Becoming a certified backflow tester in California

Getting certified in California

CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(2): proctors must themselves be certified testers and may not grade someone they trained in the prior six months.

CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(3).

CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(6) and (7): required before initial certification; a certifying organization may accept two years of prior testing experience instead.

CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(1)(B)(3) lists this as an exam subject. The CCCPH text read does not set a separate gauge calibration rule for testers.

DDW list dated August 26, 2026: ABPA, ASSE 5110 and CA-NV AWWA tester certifications are SWRCB recognized for 7/1/2026 to 7/1/2027; CA-NV AWWA already holds ANSI (ANAB) 17024 accreditation; NCBPA did not apply and is not recognized.

State Water Board FAQ (June 27, 2025).

CCCPH 3.4.1(e): accepting a tester certified by a local health agency does not relieve the water system of the state requirements. Water systems may also refuse a tester they believe is not proficient (3.4.1(f)).

Sources: Written exam of at least 100 questions; 50 for recertification; State Water Board list of recognized tester certifications; ANSI accreditation of certifying organizations is required from July 1, 2027