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ASME Code Books and BPVC Sections

ASME publishes codes for boilers, pressure vessels and piping. Buy the current edition your job specifies.

Updated Nov 1, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

ASME sells its codes direct, in print and digital formats. Its site also offers a BPVC order form for print orders.

Marketplace listings are often older editions or study guides. Check the edition year before you pay.

Professional insight

Code engineers buy the exact edition the contract names. Then they add matching code cases.

Confirm which edition your inspector or jurisdiction enforces.
Section II materials data often comes with Section VIII work.
Digital licenses may lock to one user or device.
Interpretations and code cases are separate from the base book.

Check the label

Code name and number, such as BPVC Section VIII Division 1.
Edition year printed on the cover or title page.
Publisher shown as ASME, not a third party summary.
Format stated: print, PDF download or online subscription.
Number of users the license covers.
Whether code cases or interpretations are included.
Language version, if you need a translated edition.

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ASME code books at a glance

BPVC edition cycle: Every 2 years
Latest BPVC edition: 2025
Publisher: ASME, New York

Types

Common ASME codes people buy
Code	Covers
BPVC Section I	Power boilers
BPVC Section V	Nondestructive examination
BPVC Section VIII	Pressure vessels
BPVC Section IX	Welding and brazing qualifications
B31.1	Power piping
B31.3	Process piping
B16.5	Pipe flanges and flanged fittings

Before you buy

Old editions are fine for study but not for new design work.
Most people need a few BPVC sections, not the full set.
Companion guides explain the code but do not replace it.
Employers and universities may already hold a library license.

Red flags

Free PDF downloads of current ASME codes on file sharing sites.
Listings with no edition year or section number.
Photocopied or spiral bound copies sold as new.
Digital codes sent by email from a private seller.

Ways to save

Buy only the sections your work covers.
Use a used older edition for exam study, if allowed.
Ask your employer or school for library access.
Watch for member pricing on ASME publications.

Common questions

Are ASME codes free to read?: Not in general. ASME sells them, though members get some free digital titles.
Can I use an older edition?: Only if your contract or jurisdiction allows it. New work usually needs the current one.
Is the PDF the same as print?: The content matches. Licensing and sharing rules differ, so read the terms.
Where are the code cases?: ASME publishes code cases separately. Buy them alongside the section if needed.