Check before you test. Backflow tester rules are set by states, water utilities, and sometimes counties, and they change. This guide compiles state-level programs from state agencies and published state summaries as of November 2026. Always confirm with your state drinking water program and the local water purveyor where you’ll test.
Quick answer (November 2026)
There’s no single national backflow tester license. Some states run their own tester license or certification (Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut, New York, Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin, Utah, and others). Some approve outside certifications like ABPA, ASSE 5110, or AWWA sections. And some leave it entirely to the local water utility.
- Most portable credential: ASSE 5110 or ABPA, usually requiring a ~40-hour course and written plus practical exams, renewed every 3 years.
- Plumbing license catch: some states require a plumbing license to test (Illinois, Louisiana) or to repair and install (Florida).
- The business case: testable assemblies typically need annual testing, which makes backflow one of the most predictable recurring revenue lines in plumbing.
On this page
- How backflow tester credentials work
- National certifications: ASSE 5110 and ABPA
- State-by-state details (Alabama–Indiana, Texas, Virginia)
- Other states with state-issued credentials
- States where it’s mostly local
- When you also need a plumbing license
- The assemblies you’ll test
- Running backflow testing as a business
- All 50 states
- FAQ
Backflow testing is the kind of work that looks simple from the outside: hook up a test kit, read the gauge, fill out the form. But who’s allowed to do it is a patchwork. A tester licensed in Texas can’t just cross into Louisiana and start testing, and a plumber in Illinois needs a separate state approval on top of the plumbing license.
We pulled the rules into one place: the national certifications, the states with their own programs, and the states where the water utility makes the call.
How backflow tester credentials work
There are three common models:
| Model | How it works | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| State-issued license or certification | A state agency runs the course approval, exam, and license | Texas (TCEQ), Virginia (DPOR), Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut |
| State-approved outside certification | The state names or approves third-party certifiers | Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware |
| Local control | No statewide tester license; each water purveyor decides which certifications it accepts | Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Hawaii |
Even in states with a statewide program, many water utilities keep their own approved-tester lists, require registration, or specify which test form to use. Plan on registering with every utility you test for.
National certifications: ASSE 5110 and ABPA
Where a state accepts outside certifications, these are the most common:
| ASSE 5110 Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester | |
|---|---|
| Experience | At least 5 years of documented practical experience in plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, lawn irrigation, or a related field |
| Training | Minimum 40-hour backflow assembly testing course |
| Exams | 100-question written exam (70% to pass) and a practical exam testing ASSE 1013, 1015, 1020, and 1056 assemblies |
| Fees | $160 initial exam; $110 recertification exam |
| Term | 3 years |
Source: ASSE International, Backflow Prevention personnel certification page, checked November 2026.
ABPA (American Backflow Prevention Association) tester certification and AWWA section certifications (such as CA-NV AWWA) are the other big ones; state summaries commonly list them with 3-year renewal cycles. In Florida, UF TREEO certification is widely used and renews every 2 years.
State-by-state details
| State | Who regulates | Credential | Training | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ADEM rule; local utilities approve | No state tester license; ABPA, ASSE, AWWA AL/MS, UF TREEO accepted by utilities | Varies | Usually 3 yrs (TREEO 2 yrs) |
| Alaska | DEC; local systems | No statewide license; ABPA, ASSE 5110, AWWA generally; Juneau has its own exam | Varies | 3 yrs (Juneau 2) |
| Arizona | ADEQ (A.A.C. R18-4-215) | State-recognized certification: ABPA, ASSE, AWWA, ADEQ-authorized providers | 40-hr courses common | 3 yrs |
| Arkansas | Dept. of Health, Protective Health Codes | State exam required after ADH-accredited course | 40 hrs | 2 yrs, 8-hr recert |
| California | State Water Resources Control Board; counties may register | SWRCB-recognized certification: CA-NV AWWA, ABPA, ASSE, others | 36+ hrs (most 40) | 3 yrs |
| Colorado | CDPHE (Regulation 11) | State-approved third-party certification (ABPA named in rule; ASSE, AWWA, others) | 40-hr courses common | 3 yrs |
| Connecticut | Dept. of Public Health | DPH certificate required | 4-day approved course | 3 yrs; 50 tests in 3 yrs + 3-hr course |
