Backflow prevention assembly tester

Certification requirements by certifier and state

There is no single national backflow license. Your water purveyor or state decides which certification it accepts. This table comes from each certifier's or state's own page (checked November 2026). Fees and rules change, so confirm with the source before you book.

ASSE 5110 (ASSE International / IAPMO)

Written exam: 100 questions, 70% to pass
Practical: Test RP, DC, PVB and SVB assemblies using the procedure your local authority accepts
Prerequisites: 5 years' experience in plumbing, fire protection, irrigation or related work, plus a 40-hour course
Renewal: Every 3 years
Fee: $160 initial, $110 recertification
Source: ASSE backflow prevention certification

ABPA (American Backflow Prevention Association)

Written exam: Format in the ABPA candidate handbook
Practical: Test and diagnose assemblies using the USC Foundation 10th edition procedures
Prerequisites: Completed tester training
Renewal: See ABPA
Fee: $300 member, $330 non-member
Source: ABPA tester certification

Texas (TCEQ BPAT license)

Written exam: Computer-based test at a testing center
Practical: Given by the training provider: RP, DC, PVB, SVB and the test gauge
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, 2 years' experience, 40-hour course
Renewal: Every 3 years with 24 hours of continuing education
Fee: $111
Source: TCEQ backflow prevention assembly tester license

Washington (BAT certification)

Written exam: 100 questions in 3 hours
Practical: 1 hour, 4 assemblies, with faults set on the PVB, DC or RP (USC 10th edition procedure)
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
Renewal: See Washington DOH
Fee: $106 written, $225 practical
Source: Washington BAT exam fact sheet

New Jersey

Written exam: 70% to pass
Practical: DC and RP, 80% to pass
Prerequisites: 26 hours of theory and 6 hours hands-on training
Renewal: At least every 3 years
Fee: Set by the certifying agency
Source: N.J.A.C. 7:10-10.8

New York

Written exam: Through an approved training course
Practical: Through an approved training course
Prerequisites: Initial tester course
Renewal: Every 3 years by renewal course; more than 1 year lapsed means retaking the initial course
Fee: Set by the course provider
Source: NYSDOH tester certification

Georgia (GAWP)

Written exam: 100 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, 70% to pass
Practical: Hands-on test at the end of the course
Prerequisites: Tester course
Renewal: 6-hour renewal course
Fee: Set by GAWP
Source: GAWP backflow FAQ

California

Written exam: From a state-recognized certifier
Practical: From a state-recognized certifier
Prerequisites: Set by the certifier
Renewal: Set by the certifier
Fee: Set by the certifier (CA-NV AWWA lists $355 / $385)
Source: State Water Board cross-connection specialists

Good to know

California: under the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, testers must be certified by a state-recognized certifier from July 1, 2026, and certifiers must hold ANSI/ISO 17024 accreditation from July 1, 2027.
Florida has no state tester license. Each utility sets its own rules; many accept the UF TREEO course, which recertifies every 2 years.
Local rules can be stricter than the state. For example, Orange County, CA asks for 80% on its written exam and a refresher every 2 years.
Most programs use the USC Foundation Manual of Cross-Connection Control (10th edition) field test procedures.

Field test pass criteria

The common USC 10th edition rules. Your local procedure controls where it differs.

Assembly	Passes when
Reduced pressure principle (RP)	Check #1 at least 5.0 psid and above the relief opening point; relief valve opens at 2.0 psid or more; check #2 tight against backpressure.
Double check (DC)	Each check holds at least 1.0 psid.
Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB)	Check holds at least 1.0 psid; air inlet opens at 1.0 psid or more and opens fully.
Spill-resistant vacuum breaker (SVB)	Check holds at least 1.0 psid; air inlet opens at 1.0 psid or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the ASSE 5110 backflow tester exam?

The ASSE 5110 written exam has 100 questions and a 70% pass mark, plus a practical exam on RP, DC, PVB and SVB assemblies. Certification lasts 3 years.

What do I need to become a backflow tester in Texas?

TCEQ requires a high school diploma or GED, 2 years of experience and a 40-hour course, then a written and practical exam. The license fee is $111 and it renews every 3 years with 24 hours of continuing education.