Becoming a certified backflow tester in Idaho
Under IDAPA 24.05.01, a backflow assembly tester licence requires completing a board-approved training program and passing a practical exam using the USC test procedures or other board-approved procedures.
Getting certified in Idaho
DOPL's backflow assembly tester application asks whether the applicant has completed a 32-hour BAT certification course and passed the written exam (70% or higher) and the practical exam.
DOPL says that since July 17, 2023, applicants must take and pass their exam before submitting a licence application.
To renew, an Idaho backflow assembly tester must complete an 8-hour refresher course every two years, under IDAPA 24.05.01.
IDAPA 24.05.01 requires backflow assembly testers' continuing education to be in person and board-approved; remote courses do not count for testers.
DOPL says the Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals began moving to biennial (two-year) licensing on October 14, 2025.
Sources: Approved course plus a practical exam; 32-hour certification course; Pass the exam before applying
Who may test in Idaho
In Idaho, backflow assembly testers are licensed under IDAPA 24.05.01, the rules of the Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).
A 2011 joint memo from the Idaho State Fire Marshal and the Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals, hosted by DOPL, says testing a backflow assembly on an integrated fire sprinkler system needs a backflow assembly tester licence (Idaho Code 54-2402) and the person must also be a licensed fire sprinkler contractor or its agent (Idaho Code 41-254).
The City of Coeur d'Alene requires State of Idaho licensed backflow assembly testers to file a tester registration form with its Office of Cross Connection Control every year before testing in its service area.
Sources: Testers are licensed by the Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals; Fire sprinkler backflow work needs both licences; Coeur d'Alene: testers register with the city each year
Approved training courses
Idaho's Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals requires a 32-hour class before licensing and an 8-hour refresher every two years.
DOPL's training links page lists four backflow course providers. BAT & Supply notes that it provides ABPA tester certification and Idaho refresher training.
| Provider | City | Course | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Backflow Educators (HR2Inc) | Garden City, ID | BAT course provider | Not printed | dopl.idaho.gov |
| Idaho Rural Water Association | Boise, ID | BAT course provider | Not printed | dopl.idaho.gov |
| BAT & Supply (Backflow Assembly Testing & Supply LLC) | Tetonia, ID | Tester certification (ABPA) and Idaho refresher training | Not printed | dopl.idaho.gov |
| IAPMO Backflow Prevention Institute | Johns Island, SC | BAT course provider | Not printed | dopl.idaho.gov |
Sources: Idaho DOPL, Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals; Idaho DOPL, training and information links; Idaho DOPL, BAT course approval guidelines; IDAPA 24.05.01
Common questions
Who certifies backflow testers in Idaho?
Idaho's Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals (within DOPL) licenses backflow assembly testers after a board-approved course and a practical exam. Renewal needs an 8-hour refresher every two years.