Backflow Certification Blog

Summary

The Certifying Body is the organization that is responsible for officially certifying backflow testers. Typically, the certifying body will either be:

the State itself OR an approved 3rd Party organization (ABPA, ASSE, AWWA, NCBPA, etc)

For more relevant information regarding your specific State, check out our State Resources page here.

Background

The Certifying Body is the organization that is responsible for officially certifying backflow testers. It can vary from state to state. Because there are not specific requirements when it comes to Cross Connection Control Programs in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA-which is the primary Federal Law that ensures the quality of America’s drinking water), each State has developed and implemented their own set of rules and regulations for their Cross Connection Control Programs.

Because of this, the Backflow Certification process can vary from State to State. It can even vary from county to county or city to city in the same State!! In general, the certifying body will either be:

the State itself (you’ll have to complete a state approved training course first, then you might have to take a State Exam, depending on the State)

OR

an approved 3rd Party organization such as any of the following:

The American Backflow Prevention Association ABPA

The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)

American Water Works Association (AWWA)

The Northern California Backflow Prevention Association (NCBPA)

This may also include any other State Approved Training Course Provider (in some cases, you’ll be officially certified as a Backflow Tester after successfully completing a state approved course)

In either case, whether you live in a State where the State itself certifies Backflow Testers, or if you’re in a State that allows approved 3rd Parties to certify Backflow Testers- you will most likely have to take a state approved training course and then you may or may not have to take a State Exam, it depends on the state.

For more relevant information regarding your specific State, check out our State Resources page here.

Summary

Taking a Backflow Training Course (1-5 days) may cost more, and you’ll need to take time off during the week, but it is the fastest way to complete backflow training (one week).

Taking a backflow training class (3–5 months) will be more affordable and you’ll probably retain the information longer, but it will take more time to complete the training.

More Information

There’s a few different ways to get backflow training, and they each have their pros and cons. Here we’ll list the pros and cons of taking a Backflow Training course and the more traditional education route of a Backflow Tester Training Class. They may be called different things in different areas, but both of their purposes is to prepare you to earn your Backflow Certification.

Pros and cons are subjective, but see for yourself.

Backflow Tester Training Course:

1-5 Day Training-8 to 40 hours of hands on training and testing experience (in many cases you can take your actual Backflow Certification Exam right after the training ends) There will be lectures and a wet lab to practice testing backflow assemblies.

NOTE:

• 1-2 Day Training Courses are usually Refresher Trainings for Recertification
• Backflow Training Course Providers may provide a manual or textbook (or at least let you borrow one), and they will provide Field Test Kits including tools

Pros:

• Speed- This is the fastest way to get training to get your Backflow Certification (you could get it in one week)
• Depending on the Training Provider, you may be able to take your Backflow Certification Exam at the end of the course

Cons:

• Cost- These courses will cost on average between $200 (for refresher courses) to $750 (for 4-5 Day courses). NOTE- these are average numbers, some Training Providers may charge more
• Time- These courses are usually during the week and sometimes on Saturday for the Backflow Certification Exam, so you’ll need to take time off during the week
• Information Retention- Because the information is condensed into 1-5 days, it may be harder to retain the information over time (Depends on the person though)

Backflow Tester Training Class:

4-5 months of class. Typically they are offered by colleges and universities and are like a traditional classroom setting. There will be lectures and a wet lab to practice testing backflow assemblies. There will also be homework, quizzes and tests. You will have to meet at least 1 time per week at a training location.

Pros:

• Cost-it may cost under $200 to sign up for the class (although you may have to buy your own manual or textbook (may cost between $85 and $170))
• Information retention: Because there is a longer time period to review and study material, you may retain the information better.
• Depending on the Training Provider, you may be able to take your Backflow Certification Exam at the end of the course

Cons:

• Speed – it will take longer to complete Backflow Training if you take a class at a traditional college/university

Conclusion

You’ll have to decide which option is better for your situation.

Do you need your Backflow Certification ASAP?

Do you need a more affordable option?

Do you need to really learn the material and remember it for a while?

Remember that the pros and cons listed here are subjective, and one option may be better for you based on your current situation.

In general, if you need or want to get your Backflow Certification ASAP, taking a 1-5 Day Backflow Certification Course will be your better option.

In case there is Backflow Incident, here are some Incident Response steps to take, following the guidelines of the USC Manual of Cross-Connection 10th Edition, which can also be found in Chapter 4 (Page 99) of the manual.

