FAQ's

New York State Backflow Testers Association

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Do I need to be a plumber to be a backflow tester?

No, Not in New York State

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• When will I get my certificate?

After grading all of the tests and quizzes, a report is made and sent to NYSDOH. They issue your number to us and then everything is processed. This can take up to 2 weeks or more depending upon how backed up the Health Department is.  If you did not pass, you have up to one year to    re-take whichever portion you did not pass. Otherwise, you must re-take the course again. This rule is not our rule, it comes from the New York State Health Department. 

 

• What Backflow Report must I use?

New York State has 3 types of reports.  It all depends on where you are testing. We will teach you about all 3, and when and where to use them.

 

• Where do I send in the reports?

It all depends on the jurisdiction; you must check with every place you work in. Sometimes the water department or the building department will collect the reports.

 

• What kind of course do I need?

In New York State, you are required to take a class with an approved provider. Most classes are 32 hours. Our class is 40 hours because of the fact that we are associated with a national association. We teach national code and NYS code. 

 

• How long is the certificate good for?

The certificate is good for 3 years. You must re-certify before your certificate expires, or you can no longer test.  Once it expires, you have up to 1 year to re-certify before you must retake the course all over again.

 

• Where is the certificate good for?

It is good for the entire state of New York.

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• What kind of Testing procedures do we use?

We will teach you ASSE, but there are others that are used as well. New York allows many kinds of testing procedures.

 

• When must I re-calibrate my gauge?

It is suggested that you must have it done every year.

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• Will I be allowed to test in the 5 Boroughs of Manhattan ?

Yes. The certificate is good for the entire state of New York. The 5 Boroughs has their own test forms. We will show you how to fill them out and where to file them.