Short Course in Backflow Commissioning & Testing

Overview

Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.

Introduction

This unit is a postgraduate skill set for qualified plumbers looking to obtain a licence in backflow commissioning and prevention devices through the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

Experienced backflow prevention plumbers typically do the following work:

• Selecting appropriate backflow prevention devices
• Installing and testing backflow prevention devices
• Maintaining and repairing backflow prevention devices
• Completing required compliance documentation when the backflow device is commissioned

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

Roles individuals may be eligible for include:

• Plumbing contractor

Further study

After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:

• Certificate IV in Plumbing Services

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Attendance & commitment

General public face to face on campus delivery | 3 days course length | part time study load

Students are required to:

• Attend all classes on campus for 3 x days (Semester 1 2025: Wed, Thurs & Fri & Semester 2 2025: Mon, Tues & Wed) for 7 hours each day (8:00am - 4:30pm with scheduled breaks).
• Spend approximately 14 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
• Attend all scheduled classes.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

• Knowledge questions
• Project Assessment
• Simulated Demonstration

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

This course requires a total of 1 units: 0 core and 0 elective.

Before you begin

Entry requirements

Before being accepted into this course applicants must:

• Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.

• Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
• Have successfully completed CPCPWT3027 Install backflow prevention devices.
• Have successfully completed CPCCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements.

In order to meet the requirements of the training, applicants are expected to have the following skills:

• Read a site or building plan and identify water supply lines and locations.
• Identify testing and commissioning requirements.
• Read, interpret and apply manufacturer specifications for installing backflow prevention devices.
• Understand the range of backflow prevention devices available and select those applicable to the hazard rating.
• Perform accurate measurements and calculations and document results of work undertaken.

To undertake this course you will need to:

• wear appropriate work attire.
• access the relevant Australian Standards:
  • AS/NZS 2845.1 – Water Supply – Backflow prevention devices.
  • AS/NZS 2845.3, Part 3: Field testing and maintenance of testable devices.
  • AS/NZS 3500 National plumbing and drainage.

Enrolment

Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:

• Aspirations/career goals
• Educational attainment and capability
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

• Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.

Fees and payments

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Student support

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

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Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

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Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

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Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

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Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

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Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

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Koorie Unit

The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.

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Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.