Reminder: Backflow Incidents can only occur when the following three conditions are met:

1. There is a cross-connection (direct or indirect)

2. There is some degree of hazard (pollutant or contaminant)

3. There is a hydraulic condition (backpressure or backsiphonage)

Summary

1. Identify the source of backflow. Water quality complaints may be the first sign of a backflow incident. Follow up as soon as possible and look for any cross-connections.
2. Isolate the source of backflow. Isolate the backflow source as soon as it is identified. Take water samples from the immediate area, the surrounding area, and possibly the wider distribution system. Label them appropriately.
3. Determine the extent of the incident. Find out whether the problem is within the customer’s water system or the distribution system. If the source is the customer’s water system, their service connection may need to be shut off. If the issue is in the distribution system, the affected area may need to be isolated.
4. Notify affected customers. Customers affected by the backflow incident should be notified not to use the water until the system is decontaminated.
5. Decontaminate the affected area. The system should be decontaminated through adequate flushing and any additional required procedures.
6. Provide backflow protection. The source of the backflow should be eliminated or protected with the appropriate backflow prevention method, possibly at the service connection as well.
7. Document the incident. Prepare a detailed backflow incident report as soon as possible to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

More Detail

1. Identify the Source of Backflow

First there will be water quality complaints. Investigate them ASAP.

Water quality complaints may be the first indication or warning of a backflow incident., so they should be followed up ASAP. Try to identify the cause of the water complaint. If the cause of the water quality complaint is the result of a cross connection, and therefore a backflow incident, then start the following response plan ASAP.

2. Isolate the Source of Backflow

Isolate the backflow source as soon as it is identified.

Take water samples from the immediate area thought to be the source of backflow, from around the entire facility/property, and from the water supplier’s distribution system to assess the extent of the contamination. The water samples should be taken before any on-site or system flushing is performed.

3. Extent of Incident

Is the problem within the customer’s water system or is it coming from the distribution system?

If the backflow source is traced back to the customer’s water system, then their service connection may need to be turned off to prevent contamination from entering the public water supply.

If the backflow source is traced back to the customer’s internal plumbing system, let them know so they can fix it as soon as they can.

If the backflow source is traced back to the distribution system, or contamination has entered into the distribution system, then there will need to be additional water samples taken from the wider distribution system. If the distribution system is the source of the backflow, then that section of the distribution system will have to be isolated. Once contamination has entered the distribution system-or public water supply- then some or all customers dependant on the public water supply can be affected.

4. Notification

The customers affected by the backflow incident should be notified not to use the water until the system is contaminated.

If the backflow incident is limited to one facility, then notify the occupants/employees not to use the water until the system if decontaminated.

If the backflow incident has contaminated the distribution system, then notify the public not to use the water until the system is decontaminated.

5. Decontamination

The affected area will be decontaminated via adequate flushing and following protocols for the proper decontamination of the system. If the backflow incident has only affected a customer’s water system, then the local health agency will have to be responsible for ensuring the internal plumbing system is decontaminated properly. If the distribution system has been contaminated then the administrative authority will have to handle the distribution system decontamination.

If both customers internal plumbing and the distribution system have been contaminated then the administrative authority and the local health agency will have to do their parts.

6. Backflow Protection

If a specific cross connection is found to be the source of backflow, then the cross connection has to be eliminated or appropriate backflow protection should be required to prevent another backflow incident. The water purveyor may require backflow protection at the service connection as well.

7. Documentation

Document the backflow incident in a detailed backflow incident report as soon as you can to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Other Resources on How to Respond to a Backflow Incident:

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: A Public Water System Guide to Responding to a Backflow Incident

https://www.hactexas.com/assets/custom/images/Yr-2009-RG-476-TCEQ-Emergency-Response.pdf

Washington State Department of Health: Environmental Public Health Office of Drinking Water

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/331-494.pdf

Summary

1. Know that lots of other people have passed their backflow certification exams, and so can you. Mindset is important, but preparation matters too.
2. Prepare for your backflow certification exam by studying regularly and learning the rules of the exam. Take breaks during study sessions so you do not burn out.
3. Prepare everything you will need for the exam ahead of time, including your materials, driving route, and arrival time.
4. Take your time during the exam. Do not rush, and use the time you are given.
5. Read the rules for the hands-on section of the exam and know what to expect beforehand.

More Detail:

You could argue that test-taking is a skill, and as such, you have to prepare to be good at it. Repetition definitely helps. Before I got my ABPA and AWWA Backflow Certifications I had to put in work. A lot of work.

I was feeling stressed about my Backflow Certification Exam. I had heard stories of people failing them- of hearing “You have erred in your procedure” and freezing up after. I was overwhelmed by what seemed like so many steps to remember in the beginning. Then there were multiple failure scenarios to also memorize. On top of that, some of the terminology seemed confusing to me, like the responsibilities of the administrative authority, the health agency etc. I didn’t know if I would pass my exam.

I’m not sure what your test experiences are, but I know the better prepared I am for the test ahead of time, the more comfortable and usually the better I do.

So here are some tips you can use to help you ace your Backflow Certification exam!

Know that other people like you have passed their Backflow Certification Exams, and so can you

I firmly believe that the proper mindset for an exam can help you succeed and pass it, even if you feel nervous or stressed going into the exam.

