How to Become a Certified Backflow Tester in California (2026 Rules)
California backflow tester certification under the 2026 CCCPH: training, written and hands-on exams, recertification, and recognized organizations.
Short answer: To test backflow assemblies in California, you need a valid backflow prevention assembly tester certification from an organization the State Water Board recognizes. Under the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) section 3.4.1, that certification requires a training course of at least 30 hours over at least four days (or two years of prior testing experience), a closed-book written exam of at least 100 questions, a hands-on performance exam on RP, DC, PVB, and SVB assemblies, and recertification at least every three years. From July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027, the State Water Board accepts certifications from ABPA, ASSE (5110), and CA-NV AWWA; after July 1, 2027, only ANSI-accredited certifications count, and as of the Board’s August 26, 2026 list, only CA-NV AWWA’s is accredited.
These rules took effect July 1, 2026 (CCCPH 3.4.1(g)), so many older guides are out of date. This guide explains the requirements, the recognized organizations, and the steps to get certified.
Why certification matters
Every backflow prevention assembly that protects a California public water system must be field tested by a certified tester (CCCPH 3.3.3(a)). Water systems must ensure each tester they rely on holds valid certification from a certifying organization recognized by the State Water Board (CCCPH 3.4.1(a)). The California Plumbing Code also requires testing “by a certified backflow assembly tester” (CPC 603.4.2).
A plumbing or contractor license does not replace this certification. Certification is what qualifies a person to perform the test. Our guide to backflow testing in California explains the testing rules from the property owner’s side.
What the CCCPH requires of a tester certification
The CCCPH does not certify testers itself. Instead, it sets the minimum standards a certifying organization’s program must meet (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)). Any recognized certification you earn will include at least these elements:
| Requirement | What the CCCPH sets as the minimum | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Training course | At least 30 hours over at least four days, covering the exam subjects, before initial certification or recertification after revocation | 3.4.1(b)(6) |
| Experience alternative | Two years of prior backflow assembly testing experience may be accepted in place of the course | 3.4.1(b)(7) |
| Written exam | Timed, proctored, closed-book, at least 100 questions for initial certification and at least 50 for recertification | 3.4.1(b)(1) |
| Performance exam | Hands-on, closed-book, on RP, DC, PVB, and SVB assemblies that are working or failing | 3.4.1(b)(2) |
| Recertification | At least every three years, with both a written and a performance exam | 3.4.1(b)(3) |
| Revocation | Certification can be revoked, including for falsifying test results or reports | 3.4.1(b)(4) |
| Public list | The organization publishes a website list of current testers and of revocations in the past three years | 3.4.1(b)(5) |
What the written exam covers
The written exam must show knowledge of (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(1)(B)):
- The hydraulics and theory of backflow.
- California’s laws, regulations, and requirements on cross-connection control.
- Types of test equipment, and the need to verify accuracy at least annually.
- Field test procedures for the RP, RPDA, RPDA-II, DC, DCDA, DCDA-II, PVB, and SVB, using the USC Manual of Cross-Connection Control, Tenth Edition, or an equivalent.
- Identifying improperly functioning assemblies (diagnostics and troubleshooting).
- Recordkeeping and safety.
Computerized exams are allowed (CCCPH 3.4.1, footnote 6).
What the hands-on exam covers
The performance exam must show you can accurately determine the operating condition of an RP, DC, PVB, and SVB, whether working properly or not, including assemblies with leaking shutoff valves and failed check valves, air inlet valves, or relief valves (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(2)). The rules are strict:
- Proctors must themselves be certified testers, evaluate one examinee at a time, and give no help (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(2)(A)).
- A proctor may only tell you that you erred after you finish a test, not what the error was.
- A proctor may not evaluate someone they trained in the prior six months.
- You fail if you make a procedure or recording error that could affect the result, are told you erred, start again, and err a second time (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(2)(B)).
If you are new to the assemblies themselves, start with our guides to types of backflow preventers, the RPZ, and the double check valve assembly.
Which certifying organizations does California recognize?
The State Water Board publishes a list of tester certifying organizations. Its list dated August 26, 2026 shows:
| Organization | Accepted July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027 (SWRCB recognized) | Accepted after July 1, 2027 (ANSI accredited) |
|---|---|---|
| ABPA | Yes | In process |
| ASSE 5110 | Yes | In process |
| CA-NV AWWA | Yes | Yes. ANSI (ANAB) 17024 accreditation granted June 2023 |
| NCBPA | No | Unknown |
Source: State Water Board, Backflow Assembly Tester Certifications, Recognized and Accredited. The list notes that NCBPA did not apply to be recognized. It also notes that counties, cities, or other authorities may have additional requirements for testers within their boundaries.
