BASIC PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES 1.0 – 2 day

BASIC PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES 1.0 – 2 day

This “entry level” course provides basic knowledge of propane and the propane industry including:

  • Propane Customer Applications and Customer Service
  • Sources and Physical Properties of Propane
  • Odorants and Service Interruptions
  • Complete and Incomplete Combustion Characteristics
  • Standards, Regulations and Safety
  • Bulk Plants
  • DOT Cylinders, Propane Piping and Residential Systems

Successful completion of this course is required for certification in any other CETP course.

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Class fee includes a copy of NFPA 58 & NFPA 54.

Available Dates
January 8 & 9 – IPGA, Pleasant Hill

Basic CETP Registration Form January 2024

February 12 & 13 – IPGA, Pleasant Hill

Basic CETP Registration Form February 2024

April 15 & 16 – Hilton Garden Inn, Cedar Falls

Basic CETP Registration Form April 2024

May 6 & 7 – IPGA, Pleasant Hill (Please note these classes have different start times.)

Basic CETP Registration Form May 6 & 7 2024

BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS 2.2 – 3 day

BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS 2.2 – 3 day

This course covers practices and procedures for delivering propane with a bobtail including:

  • DOT Licensing and Driving Requirements
  • Vehicle Inspections, Identification and Documentation
  • Safely Handling Hazardous Materials
  • Handling Out-of-Gas Calls
  • Vehicle Parking, Servicing and Security
  • Bobtail Equipment Systems Including Cargo Tank Gauges, Valves, Pumps, Meters, Delivery Hoses and Emergency Discharge Control Equipment
  • Procedures for Safely Loading a Bobtail Using the Plant Pump
  • DOT Requirements for Bobtail Inspections
  • Review of the Features and Installation Requirements for Installation of ASME Tanks at Customer Locations

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Attendees Should Bring or Purchase: NFPA 54 & NFPA 58

Available Dates
January 10-12 – IPGA, Pleasant Hill

Bobtail CETP Registration Form January 2024

February 14-16 – IPGA, Pleasant Hill

Bobtail CETP Registration Form February 2024

April 17-19 – Hilton Garden Inn, Cedar Falls

Bobtail CETP Registration Form April 2024

May 8-10 – IPGA, Pleasant Hill (Please note these classes have different start times.)

Bobtail CETP Registration Form May 8-10, 2024

SMALL PROPANE CONTAINERS (CYLINDERS & ASME TANKS) & CYLINDER REQUALIFICATION COMBINATION REFRESHER TRAINING – 1 day

Combination Refresher Training
SMALL PROPANE CONTAINERS (CYLINDERS & ASME TANKS) & CYLINDER REQUALIFICATION – 1 day

This session is designed to guide propane company employees, who desire to inspect, and fill propane cylinders and small tanks in the proper procedures to promote safe filling and transportation of small propane containers. Safe and efficient inspection, requalifying and filling of propane containers are more effectively accomplished if individuals have been instructed in the proper procedures. Those desiring to requalify cylinders should take the IPGA “Cylinder Requalification” course.

The program provides information about the properties and characteristics of propane, the different types of DOT cylinders requiring periodic requalification, and in-depth procedures for requalifying DOT cylinders using the external visual inspection method. A textbook is included to provide information on:

  • CYLINDER REQUALIFICATION
  • PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF PROPANE
  • DOT CYLINDERS AND DOT REQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
    • REQUALIFICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
  • SPECIAL REQUALIFICATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR CERTAIN CYLINDER MATERIALS AND TYPES

Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58.

Available Dates

April 30 – Hilton Garden Inn, Cedar Falls

Small Propane Containers & Cylinder Requalification Registration Form

May 21 – IPGA, Pleasant Hill

Small Propane Containers & Cylinder Requalification Registration Form May 21, 2024

UNDERGROUND TANK INSTALLATION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE - 1 day

UNDERGROUND TANK INSTALLATION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE – 1 day

Corrosion is the single most important consideration when installing ASME tanks, underground or mounded. There is more to it than relying on the manufacturer’s special coating to protect the UG or mounded tank and appurtenances.

The topics covered are:

  • Identify personal protective equipment necessary for the safe preparation of underground ASME tanks,
  • Identify necessary tools and test equipment to install, inspect, test and maintain underground tank systems,
  • Identify ASME underground tank design and marking requirements,
  • Identify required appurtenances for underground ASME tanks,
  • Identify installation requirements for underground ASME tanks,
  • Size and select cathodic protection systems for underground ASME tanks,
  • Identify procedures to install cathodic protections systems on underground ASME tanks,
  • Identify tank-purging procedures,
  • Identify procedures for injecting methanol into tanks,
  • Identify procedures for placing propane tanks into service,
  • Identify procedures to test and maintain cathodic protections systems on underground ASME tanks,
  • Identify procedures to test for propane leakage around underground ASME tanks, and
  • Identify tank evacuation procedures.

