In early 2024, after eight years of identifying improvements, updates and developing new content, NASSCO will release Version 8 of its Pipeline Assessment Certification Program, Lateral Assessment Certification Program and Manhole Assessment Certification Program.

Since 2002 PACP, LACP and MACP have grown to be a national standard throughout North America and the trusted source for proper and consistent assessment condition coding of pipelines, laterals and manholes. The programs also continue to receive rapid acceptance and growth in South and Central America. The goal of these programs is to help pipeline system owners create comprehensive databases to properly identify, plan, prioritize, manage and renovate their assets based on condition evaluation. 

NASSCO’s Infrastructure Condition Assessment Committee, staff and consultants have worked tirelessly to review and vet all recommendations made to improve the programs and address code update requests. Below are some of the additions and changes to look for in PACP Version 8:

• New codes for pressure pipe assessment
• New codes for perforated pipe
• Update of condition grade scores
• Update of stormwater codes (aligned with AASHTO stormwater guideline)
• Additional surface damage codes to address materials other than concrete
• Coding of new versus existing pipe
• Reorganization of the manual to allow a more logical progression from PACP to LACP to MACP
• Update of photos, illustrations and examples

If you are currently certified in PACP Version 7 but your certification term does not expire for a while, you may want to consider upgrading to certification in PACP Version 8:

• PACP professionals who became certified prior to June 1, 2023, may purchase an online upgrade course and manual (digital and hard copy) for $175. 
• PACP professionals who became certified after June 1, 2023, but prior to launch of PACP Version 8, will be provided a revised manual in digital format and an online upgrade course at no cost, with optional purchase of a hard copy of the PACP manual available for $85. 

In either case, original certification dates will remain the same.

In tandem with the release of PACP Version 8, NASSCO is offering two new online courses to support individuals who may not be PACP-certified but need to know the basics in the evaluation of condition codes and assessing risk.

PACP for Asset Management - Evaluating Condition Grades

This course will give an overview of PACP codes, the rationale behind the condition grades and scoring systems, and automated reports. This is intended for utility managers who require an understanding of NASSCO condition assessment results and how they can be interpreted to support proactive maintenance plans. 

PACP for Asset Management - Assessing Risk

A course for utility managers and engineers to understand how NASSCO’s PACP condition assessment results combined with computerized maintenance management systems and off the shelf tools such as GIS can be used to predict maintenance, rehabilitation and/or replacement of gravity piping systems.  

It’s important to note that upon the release of PACP Version 8, PACP Version 6 and earlier will be discontinued.

For more information or to take a NASSCO training course, visit nasscotrainingsource.org.

About the Author

Sheila Joy is executive director of NASSCO. She can be reached at director@nassco.org.