| Delaware | DHSS; local purveyors may add rules | State-approved third-party certification | Varies | 3 yrs |
| Florida | No state agency; local utilities | No statewide license; ABPA, ASSE, AWWA, UF TREEO, others by utility | 4–5 day courses | 2 yrs (TREEO) |
| Georgia | GA EPD; GAWP administers | Georgia Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (GBPAT) certification | 32 hrs | 3 yrs, 6 hrs CE |
| Hawaii | County/purveyor | No statewide license; Oahu BWS accepts listed programs | Varies | 3 yrs |
| Idaho | Board of Drinking Water & Wastewater Professionals (DOPL) | State BAT license: approved course + exam, or active ABPA | 32 hrs; 8-hr recert | 2 yrs (changed from annual in Oct. 2025) |
| Illinois | Illinois EPA | Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI); must be a licensed plumber; no reciprocity | State-designated 4-day course | Annual renewal; recert every 3 yrs |
| Indiana | IDEM approves training; Professional Licensing Agency licenses | State backflow tester license; no reciprocity | 35 hrs + written and practical exams | Check PLA |
| Texas | TCEQ | Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) license; HS diploma/GED + 2 yrs approved experience | 40 hrs; written exam at approved testing center, practical by provider | 3 yrs; 24 hrs CE (8 hands-on) |
| Virginia | DPOR (Board for Contractors) | Backflow Prevention Device Worker certification; PSI exam | 32 hrs with 4 yrs experience, or 16 hrs with 7+ yrs | Check DPOR |
Sources: Alabama–Indiana from BackflowExamPrep’s state resource summaries (citing state rules); Texas from TCEQ’s BPAT license page ($111 application fee); Virginia from 18VAC50-30-42 as summarized by StateCreds. Checked November 2026.
Other states with state-issued credentials
These states run a tester certification, license, or registration through a state agency, confirmed from official state sources. Requirements and renewal periods vary; go to the agency for current details:
| State | Agency / program |
|---|---|
| Iowa | Backflow prevention assembly tester registration under the Iowa Administrative Code (chapter 641-26) |
| Louisiana | State Plumbing Board: Water Supply Protection Specialist endorsement on a plumbing license (La. Admin. Code tit. 46, LV-313) |
| Massachusetts | MassDEP certified backflow prevention device testers |
| Missouri | Missouri DNR backflow prevention assembly tester certification |
| New York | NYS Department of Health certified backflow prevention device testers (county tester lists published) |
| Oregon | Oregon Health Authority backflow assembly tester certification (OAR 333-061-0072) |
| Utah | Division of Drinking Water backflow assembly tester certification (Utah Admin. Code R309-305-8) |
| Washington | Department of Health Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) certification (WAC 246-292); exams through Washington Certification Services |
| West Virginia | WV DHHR certification of backflow prevention assembly testers (64CSR25) |
| Wisconsin | DSPS Cross Connection Control Assembly Tester credential |
States where it’s mostly local
For the remaining states (Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Wyoming, and DC), we couldn’t confirm a single statewide tester program from an official source as of November 2026. Some of these states do have state-level credentials or registrations, and in others the water purveyor decides. In practice:
- Call the water utility’s cross-connection program first. They’ll tell you which certifications they accept and whether you must register.
- ASSE 5110 or ABPA is the safest bet where outside certifications are accepted.
- Check the state drinking water program for any statewide rule.
When you also need a plumbing license
- Illinois: CCCDI approval requires being a licensed plumber under the Illinois Plumbing License Law.
- Louisiana: backflow testing runs through a Water Supply Protection Specialist endorsement on a plumbing license.
- Florida: testing is certified locally, but installing or repairing assemblies requires a state-licensed plumbing contractor.
- Everywhere: testing and repairing are often treated differently. A tester credential may not cover repairs or replacement. See plumber license requirements by state.
The assemblies you’ll test
| Assembly | Standard | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced pressure principle (RP / RPZ) | ASSE 1013 | High-hazard connections: commercial buildings, chemical use, many fire and irrigation systems |
| Double check valve (DC / DCVA) | ASSE 1015 | Lower-hazard connections, many fire sprinkler systems |
| Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) | ASSE 1020 | Irrigation systems |
| Spill-resistant vacuum breaker (SVB) | ASSE 1056 | Indoor and irrigation applications |
These four are the assemblies on ASSE’s practical exam. Utilities commonly require testable assemblies to be tested at installation, after repair, and at least annually. Many programs also require your differential pressure test kit to be checked for accuracy on a set schedule; keep the calibration certificate with the kit.