Who Should Attend Tank setting technicians, service technicians, propane delivery drivers, or any other individual who will be expected to install, inspect, test, maintain, or verify adequate corrosion protection.
*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58.

Available Dates
Please check back for more dates!

IOWA BASIC & BOBTAIL REFRESHER TRAINING – 1 DAY

Combination Refresher Training
Iowa Basic Refresher Course

This Iowa Basic course is designed for individuals who have completed the NPGA/PERC Basic Principles & Practices CETP course training, or other “initial” training, and are seeking additional training relative to propane. This course will provide “renewal” for those possessing a CETP certification for Basic Principles and Practices, as well as comply with the “refresher” training requirements within the Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 226, “Liquefied Petroleum Gas”.

This training program is updated to the current editions of NFPA 54 and NFPA 58 and is designed to help keep employees and CETP certification holders up-to-date with new industry codes, safety procedures, and technology. The course utilizes PERC’s refresher training for the CETP certification area “Basic Principles and Practices” as the basis of the program, and includes pertinent code requirements and updates within the state of Iowa.

The CETP certification holder needs to complete the refresher training once every 3 years for each CETP certification they hold to remain current, and comply with Iowa Administrative Code qualification of personnel requirements [661—226.4(101)].

The topics covered are:

  • Recent Code Updates and Content Clarifications
  • Important Concepts, Tasks, and Added Content
  • Sources and Physical Properties of Propane
  • Odorants and Service Interruptions
  • Safe Working Practices and Protective Equipment
  • Fire Prevention Rules and Procedures, and Uncontrolled Propane Release
  • Receiving Propane at a Bulk Plant, and Delivering Propane to Customers
  • DOT/ICC Cylinders: Construction and Features
  • State of Iowa Specific Policy (and Updates)

Who Should Attend: Propane plant office personnel, delivery drivers, installation & service technicians, or any individual expected to work in the propane industry seeking additional information.

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58 & NFPA 54.

Iowa Bobtail Refresher Course

This Iowa Bobtail course is designed for individuals who have completed the NPGA/PERC Bobtail Delivery Operations CETP course training, or other “initial” propane delivery training, and are seeking additional training relative to propane. This course will provide “renewal” for those possessing a CETP certification for Bobtail Delivery Operations, as well as comply with the “refresher” training requirements within the Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 226, “Liquefied Petroleum Gas”.

This training program is updated to the current editions of NFPA 54 and NFPA 58 and is designed to help keep employees and CETP certification holders up-to-date with new industry codes, safety procedures, and technology. The course utilizes PERC’s refresher training for the CETP certification area “Bobtail Delivery Operations” as the basis of the program, and includes pertinent code requirements and updates within the state of Iowa.

The CETP certification holder needs to complete the refresher training once every 3 years for each CETP certification they hold to remain current, and comply with Iowa Administrative Code qualification of personnel requirements [661—226.4(101)].

The topics covered are:

  • Recent Code Updates and Content Clarifications
  • Important Concepts, Tasks, and Added Content
  • DOT Licensing and Driving Requirements
  • Vehicle Inspections, Identification, and Documentation
  • Safely Handling Hazardous Materials
    • Methanol
    • Leak Check
    • Restoration of Service
  • Driving Defensively and Handling Accidents and Emergencies
  • Vehicle Parking, Servicing, and Security
  • Bobtail Equipment and Systems
  • Bobtail Inspections
  • Loading & Unloading Bobtails
  • Injecting Methanol and Evacuating Containers
  • State of Iowa Specific Policy (and Updates)

Who Should Attend: Propane delivery drivers, tank setting technicians, service technicians, management, or any individual expected to deliver propane.

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58 & NFPA 54.

Available Dates
March 5 – IPGA, Pleasant Hill

Iowa Basic and Bobtail Refresher Registration Form

April 29 – Hilton Garden Inn, Cedar Falls

Iowa Basic and Bobtail Refresher Registration Form

May 22 – IPGA, Pleasant Hill

Iowa Basic and Bobtail Refresher Registration Form May 22, 2024

REGULATORS: SELECTION/INSTALLATION/TESTING – 1 day

REGULATORS: SELECTION/INSTALLATION/TESTING – 1 day

The propane regulator is the heart of the propane vapor distribution system. It is a mechanical device that reduces a higher inlet pressure to a preset lower outlet pressure and controls the flow of propane to appliances based on operating demand. This course provides guidance for how to select and install propane regulators, and offers suggestions on how to test the propane vapor distribution system to help ensure appliances receive the required operating (or delivery) pressures. This course is intended as a “refresher” course for those that install, service, test, or maintain propane gas utilization equipment, or gas piping systems.

