ASSE 15010 Standard will be provided with more detailed information prior to this change taking effect.
Having a certified individual on your team will enhance credibility to clients and mitigate the risk of potentially catastrophic events taking place in a building, which could mean the difference between life and death in some instances.
Overall, the ASSE 15010 certification is a valuable credential for professionals offering benefits that span individual career growth, organizational safety, and regulatory compliance. If you are interested in becoming certified or have questions about the new guidelines for individuals to qualify for the ASSE 15010 examination, please go to www.asse-plumbing.org for more information.
