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TESTER CERTIFICATION

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.

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HOW TO BECOME A BCWWA CERTIFIED BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY TESTER

Students and/or working professionals from a variety of professions and trades are encouraged to take the backflow assembly tester certification course. Courses to prepare students for the backflow assembly tester certification exam are offered by training institutions accredited by the BCWWA.

Follow these steps to become a tester:
  1. Find a BCWWA-accredited training institution and register for a backflow assembly tester certification course.
  2. Find a BCWWA backflow assembly tester certification exam and register online.
  3. Complete the course and exam, with a minimum passing score of 75% on both the written and practical components (must test all three (3) devices) of the exam. A tester certificate/wallet card will be issued by the BCWWA after passing the exam.
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 and no later than one (1) year 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.


HOW TO MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY TESTER CERTIFICATION

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.

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.

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.

Recertify every five (5) 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. The recertification examination includes 50 questions and tests three (3) backflow devices.

OPTION A - Complete the backflow assembly tester recertification course and exam

  1. Find a BCWWA-accredited training institution and register for a backflow assembly tester recertification course.
  2. Find a BCWWA backflow assembly tester recertification exam and register online.
  3. Review the most current version of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Canadian Cross Connection Control Manual. Order your manual now!
  4. Complete the course and exam, with a minimum passing score of 75% on both the written and practical components (must test all three (3) devices) of the exam. A new tester certificate/wallet card will be issued by the BCWWA, once you have passed the 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

  1. Find a BCWWA backflow assembly tester recertification exam.
  2. Contact the BCWWA-accredited training institution hosting the recertification exam to confirm seat availability.
  3. Register for the BCWWA backflow assembly tester recertification exam online.
  4. Review the most current version of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Canadian Cross Connection Control Manual. Order your manual now!
  5. Complete the exam, with a minimum passing score of 75% on both the written and practical components of the exam. A new tester certificate/wallet card will be issued by the BCWWA, once you have passed the exam.

Note: If you pass the recertification exam, a one-year BCWWA membership is automatically provided to you at no additional cost.


WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CERTIFICATE OR MEMBERSHIP HAS EXPIRED

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.

  1. Find a BCWWA backflow assembly tester certification exam.
  2. Contact the BCWWA-accredited training institution hosting the certification exam to confirm seat availability.
  3. Register for the BCWWA backflow assembly tester certification exam online.
  4. Review the most current version of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Canadian Cross Connection Control Manual. Order your manual now!
  5. Complete the exam, with a minimum passing score of 75% on both the written and practical components (must test all three (3) devices) of the exam. 

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.


NATIONAL RECIPROCITY OF CERTIFICATION

As the BCWWA is a participating Canadian section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the BCWWA CCC membership and 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.