The ASA Education Foundation’s ProductPro product knowledge courses have long been the first step in strengthening a distributor’s workforce through training. 

Industry experts unanimously agree that a solid foundation in product knowledge provides a critical competency for employees of the PHCP/PVF Industry. It is especially critical for new employees in picking the right orders, shipping the right product and effectively helping customers. ProductPro® courses are designed by industry experts to provide technical information in easy to understand terms, accelerating the employee's learning and increasing their productivity. Well-designed, job relevant employee training is rapidly evolving as a major strategy in enhancing a wholesaler's ability to compete. Benefits of training include:

  • Reduced employee turnover
  • Fewer mistakes and costly call backs
  • Confident employees with a can-do attitude
  • Value-added customer service
  • Employees who recognize added sales opportunities
  • Increased customer retention

    The ProductPro Basics of PHCP/PVF Series is a three-part program for new employees that covers the following topics:



    • Introduction to Pipe, Valves and Fittings©

    Employees who complete the course will be able to:
  • Recognize and use basic terms related to pipe, valves and fittings
  • Discuss the materials used to manufacture common pipe, valves and fittings
  • Differentiate between the two types of piping systems that make up a total plumbing system
  • Read basic pipe, valve and fitting specifications
  • Describe common types of valves and fittings and how they are used
  • Explain the use of valves in typical household plumbing and water service applications


    • Introduction to Steel, Stainless Steel, Iron Pipe and Fittings©

    Employees who complete this course will be able to:
  • Use basic terms related to steel, stainless steel and iron pipe
  • Explain the basic types and uses of steel, stainless steel and iron fittings
  • Describe the types of pipe by weight and wall thickness
  • Interpret pipe schedules, pipe stamps and stencils
  • Describe different types of steel, stainless steel and iron pipe ends and fittings and how they are joined
  • Explain the common uses for cast iron, malleable iron and ductile iron
  • Differentiate between the different uses of steel, stainless steel and iron pipe


    • Introduction to Copper Tube, Plastic Pipe and Fittings©

    Employees who complete the course will be able to:
  • Recognize and use basic terms related to copper tube, plastic pipe and fittings
  • Explain the advantages, disadvantages and uses of copper tube and plastic pipe
  • Read specifications for copper tube and fittings
  • Discuss the sizing systems and various categories of plastic pipe, tube and fittings
  • Use basic terms to discuss common methods used to join pipe
  • dentify the types of joints used with pipe composed of various materials

     Available in book, online or CD ROM formats to optimize the ease of training. Go to www.asa.net and visit the Education section for complete course descriptions, pricing and a listing of other ASAEF programs. Questions? Contact Paul Martin at pfmartin@asa.net or 312-464-0090 x204.