drinking water
Find backflow tester rules by state
See who your state allows to test a backflow prevention assembly, and open the official drinking-water page before you hire. There is no single federal tester license.
EPA explains that states and tribes can take primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
U.S. EPAThere is no federal backflow-tester license. The tester credential is set by the state program or the water utility.
U.S. EPAA backflow test checks whether a prevention assembly still stops reverse flow. It is not the same document as a drinking-water lab report.
U.S. EPAState rules
Backflow tester rules by state
Linked states have a verified guide. The other names are listed so the gap is visible. We do not publish a searchable guide for them.
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Before You Hire a Tester
Questions to ask a tester and your water utility before you pay for a backflow assembly test.
- Which credential the utility accepts
- Whether the assembly is on a domestic, irrigation, or fire line
- What a failed test requires next
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Why it matters
The utility accepts the report, or it does not
Building owners often learn about backflow when a letter says the assembly is due. The useful question is not who can buy a gauge. It is whose signature the water system will put in the file.
Some states issue the card themselves. Others require a plumber license plus a named certification. Others publish a list of approved certifying organizations. The state pages describe the split we could verify.
Bring the state page to the call with your utility, then follow the utility's form if it is stricter.
Guides
Plain answers, sourced
Featured partnerPaid link. We may earn a commission.Your business here, $30/month · Reach property owners who got a backflow test notice from their water utility.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a backflow tester certification good for?
It varies by state. Georgia: 3 years. Massachusetts: 3 years. New York: 3 years. Ohio: 3 years. Oregon: 2 years, expires December 31.
How much is the backflow tester application fee?
It varies by state. Massachusetts (WS-10, new or renewal): $65. Texas: $111. Virginia (table cell): $150. Washington: $83.
How long is the initial backflow tester training?
It varies by state. Iowa: 32-hour DIAL-approved BPAT course. Indiana: 40 hours. Ohio: 24-hour course with hands-on exam. Texas: 40-hour BPAT course. Wisconsin: 40-hour approved course, or ASSE 5150 course.
How much continuing education do backflow testers need?
It varies by state. Georgia: 6 contact hours per 3-year cycle. Idaho: 8-hour refresher every 2 years.
What does the backflow tester exam involve?
It varies by state. Indiana: Written and oral, given by training provider. Texas: Written at TCEQ-approved testing center; practical by trainer. Utah: Written and performance exam by 3rd party (ABPA).
Each answer comes from the quoted rows on the Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Idaho, Utah pages.