Washington Backflow Prevention Tester Certification: Renewal Requirements

Regulating agency
Washington State Department of Health (DOH), administered via Washington Certification Services (WCS) at Green River College
Renewal cycle
Annual
CE required
No annual CE-hour requirement; a one-time 45-minute practical Professional Growth exam (PVBA/DCVA/RPBA) must be passed once per 3-year reporting period from original certification (WAC 246-292-090(4))
Renewal fee
Tiered by payment date (2026 cycle): $42.00 if paid by 11/30/2025; $68.00 if paid on/after 12/1/2025; $125.00 if paid on/after 1/22/2026 (includes $57 late fee)
Regulation level
Statewide

Last verified: 2026-07-14

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Washington

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

The authority for backflow tester credentials in Washington is Washington State Department of Health (DOH), administered via Washington Certification Services (WCS) at Green River College. Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) certification is administered per WAC 246-292-090 by Washington Certification Services (WCS), DOH's designated certifying body. Payment is online by card only. Address of record must be the tester's home address, not employer's.

How often you need to renew

Backflow tester certification in Washington must be renewed every Annual. Online renewal window November 1 through the last day of February each year; certificates unpaid by Jan 1 remain temporarily valid for 2 more months then inactivate (non-appealable) if not resolved by end of February.

Continuing education and retesting requirements

To renew in Washington, testers must complete: No annual CE-hour requirement; a one-time 45-minute practical Professional Growth exam (PVBA/DCVA/RPBA) must be passed once per 3-year reporting period from original certification (WAC 246-292-090(4)).

Renewal deadline and grace period

Online renewal window November 1 through the last day of February each year; certificates unpaid by Jan 1 remain temporarily valid for 2 more months then inactivate (non-appealable) if not resolved by end of February.

How to renew, step by step

  1. Confirm your exact expiration date on your certification card or with Washington State Department of Health (DOH), administered via Washington Certification Services (WCS) at Green River College.
  2. Complete the required continuing education: No annual CE-hour requirement; a one-time 45-minute practical Professional Growth exam (PVBA/DCVA/RPBA) must be passed once per 3-year reporting period from original certification (WAC 246-292-090(4)).
  3. Submit the renewal application and the Tiered by payment date (2026 cycle): $42.00 if paid by 11/30/2025; $68.00 if paid on/after 12/1/2025; $125.00 if paid on/after 1/22/2026 (includes $57 late fee) 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 Washington?

Backflow tester certification in Washington must be renewed every Annual. Online renewal window November 1 through the last day of February each year; certificates unpaid by Jan 1 remain temporarily valid for 2 more months then inactivate (non-appealable) if not resolved by end of February.

Who regulates backflow tester certification in Washington?

Washington State Department of Health (DOH), administered via Washington Certification Services (WCS) at Green River College. Certification is regulated at the state level: one credential is valid across Washington.

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

Mostly yes. Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington State Department of Health (DOH), administered via Washington Certification Services (WCS) at Green River College well before your expiration date.

Official source

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

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