Michigan Backflow Prevention Tester Certification: Renewal Requirements

Regulating agency
Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) / Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes
Renewal cycle
3 years (the ASSE 5110 national recertification cycle; Michigan does not publish its own independent cycle)
CE required
8-hour recertification class plus written and hands-on practical exam (ASSE International requirement, not published by EGLE)
Renewal fee
Not published by the agency. Confirm directly with Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) / Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes.
Regulation level
State baseline with local variations

Last verified: 2026-07-14

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Michigan

Michigan 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 Michigan is Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) / Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes. Michigan has no single agency that certifies testers. Per an EGLE/LARA joint interpretive statement (effective July 2023) and Rule 1405 (R 325.11405), a legal tester must hold BOTH a LARA plumbing license (master, journey, or supervised apprentice) AND a valid ASSE International Series 5110 certification; EGLE explicitly states it has no authority to issue or revoke the ASSE credential. Enforcement is local: water suppliers verify tester credentials when accepting results.

How often you need to renew

Backflow tester certification in Michigan must be renewed every 3 years (the ASSE 5110 national recertification cycle; Michigan does not publish its own independent cycle). Up to 6 months before expiration (ASSE International policy, not published by EGLE).

Continuing education and retesting requirements

To renew in Michigan, testers must complete: 8-hour recertification class plus written and hands-on practical exam (ASSE International requirement, not published by EGLE).

Renewal deadline and grace period

Up to 6 months before expiration (ASSE International policy, not published by EGLE).

How to renew, step by step

  1. Confirm your exact expiration date on your certification card or with Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) / Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes.
  2. Complete the required continuing education: 8-hour recertification class plus written and hands-on practical exam (ASSE International requirement, not published by EGLE).
  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 Michigan?

Backflow tester certification in Michigan must be renewed every 3 years (the ASSE 5110 national recertification cycle; Michigan does not publish its own independent cycle). Up to 6 months before expiration (ASSE International policy, not published by EGLE).

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Michigan?

Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) / Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes. Michigan 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 Michigan?

No. In Michigan, 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 Michigan 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 Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) / Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes well before your expiration date.

Official source

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

Compare with nearby states