Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester
Certification Practice Examination
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a backflow prevention assembly?
A. Increase water pressure
B. Prevent contamination of potable water
C. Improve drainage flow
D. Reduce pipe corrosion
Answer: B
Rationale: Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to stop
contaminated or non-potable water from flowing backward into a
clean drinking water system due to backpressure or backsiphonage.
, 2. Backflow caused by negative pressure in a supply line is known as:
A. Backpressure
B. Water hammer
C. Backsiphonage
D. Thermal expansion
Answer: C
Rationale: Backsiphonage occurs when supply pressure drops below
downstream pressure, allowing contaminants to be drawn into the
potable system.
3. Which device provides the highest level of backflow protection?
A. Atmospheric vacuum breaker
B. Pressure vacuum breaker
C. Reduced pressure principle assembly
D. Dual check valve
Answer: C
Rationale: Reduced pressure principle assemblies (RP assemblies)
protect against both backsiphonage and backpressure in high-hazard
situations.
, 4. A cross-connection is best defined as:
A. Two pipes joined underground
B. Any connection between potable and non-potable systems
C. A mainline distribution connection
D. A pipe fitting intersection
Answer: B
Rationale: A cross-connection allows contaminants to potentially
enter drinking water systems.
5. The primary cause of backpressure is:
A. Pipe leaks
B. Downstream pressure exceeding supply pressure
C. Freezing temperatures
D. Sediment buildup
Answer: B
Rationale: Pumps, boilers, or elevation differences can create
downstream pressure greater than supply pressure.
6. A double check valve assembly (DCVA) is typically used for:
A. High hazard conditions
, B. Sewage systems
C. Low hazard applications
D. Chemical injection systems
Answer: C
Rationale: DCVAs protect against non-health hazards where
contaminants would not pose serious health risks.
7. The relief valve in an RP assembly discharges when:
A. Inlet pressure rises
B. Differential pressure drops below acceptable limits
C. Water temperature increases
D. Flow stops completely
Answer: B
Rationale: The relief valve opens when pressure between check valves
falls below required differential levels.
8. What testing instrument is commonly used during field testing?
A. Pressure washer
B. Differential pressure gauge
Certification Practice Examination
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a backflow prevention assembly?
A. Increase water pressure
B. Prevent contamination of potable water
C. Improve drainage flow
D. Reduce pipe corrosion
Answer: B
Rationale: Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to stop
contaminated or non-potable water from flowing backward into a
clean drinking water system due to backpressure or backsiphonage.
, 2. Backflow caused by negative pressure in a supply line is known as:
A. Backpressure
B. Water hammer
C. Backsiphonage
D. Thermal expansion
Answer: C
Rationale: Backsiphonage occurs when supply pressure drops below
downstream pressure, allowing contaminants to be drawn into the
potable system.
3. Which device provides the highest level of backflow protection?
A. Atmospheric vacuum breaker
B. Pressure vacuum breaker
C. Reduced pressure principle assembly
D. Dual check valve
Answer: C
Rationale: Reduced pressure principle assemblies (RP assemblies)
protect against both backsiphonage and backpressure in high-hazard
situations.
, 4. A cross-connection is best defined as:
A. Two pipes joined underground
B. Any connection between potable and non-potable systems
C. A mainline distribution connection
D. A pipe fitting intersection
Answer: B
Rationale: A cross-connection allows contaminants to potentially
enter drinking water systems.
5. The primary cause of backpressure is:
A. Pipe leaks
B. Downstream pressure exceeding supply pressure
C. Freezing temperatures
D. Sediment buildup
Answer: B
Rationale: Pumps, boilers, or elevation differences can create
downstream pressure greater than supply pressure.
6. A double check valve assembly (DCVA) is typically used for:
A. High hazard conditions
, B. Sewage systems
C. Low hazard applications
D. Chemical injection systems
Answer: C
Rationale: DCVAs protect against non-health hazards where
contaminants would not pose serious health risks.
7. The relief valve in an RP assembly discharges when:
A. Inlet pressure rises
B. Differential pressure drops below acceptable limits
C. Water temperature increases
D. Flow stops completely
Answer: B
Rationale: The relief valve opens when pressure between check valves
falls below required differential levels.
8. What testing instrument is commonly used during field testing?
A. Pressure washer
B. Differential pressure gauge
