There is a misconception among many within our industry that certification in a NASSCO training program such as the Pipeline Assessment Certification Program or Inspector Training Certification Program means you automatically become a NASSCO member. The PACP and ITCP have become important to our industry, so I can understand why that misperception exists, but that’s not how membership works.

Becoming certified in our training programs does not mean an individual is automatically a member of NASSCO. In fact, NASSCO membership requires an application process and approval by the NASSCO board of directors. Membership is generally for companies and organizations, although we do provide an avenue for individuals to join.

Conversely, NASSCO membership is not a prerequisite for certification in ITCP or PACP. Any underground infrastructure professional interested in learning more about consistency and quality of data in the assessment of underground infrastructure can apply to become PACP-certified.  Additionally, inspectors interested in learning about the inspection of underground rehabilitation — including CIPP and manholes — can do so through ITCP.

That being said, while PACP- and ITCP-certified individuals do not automatically become NASSCO members, once they are certified, one of the best ways to keep that knowledge fresh in their advancing careers is through NASSCO membership. NASSCO members are on the front line of new trenchless technologies as they emerge, contributing to our mission to set standards for the assessment, maintenance and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure, and to ensure the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies. We do this by bringing together professionals to share knowledge and experiences through our active committees, divisions and events, such as the increasingly popular NASSCO Technical Day, which is held every year at our annual conference.  

We have learned through research that many individuals who have completed our certification programs do, indeed, become more involved through NASSCO membership. In a recent poll conducted among members who joined NASSCO since 2010, the No. 1 way (nearly 40 percent) that new members learned about NASSCO was through their participation in PACP and ITCP. These new members consider education and training, the development of specification guidelines and technical references, industry advocacy, scholarships and NASSCO committee participation to be the most important initiatives in which to become active and involved.

If you are not yet a NASSCO member, apply to join us today at nassco.org. Or, if you are simply interested in becoming PACP- or ITCP-certified, you can also learn more at nassco.org.

Your involvement at any level helps us set standards and, in the end, provide a healthier infrastructure for us all.

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Get the EDge  Training and Continuing Education Courses

PACP TRAINING

August 1-3 Marriottsville, MD
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Trainer: Ted DeBoda
Contact Dawn Jaworski for more information or to register: 410/442-7473 or email dawn@nassco.org

August 3-5 Hillsboro, OR (Portland area)
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
A limited number of PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact Marilyn Shepard for more information or to register: 916/899-8961 or email mshepard1@hotmail.com

August 9-11 Ontario, CA (Los Angeles area)
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
A limited number of PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact Marilyn Shepard for more information or to register: 916/899-8961 or email mshepard1@hotmail.com

August 15 San Francisco, CA
1 Day Recertification Course
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

August 15-17 Ventura, CA
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
A limited number of PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact Marilyn Shepard for more information or to register: 916/899-8961 or email mshepard1@hotmail.com

August 16 Marriottsville, MD
PACP User Recertification
Trainer: Ted DeBoda
Contact Dawn Jaworski for more information or to register: 410/442-7473 or email dawn@nassco.org

August 16-18 San Francisco, CA
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Recertifications Welcome
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

August 16-17 Canyonville, OR
PACP Only
Recertifications Welcome
Trainer: William Strait
Contact William Strait for more information or to register:
541/504-5073 or email bill.strait@ci.redmond.or.us

August 17-19 Seattle, WA
Includes Manholes and Laterals! (if desired)
PACP Recertification seats available
Contact John Jurgens for more information, register or discuss in-house training:
425/487-3325 or email nodig@aol.com

August 23-25 Roseville, CA (Sacramento area)
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
A limited number of PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact Marilyn Shepard for more information or to register: 916/899-8961 or email mshepard1@hotmail.com

August 26 Seattle, WA
1-Day PACP User Recertification
Contact John Jurgens for more information, register or discuss in-house training:
425/487-3325 or email nodig@aol.com

August 30-September 1 Whitestown, IN
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Recertifications Welcome
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

ITCP TRAINING (CIPP and Manhole)

August 9-11 Cincinnati, OH
Manhole Rehabilitation
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Day 1
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Day 2 Morning
Trainer: Tim Back
Contact Tim Back for more information:
513/253-8461 or email timbacktwo@gmail.com.
Courses can be taken individually or together in 3 days!

Cured In Place Pipe
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Day 2 Afternoon
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Day 3
Trainer: Gerry Muenchmeyer
Contact Gerry Muenchmeyer for more information: 252/626-9930 or email gerry@muenchmeyerassoc.com.
Courses can be taken individually or together in 3 days!