Tennessee state context (TDEC): backflow testing rules

Who must test

• TDEC criteria make it the water purveyor's duty to see that assemblies are inspected and tested at least annually, or more often if the purveyor or TDEC requires. Source.

Notices and deadlines

• All backflow prevention assemblies should be tested at least every 12 months; the signed test report is kept in the water system's cross connection files. Source.

Tester registration

• The Basic or Renewal certificate plus annual test kit certification must be current and kept on file by the water provider for five years. Source.
• Testers must show proof of annual test kit certification from a manufacturer-approved entity. Source.
• TDEC lists additional approved training providers besides FTC, e.g. Backflow Control (Roger Crane, Potts Camp, MS). Source.

Approved testers

• Statewide lookup of certified testers on the TDEC dataviewers site (not fetched here; dataviewer is an interactive Oracle app). Source.

Program

• Official state page for the Tennessee certification program for testing backflow prevention assemblies, with class schedule, forms, approved test procedures and the Tennessee Cross Connection Manual. Source.

Also

• TDEC criteria say each public water supply develops an ongoing program to detect, eliminate and prevent cross-connections; the policy or ordinance and plan go to the TDEC Division of Water Supply for approval. Source.
• The water purveyor implements the program after TDEC approves the plan. Source.
• TDEC manual states the rules under the Tennessee Safe Drinking Water Act require each public water system to have a cross connection program (the rule text itself, 0400-45-01-.17, could not be fetched from the Secretary of State site). Source.
• The state certificate is earned by completing a state-approved Basic Cross-Connection Control training session, written exam and practical exam. Source.
• Renewal needs a state-approved Renewal training session and practical exam within three years of issuance; a one year grace period exists, but a tester in grace period may not be used. Source.
• Applies to testers whose certificate is in the one year renewal grace period or expired. Source.
• If the tester does not renew during the one year grace period. Source.
• Written and practical exams; successful students receive a Certificate of Competency in Testing and Evaluating Backflow Preventers; class dates and fees per the 2026 FTC schedule. Source.
• 12/02 to 12/04 and 12/16 to 12/18 listed at $335 per seat (2026 class dates table). Source.
• Practical exam renews the Certificate of Competency; prerequisite is a valid Tennessee certificate; certificates must be renewed every three years. Source.
• Valid Tennessee Certificate of Competency in Testing and Evaluation of Backflow Prevention. Source.

Read October 6, 2026. Program page: tn.gov.