Sean Cleary
Rethinking Certification, Competence, and Professional Standards
An exam score is a measuring tool, nothing more and nothing less. It provides insight into how well an individual understands the subject matter at a specific moment in time. In the world of backflow prevention tester certification, that understanding directly affects public health protection.
For this discussion, let’s set aside the practical (hands-on) portion of certification and focus on the written or fundamentals exam, which is still the backbone of most tester certification programs in 2026.
Multiple-Choice Exams: What the Numbers Really Mean
Most backflow tester exams rely heavily on multiple-choice questions. Statistically speaking, a person who knows nothing about the material and answers randomly can still score around 40–42 percent.
That’s an important baseline.
Anything above that reflects some level of comprehension, even if it’s passive learning gained simply by sitting in a classroom.
Preparation Still Matters a Lot
During most certification courses, students are encouraged to review class notes, manuals, and reference materials outside of class hours. Unsurprisingly, those who put in the extra effort almost always perform better.
Now consider a familiar scenario:
“My boss told me to be here. I don’t really want to do this. Crawl spaces, spiders, getting wet — not my thing.”
That individual has listened to lectures all week but didn’t open the book once at night. A reasonable prediction?
A score in the 60–65 range — a reflection of short-term retention, not mastery.
The Infamous 69: The Worst Possible Score?
If 70 is the passing score, then 69 may be the most painful result of all.
How does someone explain that?
But if someone knows they struggle with written exams, that’s not an excuse — it’s a signal. It’s a reason to prepare more thoroughly next time. And yes, that person will likely be back to take the test again.
The Low 70s: Achievement or Warning Sign?
Scores in the low 70s create a gray area.
For some, this represents a genuine accomplishment:
That achievement should be acknowledged and respected.
But there is another category — the individual who does just enough to pass today, with little intention of retaining or applying the knowledge tomorrow. Over time, key concepts fade:
Eventually, that person says they’re going out to “test backflows.”
Really? You don’t test backflows. You test backflow prevention assemblies.
Words — and understanding — matter.
The Difference Between a 72 and an 85
Instructors and industry veterans consistently observe a difference between those who score in the low 70s and those who score in the mid-80s or higher.
That difference is depth of understanding.
For example, when a customer asks:
“Why does an atmospheric vacuum breaker need to be installed 6 inches above the highest outlet, but a pressure vacuum breaker requires 12 inches?”
Both answers may satisfy the moment, but only one reflects true professional competence.
“My Card Looks the Same.” Does the Score Matter?
A student once remarked:
“It doesn’t really matter that I got a 72. My certification card looks just like the person who got a 95.”
That statement deserves serious reflection.
The individual who scored a 95 likely:
Those are the people who become:
They raise the bar for everyone.
What Best Serves the Public?
When public health is at stake, we must ask an uncomfortable question:
Is the public best served by professionals who scrape by on minimum requirements or by those who continually build knowledge, skill, and understanding?
Certification should never be viewed as the finish line. It is the starting point of professional responsibility.
Those who commit to learning, improvement, and accuracy don’t just pass exams — they protect water systems, earn trust, and strengthen the industry.
And, yes, those professionals probably made it to the end of this article.
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