Becoming a certified backflow tester in New York
10 NYCRR 5-1.31(b)(1): initial and renewal certifications are issued by a Department of Health approved entity once the applicant completes a Department approved backflow tester training course. In practice the approved training provider issues a certification of course completion.
Getting certified in New York
The Department of Health FAQ: complete a New York State approved initial certification course from an approved training provider; the provider issues the certificate (processing takes about a month). The Department lists approved providers and does not set course prices.
10 NYCRR 5-1.31(b)(1). The expiration date is printed on the certificate and shown on the Department's tester list.
Department of Health certification procedures: renew by passing a renewal course from an approved training provider before the expiration date, starting at least three months early. A tester lapsed under one year takes the renewal course; lapsed over one year must repeat the initial course. No reminder letter is sent.
Department of Health certification procedures: there is no reciprocity, so a tester certified elsewhere must complete a New York approved course.
Sources: Certification is issued by a Department approved entity after an approved course; To become certified, pass a state approved initial course from an approved provider; Renew by taking an approved renewal course before the certificate expires
Who may test in New York
10 NYCRR 5-1.31(f): everyone who tests protective devices must hold a certification under subdivision (b) of the rule. A tester whose certification has lapsed may not test until it is renewed.
Source: Only a certified backflow prevention device tester may test
Approved training courses
New York requires an initial certification course from a training provider approved by the Department of Health. The Department lists 12 approved providers with their upcoming initial and renewal course dates.
Certification is valid for three years, and you renew by passing a renewal course before it expires. New York has no reciprocity with any other state.
| Provider | City | Course | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Backflow Certification of NY LLC | New Hyde Park, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| Cross Connection Control Bureau, City of New York UA Plumbers Local 1 Training Center | Long Island City, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| Cross Connection Control Foundation of the Niagara Frontier | Webster, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| DST-NY | Copiague, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| Krugers Training Academy | New York, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| New England Water Works Association | Holliston, MA | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| NYS Backflow Testers Association | White Plains, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| Skybridge Restoration Inc. | Queens, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| Southern Tier Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention School | Binghamton, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| Specialty Pipeline Services | LaGrange, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| Westchester Backflow Prevention School | Peekskill, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
| Z3 Consultants, Inc. | Poughkeepsie, NY | NYSDOH approved tester certification courses | Not printed | healthweb-back.health.ny.gov |
Sources: NYSDOH, approved backflow tester certification courses (revised July 2026); NYSDOH backflow FAQ; 10 NYCRR 5-1.31; NYSDOH certification procedures
Common questions
Who certifies backflow testers in New York?
A New York State Department of Health approved training provider issues the certification after you complete an approved course. It lasts three years, and New York has no reciprocity with other states.