Running backflow testing as a business
Backflow is one of the steadiest revenue lines a plumbing company can add. The tests are required, they repeat, and the water utility often sends the customer a reminder for you.
- Annual repeat work. Every assembly you test this year is likely due again next year. Book next year’s test while you’re on site.
- Commercial density. Strip malls, restaurants, apartment complexes, and irrigation systems put many assemblies on one route.
- Repairs follow tests. A failed test is a repair job, if you’re licensed to do it.
- Paperwork is the product. Utilities want test reports on their form, by their deadline. Late or wrong paperwork costs you the account.
- Not every tech can test. Only certified testers can sign reports, and only in jurisdictions where they’re approved.
That last point is where dispatch matters. In VortechPro, specialist tags keep backflow tests on certified testers (you can tag by state or utility approval, too), annual retests can be scheduled ahead for any date, and photos of the gauge readings and completed test form stay on the job. $99/mo for 5 techs, +$20 each. More in best dispatch software for plumbers.
Backflow Tester Rules in All 50 States (+ DC)
Every state and D.C.: whether a state agency licenses testers, whether it relies on outside certifications, or whether your water utility decides. Even in states with a state credential, most utilities also keep approved-tester lists.
Jump to your state
Alabama Local Approval
No state tester license. ADEM’s cross-connection rule (335-7-9) applies, and each water utility decides which certifications it accepts: commonly ABPA, ASSE 5110, AWWA Alabama/Mississippi Section, and UF TREEO.
Renewal is usually every 3 years (TREEO every 2).
Alaska Local Approval
No statewide tester license. DEC (18 AAC 80) leaves tester qualifications to local systems. Anchorage (AWWU) and Juneau run their own programs; Juneau requires its own written exam.
ABPA, ASSE 5110, and AWWA are accepted in most areas.
Arizona State-Approved Cert
ADEQ requires certification through a state-approved certifying authority (A.A.C. R18-4-215), including ABPA and ASSE. Credentials: General Backflow Tester and CCC Program Specialist.
Renewal: typically every 3 years.
Arkansas State License
Arkansas Department of Health (Protective Health Codes) certifies testers directly: a 40-hour ADH-accredited course, then a state written exam.
Renewal every 2 years with an 8-hour recertification course.
California State-Recognized Cert
The State Water Resources Control Board requires certification from a recognized organization, such as CA-NV AWWA, ABPA, or ASSE; counties and water purveyors add their own registration and approved-tester lists.
The Board recognized ASSE 5110 from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Check your purveyor’s current list before you test.
Colorado State-Approved Cert
CDPHE’s Regulation 11.39 relies on state-approved third-party certification; ABPA is named in the rule, and ASSE is widely accepted.
HB25-1077 (2025) lets certified technicians inspect, test, and repair devices. Renewal: typically every 3 years.
Connecticut State Certificate
Department of Public Health issues the tester certificate after a DPH-approved course (NEWWA is the listed provider) and state exam.
Renewal every 3 years with proof of 50 tests and a 3-hour course; renewal fee $69.
Delaware State-Approved Cert
State-approved third-party certification under 16 Del. C. 4462 (ABPA, ASSE, AWWA, and others). Local purveyors may add requirements.
Renewal: typically every 3 years.
District of Columbia Local Approval
We couldn’t confirm a separate District tester license from an official source. Check DC Water’s cross-connection program for the certifications it accepts and how to register.
Florida Local Approval
No state agency certifies testers. Local water utilities authorize testing and accept ABPA, ASSE, AWWA, or UF TREEO (TREEO renews every 2 years).
Installing or repairing assemblies requires a state-licensed plumbing contractor (Chapter 489).
Georgia State Certification
Georgia EPD requires the Georgia Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (GBPAT) certification, administered by GAWP: a 32-hour course, a hands-on exam, and a 100-question written exam. ASSE, ABPA, and TREEO holders may get reciprocity but still take the written exam.
Renewal every 3 years with 6 hours of CE.
