NASSCO’s BSDI Certification Program

Building Sewer and Drain Inspection

It is a NASSCO certification course. BSDI is similar to NASSCO’s PACP™, LACP™, and MACP™ certification programs because it teaches students to use unique codes to identify conditions within a pipe. PACP is used to assess mainlines; LACP is used to assess laterals; and MACP is used to assess manholes. BSDI focuses on building sewers and drains (including laterals).

Both are used to inspect laterals, but:

i. BSDI inspections typically start from inside or very close to the building and go down through the lateral toward the sewer main.

ii. LACP inspections typically start from inside the sewer main and go up through the lateral toward the building, without going into it.

Primary: Plumbers, small contractors and others who are involved in the proper assessment of building sewers and drains should become certified. Certification will help them expand their business.

Secondary: Municipalities may also be interested in this program because it provides a holistic approach to keep the entire system healthy, regardless of who owns the laterals. BSDI allows benchmarking of pipe conditions, assists with identifying I&I, and promotes consistency in documentation and reporting of pipe conditions.

Tertiary: Real estate agents (on behalf of their clients) interested in having a lateral inspected prior to sale, or homeowners looking for a qualified plumber or contractor to do the inspection. As with other NASSCO certification programs, the BSDI professional will be listed on the NASSCO.org website under “Find a Certified Individual.”

The course costs $180 (U.S. dollars) and includes a digital manual. For those who prefer both a digital and printed manual, the cost is $225.

BSDI is only taught online and is self-paced. There are no trainers.

The course covers the general approach to an inspection, how to complete the BSDI inspection report, assessment codes (which are heavily based on PACP™ standards), and associated requirements for a proper BSDI inspection.

The self-paced online course takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and includes an exam. Students do not need to take the course all at one time (they may save their work and return when it’s convenient for them).

Unlike the course, the exam must be completed all in one sitting, so students should come prepared and have their manuals available. It contains 25 questions, and 21 points are needed to pass. They have two chances to pass.

Access to the course is granted for a period of 60 days after it is first accessed.

Yes, upon request at enrollment.

2 CEUs or .2 PDHs are provided only to students who successfully pass the exam.

Certification is valid for a period of 3 years.

Note that unlike PACP and ITCP, there will be no recertification course. Individuals will be required to take the full course as a refresher to maintain certification.

Enroll online at NASSCO.org