From time to time, we hear differing opinions about the value of the Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) credential. Recently, one of our colleagues shared his perspective, suggesting that the CPD is “meaningless” and not relevant to his decades of experience in plumbing design. I want to first thank him—and others who have voiced similar concerns—because honest dialogue is what helps our Society remain strong.
However, I also want to share with you why I firmly believe the CPD is not only meaningful, but vital to the future of our profession.
1. A Credential That Validates Our Expertise
The CPD is a nationally and internationally recognized standard that demonstrates proficiency in plumbing system design. While seasoned professionals may rely on decades of experience, younger engineers and designers use the CPD to validate their knowledge, establish credibility, and advance their careers. For many employers, hiring or promoting a CPD provides assurance that their team members meet an established benchmark of competency.
2. Raising the Bar for Firms and Clients
When firms employ CPDs, they signal to clients, building owners, and AHJs that their staff are highly qualified to deliver safe, efficient, and code-compliant designs. In a competitive marketplace, that distinction matters. It reinforces trust and positions plumbing engineers and designers as indispensable partners in the built environment.
3. Advancing the Industry Together
Our profession is not static. Plumbing systems today are more complex than ever, and challenges in health, safety, and sustainability require more than code-minimum solutions. Credentials like the CPD ensure that plumbing design is approached with rigor and consistency across the industry. It is about understanding not just the “tables in the code,” but the physics, engineering principles, and innovation behind those tables.
4. A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Finally, the CPD reflects a mindset of continuous growth. Maintaining the credential requires ongoing education—and that commitment benefits both the individual and the industry. At ASPE, we know that education is the foundation of advancement, and the CPD is a powerful symbol of that principle.
I do not believe the CPD is meaningless. On the contrary, it is one of the most powerful tools we have to validate, advance, and professionalize our work. It is a credential that elevates not only the individual holder but also the firms that employ them and the industry we all serve.
So, to those who have earned the CPD: thank you for your commitment. To those considering the CPD: I encourage you to take that step. Together, we can continue to build a profession that is respected, recognized, and resilient for decades to come.
I am enclosing Volume 6 of the ASPE education crossword puzzle. Luther Thevenin, CPD, is one of our many talented contributors to the ASPE education committee, and he has put together some great puzzles for our ASPE community. So, take some time and complete the crossword puzzle. The answers will be posted in our next article.
