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Backflow prevention certification and re-certification courses at some OWWA accredited training facilities are re-opening with health and safety measures in place. Please contact your local Institution or click on the links below to get more information:
Certification Renewals
For the purposes of installing and repairing backflow preventers a person is required by the Trades Qualification Act of Ontario to be a journeyman plumber or a registered apprentice working under the direction of a journeyman plumber. No other trade or person is permitted to install plumbing (including backflow preventers).
All work performed on a drinking water system as defined in the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, must be performed by a person who meets the requirements specified in the relevant regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002.
Testing of backflow preventers is not regulated by the province; however, authorities having jurisdiction will generally have bylaw requirements that specify that a tester of backflow preventers must be properly trained. Additionally, authorities usually have an authorized functions list that will identify who can do what as far as testing, installing, repairing, and relocating backflow preventers. Most authorities will use a functions list similar to one found in the CSA B64.10 Standard. Most also have some sort of registration program for testers (but programs can vary). You should check with each municipality or supplier.
The OWWA Cross Connection Control Committee has established and maintains a program for training of testers. Training is based on requirements found in the AWWA Canadian Cross Connection Control Manual and is offered through educational institutions that have been accredited by the committee. The Canadian Sections of AWWA have established a standard tester’s course that specifies the minimum requirement for course duration, course content, lab facilities, examination content, and minimum achievement mark to pass.
Training Institutions in Ontario for Cross Connection Control
The following institutions have been accredited by the OWWA Cross Connection Control Committee.
Algonquin College Full & Re-Certification
Conestoga College Full Certification
Conestoga College Re-Certification
Durham College- Corporate Training Services Full Certification
Durham College- Corporate Training Services Re-Certification
Fanshawe College Full Certification
Fanshawe College Re-Certification
Georgian College Full Certification
Georgian College Re-Certification
St. Clair College Full Certification
St Clair College Re-Certification
UA Local 46
UA Local 71
UA Local 527
UA Local 800
To be qualified, a backflow prevention device tester must complete and pass the Cross Connection Control (CCC) course.
After successful course completion through an OWWA-accredited educational institution, a person’s qualification as an OWWA Certified Cross Connection Control Specialist is valid for a period not exceeding 5 years at which time they must re-certify. Re-certification courses are offered through the same educational institutions that offer the full course.
Failure to re-certify by the date shown on the Certification Card will result in your certification number being removed from the OWWA database. PLEASE NOTE: Authorities having jurisdiction may not permit you to test backflow preventers and/or carry our cross connection control surveys until you are re-certified.
Testers are issued a digital certificate with their name, certificate number, certification date, and expiry date. A secondary sourse of certification status is the OWWA Online Tester List. Municipalities, water purveyors, and the public should ensure that a person that is testing a backflow preventer is in possession of these documents.
If you have any questions about the validity of a certificate, please check with the OWWA office.
