Backflow prevention certification

Effective Jan. 1, 2012, individuals performing or offering to perform the installation, maintenance, testing, repair, replacement or rebuilding of reduced pressure zone backflow prevention assemblies must be certified by the department as either a backflow prevention rebuilder or backflow prevention tester (BF/BT).

A backflow prevention rebuilder certification allows the holder, who must also hold a current plumbing license, to perform the installation, maintenance, testing, repair, replacement or rebuilding of reduced pressure zone backflow prevention assemblies.
A backflow prevention tester certification limits the holder to testing reduced pressure zone backflow prevention assemblies.

Individual backflow certification renewal schedule

Individuals who have a master plumber license that expires Dec. 31, 2012, will be notified with their personal license renewal notification of the BF/BT registration requirement so they may register at the same time and have their new BF/BT certification good through Dec. 31, 2014.

Individuals who have a journeyman plumber license that expires Dec. 31, 2013 will be notified with their personal license renewal notification of the BF/BT registration requirement so they may register at the same time and will have their new BF/BT certification good through Dec. 31, 2015.

Anyone who is unlicensed but has a BF/BT certification on file with the department will be notified in June 2012 of the new registration requirements and will have to submit the registration by Aug. 31, 2012. They will be issued a two-year registration that will expire in 2014.

Registrations that have already been submitted will be processed and the expiration dates put in-line with the licensee's personal license expirations.

Backflow prevention certification application and forms

Backflow prevention rebuilder/backflow prevention tester registration (PDF)

Click here to check the status of backflow prevention certifications