Frequently Asked Questions About Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing and Certification

Section

Changes To The Certification Program

1. Why is New York State changing the backflow tester certification program?

To accommodate the revisions to the Public Health Law, specifically Subdivisions 9 and 10 of Section 225, the New York State Department of Health's (Department) Bureau of Water Supply Protection will discontinue the issuance of backflow tester certifications. Department-approved training providers (training providers) have been designated as the entity that will issue certification of backflow course completion.

2. When do the revisions to the program take effect?

After March 1, 2011, the training providers will be issuing initial certifications (i.e. certifications of course completion.) After April 30, 2011, the training providers will be issuing the renewal certifications (i.e. certifications of course completion) and the Department will no longer be issuing certifications.

3. Who will be issuing the backflow tester certifications?

After March 1, 2011, the training providers will be issuing initial certifications (i.e. certifications of course completion.) After April 30, 2011, the training providers will be issuing the renewal certifications (i.e. certifications of course completion) and the Department will no longer be issuing certifications.

4. How were testers notified of the changes to the certification program?

Testers were sent letters notifying them of the changes to the program. If a tester did not receive a letter, the tester can contact the Department at 1-800-458-1158 for a copy or via e-mail at h2ocert@health.state.ny.us.

5. Where can I find a list of Department-approved training providers?

The list of Department-approved training providers can be found on the Department's Cross-Connection Control Program website.

Backflow Tester Certification

6. How do I become certified to test backflow prevention assemblies?

You must satisfactorily complete a New York State approved initial certification course from an approved training provider. Upon successful completion of the course, the training provider will issue a certification of course completion at the end of the course (Note: processing of the certification of course completion takes about a month.)

Certification Procedures, the List of Department-Approved Training Providers, and the List of Certified Testers can be found on the Department's Cross-Connection Control Program website.

7. How long is the backflow tester certification good for?

Three years, unless otherwise suspended or revoked.

8. How do I renew my certification?

To maintain backflow tester certification, you must complete and pass a New York State approved renewal training course from an approved training provider.

Upon successful completion of the renewal training course, the training provider will issue the renewal of certification of course completion. (Note: processing of the certification takes up to a month.)

Example: If a tester has a certification expiration date of 06/30/2011 and the tester completes and is issued a certification of course completion on 05/05/2011, then the new certification expiration date will be 06/30/2014.

9. Will I get a renewal reminder letter?

No. It is the tester's responsibility to update his/her certification. Once the renewal/recertification requirement has been successfully completed, your name, contact and expiration date information will then be updated on the Department's website (i.e. List of New York State Backflow Testers).

Note: Please contact the Department or the training provider who issued the certificate if your address or contact information changes.

See question #6 for additional information.

10. How much do the backflow initial certification and renewal courses cost?

The Department does not prescribe the cost for the training courses. Contact the training providers to obtain this information.

11. When does my certification expire?

Three years, unless otherwise suspended or revoked.

The certification expiration date will be listed on the certificate. If the certification documentation has been lost you can:

12. How do I know if my certification has been issued/renewed?

The tester can do the following:

13. What if my certification expires?

You cannot test any backflow prevention assemblies until you are re-certified.

If your certificate has been expired for less than one year, you must take a renewal training course from an approved training provider. Follow the directions in question #8, "How do I renew my certification?"

Upon successful completion of the renewal course, your certification will be reinstated with a renewal period starting upon issuance of the certification and ending on the date of the fixed three year renewal cycle. The resulting renewal period will be less than three years.

Example: If the tester has a certification expiration date of 01/31/2011 and the tester completes and is issued a certification of course completion on 06/05/2011, then the new certification expiration date will be 01/31/2014.

14. What if my certificate has been expired for more than one year?

You cannot test any backflow prevention assemblies until you are re-certified.

You must take the 32-hour initial certification course to qualify for recertification. Follow the directions in question# 6, "How do I become certified to test backflow prevention assemblies?"

15. What happens if I lose my certification documentation?

If the certification documentation has been lost you can:

  • contact the training provider who issued the certificate or
  • contact the Department at 1-800-458-1158 or e-mail at h2ocert@health.state.ny.us

Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies

16. What assemblies are approved for containment?

The assemblies that are acceptable for containment in New York State can be found in the document, "Approved Backflow Prevention Devices: Fact Sheet".

17. What test forms are approved to complete a report on test and maintenance of backflow prevention assembly?

The Department's form is DOH-1013 - Report on Test and Maintenance of Backflow Prevention Device. There are also forms that have been approved by the Department, (i.e. New York City GEN 215B form).

18. After I conduct a test who needs to get a copy of the form?

The original goes to the property owner, another copy goes to the water supplier, and the designated local health department, and a copy for yourself (the tester's file). The form has to be submitted to the above listed parties within 30 days of the completed test.

19. What do I do if a backflow assembly fails a test?

Notify the owner and water supplier immediately if the assembly fails a test and repairs cannot immediately be made. It is also recommended that you contact your local health department. (See question #20 for local health department information.)

20. Where can I get the contact information for my local health department?

The Department of Health's web site provides information on your local health department.

21. What is the regulation that requires cross-connection control?

10 NYCRR Section 5-1.31. Also, the local county, city, town or village may have their own ordinances and/or plumbing code.

22. Can I get a list of certified testers in specified counties?

Yes. You can get the information on the Department's website, Certified Backflow Testers - County Listing

23. Can I get a list of certified testers with the specific information, such as work telephone number and work address information?

Yes. Please contact the Department at 1-800-458-1158 or e-mail at h2ocert@health.state.ny.us.