Topics covered are:

  • Regulators:
    • Types / Applications
    • Codes / Standards (Best Practices)
    • Inlet pressure
    • Outlet pressure
    • Total gas demand
  • Installation:
    • Code Requirements
    • Manufacturer’s Instructions
  • Testing [industry-standard terminology]
    • Codes / Standards (Best Practices)
  • Test for Leakage
  • Pressure Test
  • Leak Check
  • Flow Test
  • Lock-up Test
  • Leak Test

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four (4) digits of your Social Security Number [you will not need to provide your card].

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58 & NFPA 54

Available Dates
Please check back for more dates!

AG PIPING – 1 day

AG PIPING – 1 day

Propane piping systems are covered by certain codes which include specific requirements relative to acceptable materials for use in propane piping systems, acceptable system designs, allowable pressures, the location of system components relative to exposures, pressure testing procedures for new or repaired piping, recommended methods for leakage testing new piping and existing piping systems when service is restored after an interruption occurs, and proper procedures to follow when placing gas utilization equipment into operation.

This class instructs individuals in safe and proper methods of designing, installing, and placing LP-Gas systems into operation in vapor service with the emphasis on Agricultural applications within the state of Iowa. Some pipe sizing exercises will be included in this course presentation.

The objectives of this course are to identify:

  1. Sources and Physical Properties of Propane
  2.  Standards, codes and regulations within the state of Iowa,
  3. Acceptable materials for use in propane vapor distribution systems,
  4. Key requirements for the installation of gas piping and pressure regulators,
  5. Vapor distribution-testing requirements,
  6. Propane industry standards, regulations, and organizations
  7. Basic Safety considerations

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58 & NPFA 54.

Available Dates Coming Soon

4.1 DESIGNING AND INSTALLING EXTERIOR VAPOR DISTRIBUTION SYTEMS – 3 days

4.1 DESIGNING AND INSTALLING EXTERIOR VAPOR DISTRIBUTION SYTEMS – 3 days

This CETP training manual focuses on the design and installation of the exterior portions of a vapor distribution system for both residential and small commercial markets. This course addresses how to select and install containers, prevent corrosion, size and install regulators and meters, and select and install outdoor piping and tubing.

The topics covered are:

  • Designing vapor systems: container and lines
  • Designing vapor distribution systems: regulators and meters
  • Preparing system components for transport
  • Installing containers
  • Installing lines
  • How to analyze and prevent corrosion
  • Installing regulators and meters
  • Other installations
  • System tests

Prerequisite – CETP Basic Principles & Practices 1.0.

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 54 & NFPA 58.

Available Dates
Please check back for more dates!

PROPANE PIPING SYSTEMS – A to Z - (4 Hour Class)

PROPANE PIPING SYSTEMS – A to Z – (4 Hour Class)

Propane piping systems are covered by certain codes, which include specific requirements relative to acceptable materials, allowable pressures, the location of components, pressure-testing procedures for new piping, and recommended methods for leakage testing every time an interruption of service occurs.

Course Content: Individuals attending this session will be expected to identify in current applicable codes the following:

  • Propane industry standards, codes and regulations within the State of Iowa,
  • Acceptable materials for use in propane gas piping systems,
  • Acceptable pressures (by code and by manufacturer’s guidelines) for –
    • Single Stage Regulator Systems
    • Two-Stage Regulator Systems
    • Integral Two-Stage Regulator Systems
    • Elevated (Three-Stage) Pressure Regulator Systems,
  • Installation, adjustment and maintenance requirements of pressure regulators including positioning or protection, distances to exposures, testing and replacement,
  • Requirements for testing of new piping prior to acceptance and initial operation,
  • Requirements for leakage testing on piping systems and connected equipment immediately after service is initiated or immediately after a service interruption, and,
  • Customer education and documentation of all work performed.

Who Should Attend: Plumbers, heating & cooling contractors, architects, management, or any individual expected to design propane-piping systems, perform work on propane piping systems, or initiate or restore gas service in gas piping systems & connected equipment for new & existing customer’s.

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card). Please provide your PMSB license number if applicable.

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58 & NPFA 54.

An optional closed book test will be available to all participants. To attain CEU credits the test is not required, however, to meet the “Qualifications of Personnel” as detailed in IAC 661-226.4(101) the successful completion of the test is required. The test will be retained by the Iowa Propane Gas Association, for evaluation and record keeping. Upon course completion, a certificate will be provided by mail for you to submit to Iowa Department of Public Health for CEU’s. [For those taking the test, upon successful completion of the written assessment and skills assessment, a certificate will be provided by mail.] Propane Piping Systems – A to Z provides 4 hours of continuing education in all four Disciplines for the Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board. (Plumbing, HVAC, Refrigeration & Hydronics)

The Iowa Propane Gas Association recommends the participating employee keep a copy for their records also.

Available Dates
Please check back for more dates!