Pipe, Valves and Fittings

The main objectives of the PVF Certificate Exam are to introduce the basic principles of industrial and commercial piping systems and describe how plastic materials of construction affect the applications and design of such systems.

Piping Systems Overview

This section contains technical terminology, basic piping principles, various piping standards and the various joining techniques available. The objective is to familiarize yourself with general piping terms and principles, regardless of materials, and to detail the differences that result from using thermoplastic materials. One of the key objectives is to clarify how thermoplastic materials affect the many principles that govern the design and application of industrial and commercial piping. Even seasoned veterans of industrial piping systems will likely learn the important differences between metallic and non-metallic piping products.

Valves

After the pipe itself, the next most important aspect of industrial and commercial piping are the valves. There are a wide variety of valves available in thermoplastic piping systems. Many of these are very similar in design and application to their metallic cousins but understanding the differences can result in successful applications that cannot be handled by metallic products. A key objective is to familiarize yourself with the many types of valves available and the proper application of each one.

Accessory Items

Because plastic piping systems are used in very corrosive or high purity applications, many of the accessory items that are used with these products must have similar physical properties. Thus, a thorough knowledge of strainers, filters, pumps and actuation enables the candidate to provide his customer with a complete system that meets his needs. Identifying and satisfying the needs of a customer leads to successful relationships, perhaps the most important objective of anyone supplying thermoplastic piping products to their customers.

Grading

  • You have 60 days to complete Level I
  • You must achieve a score of 85 percent or higher to pass   
  • If you score 85 percent or below, you must retake the full exam at the $129 or $179 member/nonmember price. If you score between 71 and 84 percent, you may retake only the portion of the exam that you missed at the $39 retake price.
  • Exam is open book, open notes - learners may consult co-workers and/or use IAPD's plastics technical resources, etc.
  • Reduced fee for a retake: $39 for members or $55 for non-members

Pricing

  • Member price: $129
  • Special price (IAPD member with 3 or more applicants) - $119 each
  • Special price (IAPD member with 20 or more applicants) - $99 each
  • Reduced fee for a retake: $39 for members

Learner Confidentiality Agreement

All IAPD Certificate Program learners must agree to the following Learner Confidentiality Agreement.

By applying for an IAPD Certificate Program, you indicate you understand, acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • The questions and answers on the exams are the exclusive and confidential property of IAPD.
  • You may not disclose exam questions or answers or discuss any of the content of exam materials with any person, without prior written approval of IAPD.
  • Not to copy or attempt to make copies (written, photocopied, or otherwise) of any exam material, including, without limitation, any exam questions or answers.
  • Not to sell, license, distribute, give away, or obtain from any other source other than IAPD exam materials, questions or answers.
  • Your obligations under this agreement shall continue to be in effect after the examination and, if applicable, after termination of your certificate, regardless of the reason or reasons for termination, and whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary.