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Background: The SPED PPD Certification program as developed since 2003 into a robust program that has certified over 450 piping designers and engineers, worldwide. The program adds about 150 pipers per year. Level I emphasizes piping layout. Level III emphasizes equipment placement, spacing and orientation. Levels I and III require an exam be passed. Levels II, III and IV require 4, 8 and 12 years of approved experience. The test banks for Levels I and III have about 450 and 1000 questions, respectively. Despite this success, questions frequently arise: Are the questions and content correct? For example, API standards recently called for straight runs before pump suction nozzles and the test bank did not reflect this until 2009. Should the PPD program be specialized? Some would prefer specialized testing for land plants, offshore, power plants, waste water, etc. Can we show more installed examples? With today’s level of security, it is impossible to tour modern plants, snapping pictures. Should tests be developed for Level II and IV? Level II is supposed to reflect awareness of task information requirements and project procedures. Level IV is competence to estimate and execute full-scope piping projects. Are 100 questions sufficient to test for 20 topics? Would 150 or 200 be better? What are the most missed skills in pipers?. Over the years, SPED has added content to address known workforce weaknesses. The PPD Advisory Council should help address these questions. Who can belong: The members of the PPDAC are to be exclusively drawn from PPD Level IV Certified pipers. Proposed benefits to participants: PPDAC members will be given access to notes, glossaries and selected test banks for review purposes. A blog will be set up for PPDAC exclusive use. Member Responsibilities: PPDAC members will be asked to review and comment on PPD Certification program content and contribute helpful information to enhance the program. SPED agrees to be selective and respectful of member’s time. For more information, contact:William G. Beazley, Executive Director, Society of Piping Engineers and Designers, 9211West Rd., Suite 143-219, Houston, TX 77064, (832) 286-3404, |
