Georgia Backflow Prevention Tester Certification: Renewal Requirements

Regulating agency
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) / Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP)
Renewal cycle
3 years
CE required
6 contact hours of GAWP-approved backflow continuing education per 3-year certification period
Renewal fee
Not published by the agency. Confirm directly with Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) / Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP).
Regulation level
Statewide

Last verified: 2026-07-14

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Georgia

Certification is regulated at the state level: one credential is valid across Georgia.

The authority for backflow tester credentials in Georgia is Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) / Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP). Governed by Georgia Rules for Drinking Water 391-3-5-.13. EPD is the enforcement authority; GAWP is the EPD-contracted administrator of the Georgia Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (GBPAT) program, handling training approval, exams, renewals, and fees. Reciprocity from ASSE/ABPA/UF TREEO testers still requires passing the Georgia GBPAT exam. Renewal fee amount is published on gawp.org but the page blocked automated verification, so it is left null.

How often you need to renew

Backflow tester certification in Georgia must be renewed every 3 years. Renewal request, proof of CE, and fee due by the expiration date; a 90-day late-renewal grace period is available (with late fee, certification inactive during it); after that the certification is revoked and the exam must be retaken.

Continuing education and retesting requirements

To renew in Georgia, testers must complete: 6 contact hours of GAWP-approved backflow continuing education per 3-year certification period.

Renewal deadline and grace period

Renewal request, proof of CE, and fee due by the expiration date; a 90-day late-renewal grace period is available (with late fee, certification inactive during it); after that the certification is revoked and the exam must be retaken.

How to renew, step by step

  1. Confirm your exact expiration date on your certification card or with Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) / Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP).
  2. Complete the required continuing education: 6 contact hours of GAWP-approved backflow continuing education per 3-year certification period.
  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 Georgia?

Backflow tester certification in Georgia must be renewed every 3 years. Renewal request, proof of CE, and fee due by the expiration date; a 90-day late-renewal grace period is available (with late fee, certification inactive during it); after that the certification is revoked and the exam must be retaken.

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Georgia?

Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) / Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP). Certification is regulated at the state level: one credential is valid across Georgia.

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

Mostly yes. Georgia issues a statewide credential, so the core renewal requirements are the same everywhere in the state. Individual water purveyors may still have their own reporting procedures.

What happens if my Georgia 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 Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) / Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) well before your expiration date.

Official source

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

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