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CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL SPECIALIST
LICENSE Exam Practice Questions With
Verified Answers & Rationales LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL SPECIALIST LICENSE
Practice Exam Questions & Rationales
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
Cross-Connection Fundamentals – Definition of cross-connection, backflow, backsiphonage,
backpressure; public health significance
Backflow Conditions – Backpressure (downstream pressure exceeds supply pressure),
backsiphonage (negative/sub-atmospheric pressure in supply line), hydraulic principles
Backflow Prevention Assemblies – Air gap (most reliable, fail-safe), Reduced Pressure Principle
Assembly (RP/RPZ), Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA), Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB),
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB), Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker (SVB), Hose Bibb Vacuum
Breaker (HBVB)
Hazard Classification – High hazard vs. low hazard; degree of hazard determines required
protection level
Installation Requirements – Elevation requirements (PVB 12 inches above highest outlet, AVB 6
inches above highest outlet), orientation, continuous pressure limitations
Testing & Maintenance – Test cock locations and procedures, differential pressure readings,
field testing protocols, troubleshooting
Regulatory Framework – Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water purveyor responsibility,
property owner responsibility, record keeping requirements
Program Administration – Cross-connection survey procedures, hazard assessments, consumer
education, containment vs. isolation
SECTION 1: CROSS-CONNECTION & BACKFLOW FUNDAMENTALS (Questions 1-50)
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1. What is a cross-connection?
A) A connection between two potable water mains
B) A physical or potential connection between a potable water system and a source of
contamination
C) A connection between two fire hydrants
D) A connection between two water meters
Answer: B
A cross-connection is any actual or potential physical connection between a potable water
system and any non-potable source or substance, creating a pathway through which
contaminants could enter the drinking water supply.
2. What is backflow?
A) Normal downstream water flow
B) Flow of water from a treatment plant to a distribution system
C) Reverse flow from a customer's plumbing or another source toward the potable water
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supply
D) Flow through a pressure-reducing valve
Answer: C
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of water or other substances into the potable water
distribution system. It occurs when water moves in the reverse direction from its intended flow.
3. What is the primary purpose of a cross-connection control program?
A) To increase water system pressure
B) To reduce water consumption
C) To protect potable water from contamination or pollution
D) To eliminate the need for plumbing inspections
Answer: C
Cross-connection control is fundamentally a public health protection program. Its main goal is to
prevent contaminants or pollutants from entering the potable water supply.
4. Backflow can occur because of:
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A) Only high downstream pressure
B) Only low supply pressure
C) Either backpressure or backsiphonage
D) Only water hammer
Answer: C
Backflow occurs through two mechanisms: backpressure (downstream pressure exceeds supply
pressure) and backsiphonage (negative pressure in the supply line creates a vacuum effect).
5. What condition causes backsiphonage?
A) Increased distribution pressure
B) Negative or sub-atmospheric pressure in the potable supply
C) Excessive downstream pressure
D) Increased reservoir level
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL SPECIALIST
LICENSE Exam Practice Questions With
Verified Answers & Rationales LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL SPECIALIST LICENSE
Practice Exam Questions & Rationales
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
Cross-Connection Fundamentals – Definition of cross-connection, backflow, backsiphonage,
backpressure; public health significance
Backflow Conditions – Backpressure (downstream pressure exceeds supply pressure),
backsiphonage (negative/sub-atmospheric pressure in supply line), hydraulic principles
Backflow Prevention Assemblies – Air gap (most reliable, fail-safe), Reduced Pressure Principle
Assembly (RP/RPZ), Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA), Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB),
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB), Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker (SVB), Hose Bibb Vacuum
Breaker (HBVB)
Hazard Classification – High hazard vs. low hazard; degree of hazard determines required
protection level
Installation Requirements – Elevation requirements (PVB 12 inches above highest outlet, AVB 6
inches above highest outlet), orientation, continuous pressure limitations
Testing & Maintenance – Test cock locations and procedures, differential pressure readings,
field testing protocols, troubleshooting
Regulatory Framework – Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water purveyor responsibility,
property owner responsibility, record keeping requirements
Program Administration – Cross-connection survey procedures, hazard assessments, consumer
education, containment vs. isolation
SECTION 1: CROSS-CONNECTION & BACKFLOW FUNDAMENTALS (Questions 1-50)
,Page 2 of 157
1. What is a cross-connection?
A) A connection between two potable water mains
B) A physical or potential connection between a potable water system and a source of
contamination
C) A connection between two fire hydrants
D) A connection between two water meters
Answer: B
A cross-connection is any actual or potential physical connection between a potable water
system and any non-potable source or substance, creating a pathway through which
contaminants could enter the drinking water supply.
2. What is backflow?
A) Normal downstream water flow
B) Flow of water from a treatment plant to a distribution system
C) Reverse flow from a customer's plumbing or another source toward the potable water
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supply
D) Flow through a pressure-reducing valve
Answer: C
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of water or other substances into the potable water
distribution system. It occurs when water moves in the reverse direction from its intended flow.
3. What is the primary purpose of a cross-connection control program?
A) To increase water system pressure
B) To reduce water consumption
C) To protect potable water from contamination or pollution
D) To eliminate the need for plumbing inspections
Answer: C
Cross-connection control is fundamentally a public health protection program. Its main goal is to
prevent contaminants or pollutants from entering the potable water supply.
4. Backflow can occur because of:
, Page 4 of 157
A) Only high downstream pressure
B) Only low supply pressure
C) Either backpressure or backsiphonage
D) Only water hammer
Answer: C
Backflow occurs through two mechanisms: backpressure (downstream pressure exceeds supply
pressure) and backsiphonage (negative pressure in the supply line creates a vacuum effect).
5. What condition causes backsiphonage?
A) Increased distribution pressure
B) Negative or sub-atmospheric pressure in the potable supply
C) Excessive downstream pressure
D) Increased reservoir level
