PHCC Academy's Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification Course prepares you to test backflow assemblies in San Diego County. You get classroom instruction, hands-on practice on real assemblies, and a scheduled exam date when you finish. Your AWWA exam fee is included.
The next course date has not been set yet. Join the waitlist and you'll be one of the first to know when enrollment opens.
Backflow certification shows you are qualified to test the devices that keep dirty water from flowing back into the public water supply. These devices must be tested every year, and only a certified tester can do it.
Our course is built for licensed tradespeople who want to add testing to their work, and for new testers getting started.
Why certification matters now: As of July 2026, the California State Water Resources Control Board requires every backflow assembly tester in the state to be certified through a state-recognized program. By July 2027, those programs must also be ANSI accredited. This applies to testers in San Diego, too.
You do not need a plumbing contractor license. Most students already work in plumbing, HVAC, irrigation, or fire protection.
Have a C-36 or C-20 license? Add yearly backflow testing as repeat work.
Irrigation lines often have backflow assemblies. Certification lets you offer more services.
Sprinkler supply lines need yearly tests. Handle that work yourself instead of subcontracting it.
San Diego has many properties that need annual tests. Build a steady route of clients.
New to the trades? The hands-on part of this course is harder without a trade background. If you're just starting out, consider building that foundation first through our Academy programs.
The Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification Course covers everything you need to pass the exam and test assemblies in the field.
Classroom training split across multiple sessions, built around people who already work in the trades. Most students go from first class to certified tester in a few weeks.
Dates have not been announced yet. Join the waitlist to hear first when enrollment opens.
Offered by the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association. Widely accepted across San Diego County. This is the exam our course prepares you for.
The American Backflow Prevention Association is a national certifying body accepted by the City of San Diego and most county water authorities.
The American Society of Sanitary Engineers offers a tester certification that some San Diego jurisdictions accept.
Check your service area first. Rules vary by water authority, so confirm what yours accepts before you take an exam. The City of San Diego keeps an approved tester list through its Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program.
Email us to get on the list for the next course.
Finish 40 hours of classroom and hands-on training.
Take the AWWA exam on your scheduled date. The fee is covered.
Apply to be added to the City of San Diego or your water authority's approved tester list.
Homeowner or property manager? This page is for people training to become certified testers. If you need a backflow device tested or repaired, find a licensed PHCC member contractor near you.
Find a ContractorThe course is 40 hours of training split across multiple sessions. Most students go from their first class to being a certified tester in a few weeks.
The next course date has not been set yet. Email juri@phccsd.org to join the waitlist and you'll be one of the first to know when enrollment opens.
Your course cost includes the textbook, AWWA exam fees, a scheduled exam date when you finish, and help from PHCC staff registering with your water district.
No. You do not need a plumbing contractor license. Most students already work in plumbing, HVAC, irrigation, or fire protection. If you have no trade background, the hands-on part will be harder, so building trade experience first can help.
Yes. As of July 2026, California requires all backflow assembly testers to be certified through a state-recognized program. By July 2027, those programs must also be ANSI accredited.
AWWA, ABPA, and (in some jurisdictions) ASSE certifications are accepted in San Diego. Requirements vary by water authority, so check with yours before taking an exam. Our course prepares you for the AWWA exam.
You apply to be added to the City of San Diego's approved tester list, or the list for the water authority where you plan to work. PHCC staff will walk you through registering with your water district.
Yes. Use our Find a Contractor directory to find a licensed PHCC member contractor in San Diego County.
Enrollment for the next Backflow Certification Course hasn't opened yet. Join the waitlist and we'll let you know as soon as dates are set.
Join the WaitlistQuestions? Contact us, email academy@phccsd.org, or browse all Academy courses.
