0176 - Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Training and Certification
Course Description
- TREEO FDEP OCP: 04251048: 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.
- Approval for The Water Tower location only: CE-12-W-WW-0823-TWT-013126-0006
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/
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."