Virginia Backflow Licensing Requirements

Summary

  • Your VA Backflow license pursuit starts with a Local 5 Backflow Training Course.
  • With your Local 5 Backflow training complete, submit an application to VA DPOR to be qualified.
  • You will use your Local 5 Backflow Training Certificate to be qualified to take the VA Backflow exam.
  • Once qualified (by DPOR), you apply to PSI to sit for the VA Backflow license exam.
  • Upon passing the PSI exam, DPOR will receive your results direct from PSI and activate your Backflow license.
  • This is a stand-alone license, not tied to your plumbing license.

Background/Explanation

  • As of Jan. 1, 2023, Virginia has a statewide qualification requirement for Backflow licensing/certification. By State law/statute, each County or City is NOT allowed to set their own rules/minimum standards.

  • Everyone wishing to perform backflow services (in VA), must obtain a Virginia state Backflow license, via a Virginia Backflow exam.

  • The Commonwealth of Virginia DOES recognize several institutions/entities for training; DC Local 5 JATC is on the list, so is Richmond Local 10.

  • However, VA only recognizes these organizations for the training aspect of backflow and not for examination of same. So, even though a Local 5 member passed a Backflow exam as part of their certification class, they still must take the Virginia Backflow exam to get a VA BFP license.

  • Therefore, completing a recognized course simply ‘qualifies’ one to sit for their Backflow license examination (offered through PSI).

  • Note: VA does not reciprocate any Backflow licensing from any jurisdiction, including WSSC.

Steps to Follow

Pathway for Local 5 members:

  • Take our 33-hour course (if you are a 1st timer), or our 8-hour course for re-certification.
  • Apply to VA DPOR to be qualified to take their state level Backflow exam.
  • Apply to PSI to take the Virginia Backflow exam.
  • Pass your exam and results go to DPOR; DPOR will issue your BFP license.
  • You are now qualified and licensed to Test/Repair BFP’s.
  • Note: You must be a licensed plumber (journey or master) to install/replace BFP’s, of which, the BFP’s must be part of an issued plumbing permit.

Reimbursement

The Local 5 Union Hall will reimburse fees for all license or certification renewals, does not apply to initial license applications or first-time certifications. See separate write-up for details.

                                                                       

DC, Maryland and WSSC Backflow Training Requirements

Summary

  • Your DC, MD and WSSC Backflow license pursuits start with a Local 5 Backflow Training Course.

  • Per Maryland state law/statute, providing backflow services (testing, repair, or installation), falls under the umbrella of providing plumbing services, which requires, at minimum, a Journey-level plumbing license. In other words, you must be a licensed plumber and hold a Backflow certificate to perform backflow services, anywhere in MD, including WSSC’s jurisdiction.

  • In addition, in order to qualify for a Journey or Master level plumbing license (Maryland or WSSC), you must obtain a Backflow certificate as a prerequisite to applying to take a Journey or Master level plumbing exam for the State of Maryland or WSSC.

  • For DC, Backflow training is not tied to, or required for, your plumbing license. Simply, you will need a current Backflow training certificate to test backflow preventers in DC.

Background/Explanation

  • Your Local 5 Backflow Training Certificate is accepted by DC, Virginia, Maryland, and WSSC. But you must see the details related to each jurisdiction to see what the certificate qualifies you for.

  • Your first Local 5 certification is a full course (33 hours), and a recertification class is 8 hours. Each course yields a certificate that is good for 3 years.

  • WSSC has a 12-month grace period, meaning that if your certification expires, you must pass the 8-hour class within that 12-month period; if you do not obtain recertification in that timeframe, you will be required to take the full 33-hour course again.

  • More importantly, once your certificate expires, WSSC’s electronic backflow test reporting system will no longer accept your backflow test reports until you are back in good standing again. So set reminders, and do not let your certification lapse.

  • DC, MD and VA all have grace periods of only 6-months and each jurisdiction may reject your backflow test reports if your certification lapses. So again, set reminders, and do not let your certification lapse.

  • Basically, Local 5 Backflow certification is not a license and therefore, it does not ‘reciprocate’ to any jurisdictions in the DMV. But, the ‘training’ is recognized by all, as a qualifier, for their requirements.

Steps to Follow

Pathway for Local 5 members for Maryland and WSSC:

  • Take our 33-hour course (if you are a 1st timer), or our 8-hour course for re-certification.
  • Obtain or maintain your plumbing license, journey, or master level.
  • ‘Register’/add your Backflow certification to your license.
  • Go test/repair BFP’s; note: installing/replacing BFP’s also requires an issued plumbing permit.

Reimbursement

The Local 5 Union Hall will reimburse fees for all license or certification renewals, does not apply to initial license applications or first-time certifications. See separate write-up for details.