Hawaii Local Approval
No statewide program; each county or purveyor sets rules. Oahu’s Board of Water Supply accepts specific programs (PAMCA/Local 675, USC FCCCHR, CA-NV AWWA; ABPA for recertification); other islands may accept ABPA, ASSE, or AWWA.
Idaho State License
The Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals (through DOPL) licenses backflow assembly testers: a 32-hour approved course and a PSI exam, or an active ABPA certification.
Renewal every 2 years since October 14, 2025.
Illinois State + Plumbing License
Illinois EPA’s Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI) approval: a state-designated 4-day course with written and practical exams. You must be a licensed plumber. No reciprocity.
Annual license renewal plus recertification every 3 years.
Indiana State License
The Professional Licensing Agency issues the backflow tester license; IDEM approves training. A 35-hour course plus written and practical exams. No reciprocity.
Iowa State Registration
Backflow prevention assembly testers register with the state under Iowa Administrative Code chapter 641-26.
Kansas Local Approval
No statewide tester license confirmed. Cities and water districts run their own cross-connection programs and approved-tester lists; the Kansas Rural Water Association offers tester training.
Kentucky Local Approval
We couldn’t confirm a single statewide tester credential from an official source as of November 2026. Your water utility’s cross-connection program decides which certifications it accepts and whether you must register; ASSE 5110 or ABPA is the safest bet. Repairs and installation usually require a plumbing license.
Louisiana Plumbing Endorsement
Backflow testing runs through the State Plumbing Board’s Water Supply Protection Specialist endorsement on a plumbing license (La. Admin. Code tit. 46, LV-313).
Maine Local Approval
Maine’s cross-connection rule (10-144 CMR ch. 226) puts testing on owners and water suppliers under the Maine Internal Plumbing Code; we couldn’t confirm a separate state tester credential. Many utilities keep approved-tester lists.
Maryland Plumbing License + Course
The Maryland Board of Plumbing approves the 32-hour backflow course (COMAR 09.20.04). Testing and certifying devices requires a journey or master plumber license; apprentices may only assist.
Most providers issue 3-year certifications; WSSC Water enforces a 3-year cycle with no grace period.
Massachusetts State Certification
MassDEP certifies backflow prevention device testers.
Michigan ASSE 5110 + Plumbing License
Per a 2023 joint interpretation by the Bureau of Construction Codes and EGLE, testers need ASSE 5110 certification and a master, journey, or supervised apprentice plumbing license. Credentials should appear on each test report.
Minnesota State Certification
The Department of Labor and Industry certifies backflow testers (BT) and rebuilders (BF). BT requires current ASSE 5110 certification; BF requires a plumbing license plus ASSE 5130 and 5110.
Mississippi State License
Testing assemblies that protect a public water system must be done by a Certified Tester licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health, which publishes a tester list.
Missouri State Certification
Missouri DNR certifies backflow prevention assembly testers.
Montana Local Approval
Montana DEQ’s cross-connection rules allow voluntary local programs (ARM 17.38.310), so utilities set tester requirements. Montana Rural Water Systems runs tester courses.
Nebraska Grade VI License
Anyone who tests or repairs backflow preventers with test ports must hold a Grade VI license (179 NAC 10): at least 32 hours of training with written and hands-on exams.
Nevada State-Approved Cert
Under NAC 445A.6569, a certified tester holds certification from CA-NV AWWA, ABPA, ASSE, or another organization the Division approves. Utilities keep their own approved lists.
New Hampshire State-Accepted Cert
New Hampshire’s backflow rule (Env-Dw 505), updated in 2024, accepts ASSE 5110 for backflow inspectors and testers.
New Jersey Local Approval
We couldn’t confirm a single statewide tester credential from an official source as of November 2026. Your water utility’s cross-connection program decides which certifications it accepts and whether you must register; ASSE 5110 or ABPA is the safest bet. Repairs and installation usually require a plumbing license.
New Mexico Local Approval
We couldn’t confirm a single statewide tester credential from an official source as of November 2026. Your water utility’s cross-connection program decides which certifications it accepts and whether you must register; ASSE 5110 or ABPA is the safest bet. Repairs and installation usually require a plumbing license.
New York State Certification
The NYS Department of Health certifies backflow prevention device testers and publishes tester lists by county.
