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AWWA – Cross-Connection Control Specialist
Exam 1 150 Practice Questions with Answers &
Explanations 2026/2027 | Grade A+

EXAM OVERVIEW
Category Details

Exam Cross-Connection Control Specialist Certification Exam
Name
Administering American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Body
Target Audience Certified Backflow Testers, Water Purveyors, Program Administrators
Primary AWWA Manual M14 – Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control:
Reference Recommended Practices, 4th Edition
Course Duration 36 hours
Passing Score 70%
Key Topics Hydraulics, Backflow Types, Hazard Assessment, Device Selection, Installation, Testin
Procedures, Site Surveys, Program Administration




1. What is the primary purpose of a cross-connection control program?
 A) To reduce water consumption
 B) To improve water pressure
 C) To reduce water treatment costs
 D) To prevent contamination of the potable water supply

,Rationale: The main goal of a cross-connection control program is to protect the public
water system from potential contamination due to backflow . This is achieved by identifying
actual or potential cross-connections and ensuring proper backflow prevention assemblies
are installed and maintained .


2. Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent backflow at a
residential lawn irrigation system?
 A) Installing a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve
 B) Installing a vacuum breaker
 C) Installing a double-check valve
 D) Installing a hose bib vacuum breaker
Rationale: For irrigation systems, a vacuum breaker is often used to prevent backflow of
contaminants into the water supply when there is a drop in pressure . The specific type
depends on the hazard level and whether chemical additives are used.


3. What does a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve do?
 A) It allows for the flow of water in one direction only
 B) It reduces the pressure of the water before it enters the system
 C) It maintains water pressure to prevent backflow under both backsiphonage
and backpressure conditions
 D) It maintains a constant flow rate
Rationale: An RPZ valve is one of the most reliable devices for backflow prevention, as it
provides protection under both backsiphonage and backpressure situations. It includes two
independently acting spring-loaded check valves with a differential pressure relief valve
between them .


4. Which of the following situations is an example of backsiphonage?
 A) A water main breaks and causes negative pressure in the system
 B) A booster pump causes a rise in system pressure

,  C) A fire hydrant is used to fight a fire, and the pressure drops
 D) Both A and C
Rationale: Backsiphonage occurs when there is negative pressure (a vacuum) in the water
supply system, which can pull contaminants into the potable water supply. Common causes
include water main breaks and high-demand events like firefighting. Backpressure, in
contrast, is caused by increased pressure downstream (e.g., from a booster pump) .


5. What is the minimum testing frequency for backflow prevention devices in a high-
hazard area?
 A) Every 3 years
 B) Annually
 C) Every 5 years
 D) Every 6 months
Rationale: Industry standards and most regulatory codes require that backflow prevention
assemblies be tested at least annually by a certified tester . More frequent testing may be
required based on local regulations or the specific hazard level. This ensures the device is
still functioning correctly .


6. Which of the following is a high-hazard cross-connection according to UPC and
AWWA standards?
 A) A residential lawn irrigation system using non-potable water
 B) A commercial food processing facility with chemical additives
 C) A public drinking fountain
 D) A standard residential hose bib
Rationale: A high-hazard cross-connection involves substances that could pose a significant
health risk if they entered the potable water supply. Food processing facilities often use
chemicals for cleaning and sanitation, making them a high hazard. Low hazards are more
about aesthetic issues like taste or odor and are typically non-toxic .

, 7. What should be done if a backflow prevention device fails a test?
 A) The device should be replaced immediately
 B) The device should be cleaned and re-tested
 C) The device should be repaired and re-tested
 D) The system should be shut down until the device passes a test
Rationale: When a device fails, the appropriate response is to have it repaired by a qualified
professional and then re-tested to verify it is functioning correctly .


8. What is the main difference between a double-check valve assembly (DCVA) and a
reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve assembly?
 A) DCVAs are more effective at preventing backflow than RPZs
 B) RPZs provide more protection against both backsiphonage and backpressure
than DCVAs
 C) RPZs provide a higher level of protection and are used in high-hazard
situations, while DCVAs are used in moderate-hazard situations
 D) DCVAs are more expensive than RPZs
Rationale: RPZ assemblies provide a higher level of protection and are used for high-hazard
applications because they include a differential pressure relief valve that discharges to
atmosphere if both checks fail. DCVAs are suitable for moderate-hazard/low-hazard
applications only .


9. According to the AWWA Cross Connection Control manual, what is the function of
a "check valve" within a backflow prevention assembly?
 A) To regulate the pressure in the system
 B) To allow flow in only one direction
 C) To manually adjust the flow rate
 D) To create a vent to the atmosphere