Minnesota Backflow Prevention Tester Certification: Renewal Requirements

Regulating agency: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)
Renewal cycle: Not published by the agency. Confirm directly with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).
CE required: None required by DLI beyond plumber CE for license-holders; the tester must maintain a current ASSE Series 5110 (tester) and/or 5130 (rebuilder) certification
Renewal fee: $38 (new and renewal); $53 late renewal fee
Regulation level: Statewide

Last verified: 2026-07-14

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Minnesota

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

The authority for backflow tester credentials in Minnesota is Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Two-tier state credential: "Backflow Prevention Tester" (BT, testing only, no plumbing license required, needs current ASSE 5110) and "Backflow Prevention Rebuilder" (BF, install/repair/rebuild, requires a current MN plumbing license plus current ASSE 5130 AND 5110). DLI does not run the exam/training itself; it requires proof of current third-party ASSE certification to obtain/renew the state credential. No official source states a standalone renewal cycle length for tester-only holders (DLI aligns plumber-license holders' expiration with their plumbing license).

How often you need to renew

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) does not publish a fixed statewide renewal cycle online. Contact the agency to confirm your renewal date.

Continuing education and retesting requirements

To renew in Minnesota, testers must complete: None required by DLI beyond plumber CE for license-holders; the tester must maintain a current ASSE Series 5110 (tester) and/or 5130 (rebuilder) certification.

Renewal deadline and grace period

The agency does not publish a formal grace period online. Treat your expiration date as hard: 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 Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) well before your expiration date.

How to renew, step by step

Confirm your exact expiration date on your certification card or with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).
Complete the required continuing education: None required by DLI beyond plumber CE for license-holders; the tester must maintain a current ASSE Series 5110 (tester) and/or 5130 (rebuilder) certification.
Submit the renewal application and the $38 (new and renewal); $53 late renewal fee fee to the agency before the deadline.
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 Minnesota?

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) does not publish a fixed statewide renewal cycle online. Contact the agency to confirm your renewal date.

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Minnesota?

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Certification is regulated at the state level: one credential is valid across Minnesota.

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

Mostly yes. Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) well before your expiration date.

Official source

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