Overview of the Statewide Backflow-Prevention Tester Certification
Effective October 1, 2001, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) implemented a requirement that any public water system, which has been required by EPD to develop and implement a backflow prevention program, must use only backflow prevention assembly testers that currently hold a valid certification from a tester certification program recognized by EPD to test backflow prevention devices connected to said public water system.Approved Certification Programs currently accepted by the GA EPD
- Georgia Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers Certifications
- American Backflow Prevention Association Certifications
- American Society of Sanitary Engineering Certifications
- University of Florida / TREEO Center Certifications
The Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) has been designated and is working under contract to assist EPD in administering this Statewide Backflow-Prevention Tester Certification Program. GAWP utilizes exams provided by the Association of Boards of Certification. In addition to the Georgia Program, the American Backflow Prevention Association, the American Society of Sanitary Engineering, and the University of Florida/TREEO Center have also been approved as official certification programs, and are authorized to provide certification exams to GAWP to be used in this process.
You may write to or contact the Backflow Certification Program Director at:
Georgia Association of Water Professionals
Joel Peacock, Director of Operations
1655 Enterprise Way
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 618-8690, FAX (770) 618-8695
JPeacock@gawp.org
National Certification for ABPA, ASSE and TREEO are also accepted in Georgia. Other State's certifications are not accepted in Georgia. Those holding other State's certifications that wish to be certified in Georgia will be required to pass the GA Backflow Tester Certification Exam. The 32 hour prerequisite course is not require.
EPD Approved Backflow Prevention Tester Certification Programs for Georgia
A brief description of each of these programs follows; however, you should refer to their respective websites for detailed information on the rules and procedures of these programs.
Georgia Backflow Prevention Tester Certification Program
Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP)1655 Enterprise Way
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 618-8690
This is the primary certification process being used in Georgia. GAWP will administer exams provided by the Association of Boards of Certification, and, upon successful completion of the examination, will provide to the examinee a three (3) year certification for the testing of backflow prevention assemblies within the state of Georgia.
Certification Requirements:
In order to take the Georgia Certification exam, a candidate must have a high school diploma, a GED, or equivalent degree. Prior to taking the certification examination, the applicant shall have successfully:
- Completed a 32-hour (minimum) course of instruction taught from the University of Southern California Foundation's Manual of Cross-Connection Control (9th Edition) OR
- Show two (2) years experience in testing of backflow prevention assemblies within a recognized certification program OR
- Previously held a valid certification recognized by the state of Georgia prior to October 1, 2001.
The written exam will consist of 100 multiple choice questions. The candidate must score a minimum of 70% to pass. A hands-on examination is required once the written portion of the exam is completed and passed. The fee is $125.00 (subject to change).
Recertification Requirements:
The recertification period is every three (3) years on your anniversary date, and the recertification must be processed prior to the
expiration date by complying with Option A or B
- A. Obtain six (6) contact hours of continuing education or training specifically related to backflow prevention every three
(3) years. This could include formal education and training, or attendance at conferences, workshops, seminars, etc., and is payable
to the provider. This training should be verifiable by a training agenda or some other type of outline of the training taken.
Fee for Option A = $100.00 Renewal Fee payable to GAWP (subject to change)
OR
- B. - Candidate may take the recertification examination.
Fee for Option B = $125.00 (subject to change)
If the certification expires, the tester has three (3) months to meet all requirements for renewal and will be charged a penalty fee (in addition to the recertification fee) equal to 50% of the recertification fee. During this time the tester's certification will not be valid.
If recertification is not processed within three (3) months of expiration date, the tester will be required to re-take the certification exam and pay appropriate fees.
Individual testers will be required to maintain all documentation in the event you are audited. This documentation should be retained for 12 months past the renewal date.
Registration
The exam registration form may be downloaded from GAWP's website(PDF), or you may have one faxed to you by calling (770) 618-8690. Candidates should register to take a scheduled exam at least two (2) weeks prior to the exam date. If the exam is within the two week period, registrants are required to call to verify space is available. Registrations will be accepted beyond this deadline as space permits.
Registration must be accompanied by payment. Cancellations received at least one week prior to the exam are entitled to a full refund. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations received within one week of exam date; however, you may reschedule. An exam registration may be rescheduled a maximum of two (2) times. After the 2nd exam reschedule, a new registration fee will be required.
GA EPD Approved Alternate Certifications
For testers with an ABPA, ASSE or TREEO certification to be listed on the List of Certified Testers (PDF), which is on the GAWP Website, the individual testers must submit verification of certification and a $50 registration fee to GAWP every three (3) years.
American Backflow Prevention Association
P. O. Box 3051
Bryan, TX 77805-3051
(979)846-7606
www.abpa.org
ABPA Certification and/or Recertification Requirements:
For the most up to date information regarding the ABPA certifications, please visit the ABPA web site at http://www.abpa.org/cert_information.htm
American Society of Sanitary Engineering
901 Canterbury Road, Suite A
Westlake, OH 44145
(440) 835-3040
www.asse-plumbing.org
ASSE Certification and/or Recertification Requirements: For the most up to date information regarding the ASSE certifications, please visit the ASSE web site at http://www.asse-plumbing.org/Backflow/certification.html
The University of Florida
Center for Training, Research, and Education for Environmental Occupations (TREEO)
3900 SW 63rd Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32608-3800
(352) 392-9570
www.treeo.ufl.edu
TREEO Certification and/or Recertification Requirements: For the most up to date information regarding the TREEO certifications, please visit the TREEO web site at http://www.treeo.ufl.edu/backflow/