The July 1, 2027 accreditation deadline
The CCCPH treats an organization accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), or by a body with a mutual recognition arrangement with ANAB, to ISO/IEC 17024 as recognized. Beginning three years after the CCCPH’s effective date, only certifications from such accredited organizations will satisfy the requirement, and certifications from organizations recognized only through the State Water Board application process will be invalid (CCCPH 3.4.1(c) and (d)). The State Water Board’s certification page states that, effective July 1, 2027, only certifying organizations accredited by ANSI under ISO/IEC 17024 may be used (State Water Board).
What this means for you: If you are choosing a program today, check the State Water Board’s current list. A certification that is accepted now from an organization still “in process” will stop counting after July 1, 2027, unless that organization becomes accredited.
Local rules can be stricter
The CCCPH allows local health agencies to keep their own tester certification programs (CCCPH 3.4.1(e)), and it lets a water system refuse a certified tester it believes is not proficient or for reasons such as fraud or negligence (CCCPH 3.4.1(f)). Some water systems also name the certification they accept. For example, Ventura County Waterworks Districts 1, 17, 19, and 38 state that testing must be performed by an AWWA certified tester, who must enroll in SwiftComply to submit results (Ventura County Public Works). Always check the requirements of each water supplier you plan to work for.
Steps to become a certified backflow tester
- Pick a recognized certifying organization. Check the State Water Board’s current list and the requirements of the water systems where you want to work.
- Complete a qualifying training course, at least 30 hours over at least four days, accepted by the certifying organization. The course does not have to come from the certifying organization itself (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(6), footnote 7). Two years of prior testing experience can be accepted instead (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(7)).
- Apply for the exam. For example, CA-NV AWWA’s 2026 application lists a non-refundable fee of $355 for AWWA members and $385 for non-members, requires a current job description, and must reach the Section office 20 calendar days before the requested exam date (CA-NV AWWA 2026 BPAT application).
- Pass the written exam. CA-NV AWWA delivers the written portion by computer at a separate testing location.
- Pass the hands-on performance exam on the RP, DC, PVB, and SVB.
- Get your test kit verified. Testers must understand the need to verify test equipment accuracy at least annually (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(1)(B)(3)), and the California Plumbing Code requires field test kits to comply with ASSE 1064 (CPC 603.4.2).
- Register with each water system you will test for, if it requires it, and learn how it accepts reports.
- Recertify at least every three years, with both a written and a performance exam (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(3)).
Tester vs. cross-connection control specialist
The CCCPH also creates a second certification: the cross-connection control specialist, who reviews or conducts hazard assessments for water systems (CCCPH 3.2.1(h)). Initial specialist certification generally requires a valid tester certification plus a training course of at least 30 hours over at least five days covering the subjects in Appendix E, with alternatives allowed by the certifying organization (CCCPH 3.4.2(b)(5)). Water systems with 3,000 or more service connections must have at least one specialist on staff or under contract (CCCPH 3.1.3(c)). Learn more on our cross-connection control programs page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get backflow certified in California? Complete a qualifying training course of at least 30 hours over four days (or show two years of testing experience), then pass a written exam and a hands-on exam from a State Water Board recognized certifying organization (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)).
Which backflow certifications does California accept? Until July 1, 2027, the State Water Board accepts ABPA, ASSE 5110, and CA-NV AWWA certifications. After July 1, 2027, only ANSI-accredited certifications count. As of the Board’s August 26, 2026 list, CA-NV AWWA is accredited and ABPA and ASSE are in process.
How long is backflow tester certification good for? Recertification is required at least every three years and must include both a written and a performance exam (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(3)).
Do I need a plumbing license to test backflow? The CCCPH requires a valid tester certification to perform the field test. Repairs and installation may be subject to separate local licensing and permitting rules.
How long is the backflow tester training course? At least 30 hours over no fewer than four days under the CCCPH minimum (CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(6)). Individual programs may require more.
How much does backflow certification cost? It varies by organization. CA-NV AWWA’s 2026 tester exam application lists a non-refundable fee of $355 for members and $385 for non-members. Training course costs are separate.
Can a water system reject a certified tester? Yes. A water system may disallow an individual certified tester if it believes the tester is not proficient, or for reasons such as fraud, deceit, negligence, or misconduct (CCCPH 3.4.1(f)).
Last reviewed: October 30, 2026.
Sources
- State Water Board, Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, April 2026 revision (PDF): sections 3.1.3, 3.2.1, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, and 3.4.2
- State Water Board, Backflow Assembly Tester Certifications, Recognized and Accredited (PDF, August 26, 2026)
- State Water Board, Backflow Tester and Cross-Connection Control Specialists Certification
- CA-NV Section AWWA, 2026 Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification exam application (PDF)
- IAPMO, 2025 California Plumbing Code (read-only edition): section 603.4.2
- Ventura County Public Works, Cross-connection and backflow
Need certified testers for your water system or property? Call (805) 991-7333 or request a review.