North Carolina Local Approval
No statewide tester license. Under G.S. 130A-330, local water systems may accept tests from licensed plumbing contractors or from certified testers they approve (a certificate of completion from a testing and repair training program).
Systems can’t require testing of certain residential irrigation backflow preventers more than once every three years.
North Dakota Local Approval
We couldn’t confirm a single statewide tester credential from an official source as of November 2026. Your water utility’s cross-connection program decides which certifications it accepts and whether you must register; ASSE 5110 or ABPA is the safest bet. Repairs and installation usually require a plumbing license.
Ohio State Certification
The Ohio Department of Commerce (Division of Industrial Compliance) issues a state certification after a 24-hour course and written test.
Valid 3 years; recertification course required to keep testing.
Oklahoma Local Approval
We couldn’t confirm a single statewide tester credential from an official source as of November 2026. Your water utility’s cross-connection program decides which certifications it accepts and whether you must register; ASSE 5110 or ABPA is the safest bet. Repairs and installation usually require a plumbing license.
Oregon State Certification
The Oregon Health Authority certifies backflow assembly testers (OAR 333-061-0072).
Pennsylvania Local Approval
No statewide tester license confirmed. Water utilities such as Pittsburgh Water and the Philadelphia Water Department keep their own approved-tester requirements.
Rhode Island Local Approval
No statewide tester license confirmed. Utilities register testers; Pawtucket Water Supply Board, for example, accepts ABPA, NEWWA, TREEO, or USC certification, with 3-year renewals, annual gauge calibration, and proof of liability insurance.
South Carolina State Certification
SC DES certifies backflow testers and publishes the certified list. Applicants submit a current certificate and gauge certification and take a required one-day class ($175).
South Dakota Local Approval
We couldn’t confirm a single statewide tester credential from an official source as of November 2026. Your water utility’s cross-connection program decides which certifications it accepts and whether you must register; ASSE 5110 or ABPA is the safest bet. Repairs and installation usually require a plumbing license.
Tennessee State Certificate
TDEC’s Fleming Training Center issues a Certificate of Competency in Testing and Evaluating Backflow Preventers after a 3-day workshop with written and practical exams (other TDEC-approved providers too).
Renew every 3 years with a 1-day renewal workshop.
Texas State License
TCEQ licenses Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers (BPAT): HS diploma or GED, 2 years of approved experience, a 40-hour course, a written exam, and a practical exam. $111 application fee.
Renewal every 3 years with 24 hours of CE (8 hands-on). Fire-line testing is limited to BPATs employed by an approved fireline contractor.
Utah State Certification
The Division of Drinking Water certifies backflow assembly testers (Utah Admin. Code R309-305-8).
Vermont Local Approval
We couldn’t confirm a single statewide tester credential from an official source as of November 2026. Your water utility’s cross-connection program decides which certifications it accepts and whether you must register; ASSE 5110 or ABPA is the safest bet. Repairs and installation usually require a plumbing license.
Virginia State Certification
DPOR (Board for Contractors) issues the Backflow Prevention Device Worker certification: a PSI exam after 32 hours of training with 4 years of experience, or 16 hours with 7 or more.
Washington State Certification
The Department of Health certifies Backflow Assembly Testers (BAT) under WAC 246-292; exams run through Washington Certification Services.
West Virginia State Certification
WV DHHR certifies backflow prevention assembly testers under 64CSR25.
Wisconsin State Credential
DSPS issues the Cross Connection Control Assembly Tester credential.
Wyoming Local Approval
We couldn’t confirm a single statewide tester credential from an official source as of November 2026. Your water utility’s cross-connection program decides which certifications it accepts and whether you must register; ASSE 5110 or ABPA is the safest bet. Repairs and installation usually require a plumbing license.
Sources: BackflowExamPrep state summaries (Alabama to Indiana); state agencies and rules cited in each block (TCEQ, DLI Minnesota, MSDH, NAC 445A.6569, 179 NAC 10, Ohio Dept. of Commerce, SC DES, TDEC, Maryland Board of Plumbing, Michigan EGLE/BCC, N.C.G.S. 130A-330, NH Env-Dw 505 via ASSE). Checked November 2026.
Backflow tests only to certified testers
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