0176 - Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Training and Certification
Course Description
- TREEO FDEP OCP: 04271039: CEUs: 3.8 DS DW WW
- FBPE Provider #: 0004021 30.0 CEH
- FBPR CILB (Construction) #: 0000995; Course #0003509; Hours 18.5 (includes BSP)
- Time: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. (Lunch is on your own)
- Approval for The Water Tower location only: CE-12-W-WW-0823-TWT-013126-0006
- PLEASE NOTE: Students are required to wear closed toe shoes when working in the lab areas.
Course coordinator: Marta Keilhauer mkeilhauer@treeo.ufl.edu
Phone: (352) 392-9570 or (352) 294-3878
Course Description
This five-day course provides guidelines for testing and inspecting backflow prevention assemblies in cross-connection control programs.
Recommendations:
- Complete assigned homework during the course.
- Study two hours each evening to prepare for exams.
Note: This course is for Tester Certification only. Certification is valid for two years, with a third year as a grace period. After three years, initial certification must be retaken.
For Repair Certification, take the Repair Certification and Maintenance Course.
Course Details:
- Daily breaks are scheduled. Lunch is on your own.
- Objective: Equip Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers to ensure drinking water protection.
- Meets American Backflow Prevention Association standards.
- Combines classroom instruction and hands-on lab work.
- Successful completion awards a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certificate.
- Attendance is mandatory for all. Must pass both written and practical exams with 70% or better for Certification to be awarded.
Certification and Accreditation:
- UF TREEO issues Certificates of Attendance and Completion.
- Endorsed by the Florida Section American Water Works Association (FSAWWA).
- TREEO Center does not issue backflow licenses since there is no State Exam.
Local Requirements:
- Check with local water purveyors and Authorities for additional requirements, such as being a licensed plumbing contractor, certified repair technician or Fire Sprinkler Technician.
Florida Statutes:
- Installers or repairers of backflow prevention assemblies must be state-licensed plumbing contractors.
- Specific statutes and requirements can be found in Florida Statutes CHAPTER 489 and CHAPTER 633.
Lodging:
- Discounted rates for Gainesville courses available at: https://treeo.ufl.edu/directions-lodging/
Cancellation/refund policy: Students who do not attend class and fail to notify the university department at least five business days before the course start date forfeit the full course registration fee. View the full refund/substitution policy here
Learner Outcomes
Upon completion, students should be able to:
- Explain basic hydraulics of backflow and distinguish between backpressure and backsiphonage.
- Describe different types of backflow prevention assemblies and their protection mechanisms.
- Demonstrate field test procedures for reduced pressure principle, double check valve, and pressure vacuum breaker assemblies.
Notes
Who should attend?
- Water and wastewater professionals, including irrigation specialists, landscapers, fire prevention personnel, maintenance staff, builders/developers, and plumbers.
Testimonials
"The course was informative about reasons for backflow."
"It was hands-on and the instructors were knowledgeable."