TCEQ Approved Backflow Tester Training Courses

To become a licensed Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) in Texas, you must: (1) Complete a 40-hour TCEQ-approved tester certification training course, (2) Meet work experience requirements (at least 2 years approved water-related work experience; college degree can substitute 1 year), (3) Have a high school diploma or GED, (4) Pass a criminal background check, (5) Submit a TCEQ license application with $111 fee, (6) Pass the state written exam at a TCEQ-authorized testing center. After TCEQ grants your license, you can immediately begin testing backflow preventers.

Yes, the official P-1 written practice exam from the American Backflow Prevention Association is provided as part of the 40 hour course.

Under Texas House Bill 1508, certain criminal convictions may disqualify you, including violent crimes, sexual offenses, assault, theft, or hate crimes. If you have any (felony) conviction, contact TCEQ Licensing Division at 512-239-6133 BEFORE registering for training. Your record will be reviewed. Do not register assuming you’ll be approved — if you later discover you’re ineligible, you will not receive a refund related to training courses, application fees, or exam fees.

No. All needed training equipment is provided in all Bac-Flo courses. You don’t need to bring anything except yourself. All testing equipment and materials are provided. Note: a free gauge certification is offered on the day of class in continuing education courses. This is not part of a TCEQ approved course but can be offered by Bac-Flo Unlimited due to the advantage of having two instructors onsite.

Timeline: (1) Complete 40-hour course (practical exam on Day 5), (2) Submit TCEQ application ($111 fee), (3) TCEQ reviews application and background check , (4) You receive approval letter, (5) Schedule and take state written exam at testing center, (6) Upon passing, TCEQ issues your license — you can begin testing backflow preventers.

No. The Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) license in Texas is an independent license issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It is not an endorsement, add-on, or extension of any other license.

40-Hour BPAT Certification provides: 12 hours each for Irrigation, CSI, Water/Wastewater, Water Treatment Specialist; 100 hours toward Plumbing Inspector license; NICET credit. 8-Hour Fundamentals of Backflow Prevention provides: 8 hours each for BPAT, Irrigation, CSI, Water/Wastewater, Water Treatment Specialist; NICET credit available.

To renew a BPAT license: (1) Complete 24 approved continuing education (CEU) hours within your 3-year license period, (2) At least 8 of those hours must be hands-on practical skills training, (3) Submit renewal application and fee to TCEQ per their guidelines within your 3-year license period. Bac-Flo’s 24-Hour Renewal Course ($780) provides all 24 required CEU hours with 8 hours of hands-on training included.

Yes, every Backflow Test Kit we sell gets a thorough inspection and is certified with a sell date on the certification report. Your new test kit will come with a certification certificate valid for a full year before it’s due to be recertified.

Go to Backflow Test Kits or call 210-698-0411. For details of the BAC-FLO-5, visit: BAC-FLO-5 SPECIFICATION SHEET.

Visit the American Backflow Prevention Association at abpainteractive.com and sign up as a member.