Advancing the Profession of Plumbing Engineering

American Society of Plumbing Engineers

 

Professional Growth and Development

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) is the international organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification, inspection and manufacture of plumbing systems. ASPE is dedicated to the advancement of the science of plumbing engineering, to the professional growth and advancement of its members, and to the health, welfare and safety of the public. The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing industry. ASPE members are leaders in innovative plumbing design, effective materials and energy use, and the application of advanced techniques throughout the world. ASPE was founded in 1964 and currently has 7,500 members. Spanning the globe, members are located in the United States, Canada, Asia, Mexico, South and Central America, the South Pacific, Australia and Europe. They represent an extensive network of experienced engineers, designers, contractors, educators, code officials, manufacturers and manufacturer representatives interested in furthering their careers, their profession and the industry. ASPE is at the forefront of technology. In addition, ASPE represents members and promotes the profession among all segments of the engineering and construction industries.

 Education and Professional Development

Members are encouraged to participate in Chapter and Society boards and committees, and as Region Chairs. ASPE’s boards and committees cultivate the growth of the Society and the profession, promote education, monitor applicable legislation, encourage research, expand member visibility, and increase opportunities to network with other professionals.  

Participation and Leadership Opportunities

Participation in the Engineering Liaison Council permits ASPE leaders to interact with counterparts at NSPE, ASHRAE, ASME and over 35 other engineering societies. In the plumbing industry, ASPE maintains systematic communication with counterpart trade associations such as the World Plumbing Council, the Mechanical Contractors Association, the American Supply Association, the American Society of Sanitary Engineers, the ICC Industry Advisory Committee and the Plumbing manufacturers’ Institute.

Standards and Codes

ASPE maintains an active liaison with all of the national model code organizations, including the International Code Council (International Plumbing Code), IAPMO (Uniform Plumbing Code), NAPHCC (National Standard Plumbing Code) and NFPA99. Liaisons are also maintained with the development of the ANSI A.40 code, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers [ASME] and other ANSI committees responsible for specific ASME/ANSI standards that affect plumbing systems and plumbing design.  

Governmental Liaisons

The Society maintains liaisons with various federal, state and local government agencies and departments, including the EPA, DOE, NIST, GSA, Department of Defense, Corps of Engineers and HUD. ASPE members participate on special government committees such as the EPA Safe Drinking Water Conservation Guidelines Committee and the Department of Energy Building Measurement and Verification Protocol Committee.  

Public Relations

ASPE maintains an aggressive public relations program. Trade journals, national magazines, and local, state and international news distribution networks receive information on current activities that impact the plumbing engineer and design profession, and the public’s health, safety and welfare. Industry Communication and Impact To maintain unbiased and objective independence, and provide effective input and impact, ASPE does not endorse any one specific or model plumbing code. However, ASPE encourages code consolidation. Providing members a continuing influx of information on developments and issues that impact the profession.    ASPE — Professional Excellence • Direct access to the latest information and technical developments in the field through technical publications, education seminars, ASPEnet and theChapters • Education and professional growth and development opportunities • Special publications focused on the latest technical advances and critical industry standards • A prestigious internationally recognized Certification Program • The establishment of a model plumbing engineering and design curriculum for colleges and universities • Peer–to–peer and professional–to–professional interaction and networking opportunities with fellow plumbing engineers internationally • Individual recognition and leadership opportunities • Representation of the plumbing industry in the development of international codes and standards • Ongoing technical research through the ASPE Research Foundation to advance the profession and enhance member expertise • Promotion of the Plumbing Engineering profession    

Professional Certification

ASPE sponsors the Certified In Plumbing Engineering (CIPE) program — international certification program for engineers and designers of plumbing systems. Completion of the CIPE program and examination confers upon the successful candidate the designation “Certified in Plumbing Design” or CPD. The certification program provides the profession, the plumbing industry, and the general public with a single, comprehensive qualification of professional competence for engineers and designers of plumbing systems. The CPD is the only international credential program in the plumbing engineering field. It sets the standards for leadership within the industry and provides formal recognition of outstanding professionals with advanced skills in the design and specification of plumbing systems. The CPD designation is designed to: • Establish specific standards for professional competence in the field. • Identify and recognize those individuals who successfully demonstrate their acquired knowledge and abilities. • Encourage plumbing engineers to participate in a continuing program of professional development. • Provide a standard for educational programs in plumbing engineering. • Enhance the status of plumbing engineering as a unique discipline. The CPD designation is achieved through successful completion of the comprehensive CIPE examination and maintained through a biennial recertification program. The examination is held in the month of April of even–numbered years and eligibility requires a minimum of eight years experience (or equivalent). Created to provide a single, uniform national credential in the field of engineered plumbing systems, the CIPE program is not in any way connected to any state-regulated Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration.    

Chapters of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers

All members belong to ASPE worldwide and have the opportunity to belong to and participate in one of the 62 state, provincial or local chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. ASPE Chapters provide the major communication links and the first line of services and programs for the individual member. At chapter functions, members can network with others who represent all segments of the plumbing engineering, design, construction and services industry. Chapters produce newsletters, conduct monthly technical meetings and provide opportunities for education, professional development and information sharing to help the membership stay abreast of current trends, code changes and technologies in the plumbing engineering profession.  

ASPE Chapters

Alabama   Atlanta Baltimore

Boston

Blue Ridge (Roanoke) British Columbia Buffalo–Niagara (NY) Capital Region NY Central Florida Central Indiana Central Illinois Central New York Central Ohio Central Texas Charlotte Chicago Cleveland Columbia (SC) Connecticut Dallas/ Ft. Worth • High Plains Denver East Tennessee Eastern Michigan Greenville (SC) Houston Intermountain (UT) Johnstown Kansas City Kentucky Los Angeles Memphis Miami Minnesota Montréal Nashville New Jersey New Mexico New Orleans New York City North Florida Northern California Omaha Orange County Ottawa Region Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland Québec Raleigh (NC) Richmond Rochester (NY) St. Louis San Diego San Francisco Silicon Valley (CA) Southern Nevada Southwestern Ohio Washington, DC West Coast Florida Western Michigan Wisconsin