Oregon Backflow Prevention Tester Certification: Renewal Requirements

Regulating agency
Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division, Drinking Water Services
Renewal cycle
2 years
CE required
Minimum 0.5 CEU (1- or 2-day Backflow Tester Refresher course) per OAR 333-061-0074; first-time renewals are exempt
Renewal fee
$195 (Tester renewal); $305 (combined Tester + Cross Connection Specialist); +$50 late reinstatement fee if paid after Jan 31
Regulation level
Statewide

Last verified: 2026-07-14

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Oregon

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

The authority for backflow tester credentials in Oregon is Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division, Drinking Water Services. Renewal cohort split by last-name letter: A-K expire even years, L-Z expire odd years. Testers must submit their last two gauge-calibration certificates with renewal. Renewal applications are mail-only, not online. If not renewed within 1 year of expiration, must reapply as a new applicant.

How often you need to renew

Backflow tester certification in Oregon must be renewed every 2 years. Certifications expire December 31 biennially; renewal notices mailed in October; renewal without a reinstatement fee is allowed until January 31 of the following year (OAR 333-061-0072).

Continuing education and retesting requirements

To renew in Oregon, testers must complete: Minimum 0.5 CEU (1- or 2-day Backflow Tester Refresher course) per OAR 333-061-0074; first-time renewals are exempt.

Renewal deadline and grace period

Certifications expire December 31 biennially; renewal notices mailed in October; renewal without a reinstatement fee is allowed until January 31 of the following year (OAR 333-061-0072).

How to renew, step by step

  1. Confirm your exact expiration date on your certification card or with Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division, Drinking Water Services.
  2. Complete the required continuing education: Minimum 0.5 CEU (1- or 2-day Backflow Tester Refresher course) per OAR 333-061-0074; first-time renewals are exempt.
  3. Submit the renewal application and the $195 (Tester renewal); $305 (combined Tester + Cross Connection Specialist); +$50 late reinstatement fee if paid after Jan 31 fee 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 Oregon?

Backflow tester certification in Oregon must be renewed every 2 years. Certifications expire December 31 biennially; renewal notices mailed in October; renewal without a reinstatement fee is allowed until January 31 of the following year (OAR 333-061-0072).

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Oregon?

Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division, Drinking Water Services. Certification is regulated at the state level: one credential is valid across Oregon.

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

Mostly yes. Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division, Drinking Water Services well before your expiration date.

Official source

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

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