Certified Professionals Program
A PE Alliance (PEA) program to develop knowledgeable industry insiders and ambassadors who will advance the HDPE market in the water and wastewater sector and clearly communicate the value of HDPE in their own voice.
Program Overview
The Certified Professional (CP) Program was developed by the Alliance for PE Pipe to enhance participants’ knowledge of HDPE and their ability to communicate it clearly to others both within the industry and to end users. The program builds on more than fifteen years of success and contributions from expert, volunteer instructors and industry leaders.
More than a training program, CP is an investment in the growth of the HDPE industry. By developing professionals who can confidently represent their companies, explain HDPE and advocate for the industry, the program expands the number of credible voices carrying the HDPE message into the marketplace. Each Certified Professional becomes an industry ambassador who can help educate customers, influence specifications and create new opportunities for HDPE. The program is available to PEA members only.
Program Structure
- Two-Year Program- $4,450 per year
A 25-month program ending two years after it starts. Requires attendance at three Showcases (two of which are included in the cost).
- One-Year Program- $5,250(13 months)
An accelerated 13-month path. Requires significant industry experience and attendance at two Showcases (one included in the cost).
What participation looks like
Meet once a month via Zoom (9x per year). Students hear experts discuss HDPE topic areas or they present projects they have been working on to develop their skills.
Complete assigned homework and one project per syllabus section.
Attend PE Showcase in December.
Attend at least six Alliance webinars or in-person Roadshows during the year (encouraged).
Second-year Professionals are encouraged to help answer audience questions during Alliance webinars.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum spans more than 70 hours of educational material across five sections, each with roughly 8 to 10 hours of lecture and interactive discussion, plus independent research, homework and a project. Sessions can be tailored to a participant’s specific educational needs.
Participants gain a broad understanding of the HDPE industry, including the people and companies that shape it, how pipe is manufactured and joined, key installation methods and the customers and markets that drive demand. They also learn directly from industry leaders, gaining practical insight into how HDPE projects move from specification and design through manufacturing, distribution, installation and long-term operation. Students are required to pass a test once each year.
Section 1 – HDPE General Knowledge
An overview of all things HDPE, introducing the concepts needed to bring HDPE to municipal users who may be unfamiliar with it. Covers products, vocabulary, sizing, manufacturing and how the pipe performs.
Vocabulary, Product Knowledge, IPS & DIPS Sizing, DR Ratings, Resin & Pipe, Fittings & Accessories, Standards, TR & TN, Chlorine & Disinfection, Failure Mechanisms
Section 2 – HDPE Installation Methods
A comprehensive look at how HDPE is installed in municipal water and wastewater systems, from safe handling through every major installation method and specialty application.
Working with HDPE, Open Cut Construction, Horizontal Directional Drill, Pipe Bursting, Sliplining, Above Ground, Marine & Plowing, Service Connections
Section 3 – Industry Knowledge
Frames the adoption of HDPE within the history of water and wastewater conveyance, the invention and development of HDPE, and the markets and organizations that shape its use in the US and Europe.
History of HDPE Adoption, Municipal Market Players, Non-Profit Organizations, Competitive Products, Emerging Markets
Section 4 – Fusion, Qualifications & Inspection Methods
An in-depth study of the material properties that allow HDPE to be repeatedly fused, the forms of fusion and their equipment, qualification requirements and all available testing and inspection methods.
What is Polyethylene, Butt Fusion, Electrofusion, Socket & Sidewall Fusion, Qualifications & Inspections, Destructive Testing, Fusion Repair Options
Section 5 – Technical Notes, Standards, Engineer’s Package & Testing
Covers the technical notes and standards that govern HDPE, the software and Alliance Engineer’s Package available for design and analysis, and the full range of HDPE testing methods used in the plant and the field.
Established Standards, Available Software, PEA Engineering Package, Testing Methods
In-Person Events
The program includes two in-person events each year that anchor the online coursework and bring the class together.
PE Showcase
Held the first week of December, Showcase is where the class gathers for the Certified Professionals kickoff, participates in sessions throughout the week and closes with a group meeting. Attending three Showcases is a requirement of the course and includes the opportunity to learn and network with industry experts.
Certified Professionals Retreat
A retreat held exclusively for Certified Professionals, typically including facility tours, in-person discussion, lectures and group exercises, right down to cooking meals together. Past and planned retreats have centered on visits to HDPE resin manufacturing and pipe extrusion facilities. The retreat is a chance for the class to connect in person and discuss the program and each participant’s development.
Interested in Joining?
The Certified Professional Program is available to Alliance members. To learn more or enroll, reach out to our team.
Peter Dyke — pdyke@pepipe.org — 847-420-3243
Dan Landy —dlandy@pepipe.org — 412-760-6608
Certified Professionals Graduates
2025
Matthew Danysh- AGRU
Jonathan Reinheimer – Robar
Christian Frisby – Modern Polymer
Kyle Wilkerson – LyondellBasell
Erik Elizondo – Milford
2024
Andrew Thompson – Core & Main
Heather Leber – ISCO
Trevor Taylor – SECOR – Qualified
Robert Adams – Integrity
Mark Christiansen – Secor
2023
Paul Brodsky- McElroy Mfg
Dan Landy – PE Alliance
Miranda Sions – Core & Main
Chris Weight – SECOR
2022
Dusty Langston – WL Plastics
Steve Bredemeier – Core & Main
Rusty Reeves – Core & Main
Mike Whitehouse – ISCO
