Skip to main content
Contact Us
0
About Us
Membership
Careers
Backflow Prevention
Events & Conferences
Committees
News & Resources Hub
Contact Us
Home Certification & Training

Certification & Training

Access OWWA's Tester List
Testers are issued a digital certificate with their name, certificate number, certification date, and expiry date. A secondary source 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.
View Tester List

Backflow Prevention in Ontario

In Chapter 7 of the Report of the Walkerton Inquiry, A Strategy for Safe Drinking Water, the Hon. Dennis O’Connor states that “as part of their comprehensive distribution system program, water providers should have active programs, working together with building inspectors and public health agencies, to detect and deter cross-contamination”.

Many people are unaware that backflow conditions can jeopardize system water quality, posing a health risk to consumers drinking water from the system.

The responsibility for establishing and administering a cross-connection control program is with the individual municipality or water purveyor (authorities). Therefore, there may be differences between the types of cross connection programs that different authorities may have implemented. Please check with the respective municipality or supplier of water for program information.

Who Can Install or Repair Backflow Preventers?

Under Ontario’s Trades Qualification Act, only a journeyman plumber or a registered apprentice working under the supervision of a journeyman is authorized to install or repair backflow prevention devices. No other trade or individual is permitted to perform plumbing work of this nature.

Additionally, any work on a drinking water system as defined by the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, must be performed by individuals who meet the specific qualifications outlined in the Act’s regulations.

Who Can Test Backflow Preventers?

While testing is not provincially regulated, most municipalities having jurisdiction enforce local bylaws that require testers to be properly trained and, in many cases, registered. These authorities often reference functional guidelines similar to those in the CSA B64.10 Standard, which defines who may install, test, repair, or relocate devices.

Because requirements can vary by municipality, it's important to check with your local municipality for details.

Backflow Prevention Training & Certification Standards

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.

Certified Tester Directory

Once you complete your certification through an OWWA-accredited institution, you’ll be added to our official directory of certified Cross Connection Control (CCC) testers. This searchable list is used by municipalities, building owners, and contractors to find qualified professionals for backflow prevention testing across Ontario.

View the Tester Directory

Re-certfication Requirements

OWWA certifications are valid for up to 5 years. To remain in good standing, testers must complete a re-certification course before their expiry date. Failure to re-certify will result in removal from the OWWA tester database.

Please note: authorities may not permit you to perform testing or surveys without valid certification.

Accredited Training Institutions

The following institutions are accredited to offer both full certification and re-certification courses:

FAQs

How do I become a certified backflow prevention tester?

You will have to register, complete, and pass the Cross Connection Control course. Please contact one of the accredited institutions (provided under Certification & Training) directly to find out about course availability, pricing, and to register.

When does my certification expire?

Please refer to our online tester list for certification numbers and expiry dates.

My certification is expired, how do I become recertified?

If you are looking to become recertified, you are eligible for the recertification course. This course will be available through the institution which you originally did your certification course. The recertification course is a condensed version of the initial certification course. You do not have to retake the entire certification course again. Please contact the accredited institution for course dates and to register.

I am currently certified in another Canadian Section, how do I become certified in Ontario?

You are eligible for registration in other Canadian Sections if you move residence. Please contact the OWWA office to inquire about transferring your certification and fees.

When do I have to recertify?

There is no date which you are required to be recertified. It is recommended to do so before your expiry date. Reminder emails are sent when it is nearing your expiry date.

Current Municipal Programs