New training course for RPZ testers

If you are an existing RPZ tester you need to know this

Do you hold one of these qualifications?

• Pre 2020 City & Guilds RPZ valves testing qualification supported by a RPZ AIM 08-01 Issue 2 Conversion qualification

• City & Guilds HXT-W17- RPZ

  (issued by Hydro-X Training after 18.05.2022)

• NICEIC Type BA verifiable backflow preventor with reduced pressure zone

  (issued by Develop Training Ltd  after 2.11.2021)

  
  

What you need to know

The 2025 RPZ AIM includes details of when existing RPZ testers were expected to complete their first revalidation course. However, due to unexpected delays rather than require those with the qualifications listed above to take a full revalidation course it has been agreed instead they should complete a short online transition course. There is no practical element it will only assess knowledge and understanding of the differences between the 2020 and 2025 versions of the RPZ AIM.

Transition course

This transition course is being provided by Cherwell Water Utilities Backflow Ltd from 30th April until 31st October 2026.
(Other training providers were approached.)Full details can be obtained using the links below

https://cwubackflow.co.uk/courses/rpz-2026-transition-course/

Revalidation

Those successfully completing this course will now need to revalidate within 5 years of the issue date given in their transition course qualification.  In the absence of this qualification water undertakers and schemes will require existing RPZ testers with the qualifications listed above to requalify.

Once new 2025 RPZ AIM training courses are available a full revalidation course will be introduced. This is however unlikely to be straight away.

Unlike the transition course the revalidation course will cover all aspects of the RPZ AIM and could be in person, rather than online. Once agreed details of the minimum requirements for this course and how to gain recognition will be published.