Colorado Backflow Prevention Tester Certification: Renewal Requirements

Regulating agency
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
Renewal cycle
3 years
CE required
8-hour recertification class plus written and practical exam (confirmed for the ASSE International track only)
Renewal fee
Not published by the agency. Confirm directly with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Regulation level
State baseline with local variations

Last verified: 2026-07-14

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Colorado

Colorado sets baseline rules at the state level, but some local jurisdictions add their own requirements on top. Check both the state agency and your local water purveyor.

The authority for backflow tester credentials in Colorado is Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). CDPHE's BPCCC rule (5 CCR 1002-11.39) recognizes only two certifying bodies statewide: American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) and ASSE International; it does not certify testers itself. Fee is set by individual accredited training schools/proctors, not CDPHE. Fire-suppression backflow assemblies require a separate State Fire Suppression System Contractor-Backflow certification. HB25-1077 (signed 2026-03-28) confirmed plumbing licensure is not required to test/inspect/repair backflow assemblies if ABPA/ASSE certified.

How often you need to renew

Backflow tester certification in Colorado must be renewed every 3 years. Up to 6 months before expiration (confirmed for the ASSE International certification track; ABPA-track equivalent unverified).

Continuing education and retesting requirements

To renew in Colorado, testers must complete: 8-hour recertification class plus written and practical exam (confirmed for the ASSE International track only).

Renewal deadline and grace period

Up to 6 months before expiration (confirmed for the ASSE International certification track; ABPA-track equivalent unverified).

How to renew, step by step

  1. Confirm your exact expiration date on your certification card or with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
  2. Complete the required continuing education: 8-hour recertification class plus written and practical exam (confirmed for the ASSE International track only).
  3. Submit the renewal application to the agency before the deadline.
  4. Keep your test kit calibration certificate current: most jurisdictions require annual gauge calibration alongside a valid tester credential.

Frequently asked questions

How often do I need to renew my backflow tester certification in Colorado?

Backflow tester certification in Colorado must be renewed every 3 years. Up to 6 months before expiration (confirmed for the ASSE International certification track; ABPA-track equivalent unverified).

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Colorado?

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Colorado sets baseline rules at the state level, but some local jurisdictions add their own requirements on top. Check both the state agency and your local water purveyor.

Is backflow tester certification the same in every county in Colorado?

No. In Colorado, requirements are set partly at the local level, so the renewal cycle, approved courses, and fees can differ from one jurisdiction to another.

What happens if my Colorado backflow tester certification expires?

Water purveyors generally stop accepting test reports from testers whose certification has lapsed, and many jurisdictions require retaking the full certification course instead of a simple renewal once the credential expires. Confirm the exact grace period, if any, with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) well before your expiration date.

Official source

Data on this page was verified on 2026-07-14 against:

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