New York Backflow Prevention Tester Certification: Renewal Requirements

Regulating agency
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Water Supply Protection
Renewal cycle
3 years
CE required
Not published by the agency. Confirm directly with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Water Supply Protection.
Renewal fee
Not published by the agency. Confirm directly with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Water Supply Protection.
Regulation level
Statewide

Last verified: 2026-07-14

Who regulates backflow tester certification in New York

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

The authority for backflow tester credentials in New York is New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Water Supply Protection. Certification governed by 10 NYCRR Section 5-1.31. Since 2011, NYSDOH no longer issues certifications directly; Department-approved training providers issue the certificate of course completion that constitutes certification (Public Health Law §225), so course cost varies by provider and is not published by NYSDOH. "32-hour initial / 8-hour renewal" figures appear only on third-party provider marketing, not on any .gov page, so ceHours is left null. NYC has no separate tester credential: NYC DEP requires a New York State certified tester and only enforces installation approval, annual testing, and report submission. Lapse under 1 year: renewal course restores certification; lapse over 1 year: full initial course required. No reciprocity with other states.

How often you need to renew

Backflow tester certification in New York must be renewed every 3 years. Complete the renewal training course at least 3 months prior to certification expiration.

Continuing education and retesting requirements

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Water Supply Protection does not publish continuing education requirements online. Confirm with the agency before your renewal date.

Renewal deadline and grace period

Complete the renewal training course at least 3 months prior to certification expiration.

How to renew, step by step

  1. Confirm your exact expiration date on your certification card or with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Water Supply Protection.
  2. Complete any required refresher course or continuing education for your jurisdiction.
  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 New York?

Backflow tester certification in New York must be renewed every 3 years. Complete the renewal training course at least 3 months prior to certification expiration.

Who regulates backflow tester certification in New York?

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Water Supply Protection. Certification is regulated at the state level: one credential is valid across New York.

Is backflow tester certification the same in every county in New York?

Mostly yes. New York 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 New York 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 New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Water Supply Protection well before your expiration date.

Official source

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

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