As part of a multi-barrier approach to safeguarding public health and our drinking water, the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) offers backflow assembly tester certification.
See below for information on:
Students and/or working professionals from a variety of professions and trades are encouraged to take the backflow assembly tester certification course.
Follow these steps to become a tester:
If you score below 75% on either component, you can retake one or both components of the exam at least thirty (30) days after your last attempt. If you do not pass both components of the exam by the second attempt, you must take the backflow assembly tester certification course again. Once you have completed the course, you will be able to retake the full backflow assembly tester certification exam.
Renew every year
To remain an active backflow assembly tester, you must renew your BCWWA cross connection control (CCC) membership before the "certificate/membership expiry date" listed on your tester certificate/wallet card and your BCWWA online account.
Renew your BCWWA CCC membership online now and learn more about the valuable professional benefits included with your annual BCWWA CCC certificate and membership renewal fee.
Although you are no longer required to submit a copy of a valid test gauge calibration report to the BCWWA along with your renewal form, it is recommended that you calibrate your gauge on an annual basis in order to maintain the accuracy of the backflow assembly tests you perform. For a list of companies that calibrate backflow test gauges, visit the resources page.
Recertify every five years
Every five (5) years, before your recertification due date, you must register for and pass a recertification exam to renew your backflow assembly tester accreditation.
OPTION A - Complete the backflow assembly tester certification course exam.
Note: If you pass the recertification exam, a one-year BCWWA membership is automatically provided to you at no additional cost.
OPTION B – Challenge the backflow assembly tester recertification exam.
Note: If you pass the recertification exam, a one-year BCWWA membership is automatically provided to you at no additional cost.
If you allow your BCWWA cross connection control (CCC) certificate or membership to lapse for more than one (1) year, you will be required to challenge the full backflow assembly tester certification exam to become an active tester again.
Note: You are not required to take a backflow assembly tester certification course from a BCWWA-accredited training institution prior to taking this exam, but it is recommended. If you pass the certification exam, a one-year BCWWA membership is automatically provided to you at no additional cost.
As the BCWWA is a participating Canadian section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the BCWWA CCC membership & certification is recognized through national reciprocity. If you hold a current tester certificate issued by a participating Canadian section of AWWA, you are permitted to transfer your certification/registration to other participating Canadian sections if you change your primary place of residence to another section’s area of representation. You will need to apply to the new section in which you are residing and pay any required fees established by that section.