A lot of the time, I see most blue collar workers like us be cool and totally fine in our environment until we get tested such as during a sit down exam. Then we start sweating and suddenly our confidence can go out the window. Some of us get flashbacks to doing bad in school back in the day and then we behave as if we were still that bad test taker we used to be! I say that not to scare you, but just to make you aware if that used to be you, you don’t have to continue the pattern of getting nervous whenever it’s time to take a test or exam.

You can change how you approach a test. You can put in the work before the test so you feel more comfortable and confident going into the exam. You can set a consistent block of time, with some scheduled breaks, so you can study daily.

2. Know what the Backflow Certification Exam will look like

For the most part, your Backflow Certification Exam will consist of 2 parts.

Part 1 – Written, multiple choice section

(up to 100 questions covering everything from Hydraulic and Backflow Principles, Theory of Backflow and Cross Connections, Codes and Regulations, Agency Responsibilities , Mechanical Equipment and Maintenance and Reporting.)

It sounds like a lot, but any approved school will go over all of this material and you will be more than ready to pass your Backflow Certification Exam, just remember to study the material!!

Part 2 – Hands On/Performance Section

Here you will demonstrate the field test procedures to a proctor and diagnose if a backflow assembly is working properly or if there is a malfunction.

You’ll be able to practice diagnosing backflows during your training.

Look at the Operations & Procedure Manual from the Certifying Body (ABPA, ASSE, AWWA, NCBPA, UF TREEO etc.), it will usually tell you what to expect on the Exam. For example, for the ABPA and AWWA Backflow Certification Exam there can only be 1 malfunctioning component on the backflow assemblies during the Hands On/Performance portion- learning that cut down my stress a lot because then I didn’t have to memorize as much info as I thought I did. (Note-the backflow assemblies may inadvertently have more than 1 malfunctioning component during the test, and you’ll need to be able to diagnose it if it does happen.)

3. Get to the Exam location early!

Check with your instructor what you will need for the exam and make sure you have everything before the test day! You may need a #2 pencil, at least 1 form of ID, your test Appointment Letter/Email and maybe a field test kit-don’t forget hoses, screwdrivers, a bleed off valve and a sight tube!

Set everything you will need for your test aside, or better yet-put it in your vehicle or backpack the night before so you don’t have to worry about it or rush to find everything right before the test. Also, plan your route and how long it will take to reach the exam location before the actual test day. We want to keep your stress levels low to non-existent the morning of your test!

I’d recommend getting there 15-30 minutes early. You don’t want to be running late the day of your test. The morning of my Backflow Certification Exams I didn’t do any studying at all. I didn’t even look at my notes. Instead I just made sure I had a good morning and a good breakfast. I tried to stay calm and relaxed, and honestly I played a video I found on YouTube of Test Affirmations during the car ride there. I would say it helped keep me calm.

4. Use your time wisely

When I took my ABPA and AWWA Backflow Certification Exams I had 3 hours to complete the test. I took my time with it.

If there was a question I was unsure of, I would read it again to try to understand what it was asking, and try to pick the best answer. Usually on a multiple choice question at least 1 of the answers wont make sense, so you know that can’t be it, and sometimes there will be two answers like that. If I was still unsure about the answer, I would skip it. After I had gone through the test and answered everything I had skipped, I would use the remaining time to go over my answers. I would re-read the questions to double-check my work. This may be overkill, but I didn’t want to fail and have to reschedule my exam!

Sometimes you can use other questions in the test to help you answer a question.

Sometimes you’ll see a multiple choice answer in another problem and that might help you determine that it’s a legit answer, instead of an answer that may only come up once during the whole test.

Some questions will overlap or seem very similar.

If you see a True or False, statement question, circle the true or false so you remember what you are looking for.

5. Hands On/Performance Section Tips

For my ABPA and AWWA Backflow Certification Exam I had 1 hour to complete the hands on portion of the test, where I had to diagnose and test:

Double Check Valve Assembly

Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly

Pressure Vacuum Breaker

Spill-Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker

That gives you about 15 minutes to test every device if needed. Take your time! You do not get graded on how fast you go, you get graded on the successful diagnosis of the backflow prevention assembly! Is it working properly or is something malfunctioning, and if so, what is it?

For the ABPA and AWWA Backflow Certification Exams I used the USC’s Manual of Cross-Connection 10th Edition Test Procedures, so they were only allowed to fail one component of the devices, which made it a lot easier for me as a tester. That meant there was less to memorize for me, but I still had to be ready to recognize if there were more than 1 failure.

You can test them in any order you want. I tested in the order of how many hoses I used, so I started with the PVB, then the SVB, then the DC and finally the RP.

More Study Tips

ABPA Tester Certification Manual

Ten Top Tips for Exams (SOAS University)

Exam Techniques Guide (University of Sheffield)

Ten Study Tips for Exam Preparation

How to Have Productive Study Breaks

AWWA Study Tactics for Water System Operators (PDF)