Official-source review: August 27, 2026
Michigan backflow tester certification: Michigan cross-connection control is administered through community water supplies under EGLE oversight. Current state guidance tells customers to use a professional tester holding ASSE 5110 certification. The water supplier controls tester acceptance, reporting frequency and device records, while plumbing installation and repair can require separate authority.
What the Michigan backflow tester certification covers
Michigan cross-connection control is administered through community water supplies under EGLE oversight. Current state guidance tells customers to use a professional tester holding ASSE 5110 certification. The water supplier controls tester acceptance, reporting frequency and device records, while plumbing installation and repair can require separate authority.
- Periodic field testing and reporting for testable backflow preventers under the water supplier’s program.
- Work only within the issued classification.
- Obtain all local permits and inspections.
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Michigan backflow tester certification requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Current rule or route |
|---|---|
| Route | ASSE 5110 professional tester certification accepted through the local community-water-supply cross-connection program |
| Eligibility | Complete the ASSE 5110 certification route and every local water-supplier acceptance condition. |
| Exam | ASSE 5110 written and practical testing through an approved provider. |
| Fees | ASSE training, examination, certification, gauge calibration and any supplier registration charges apply; there is no single Michigan tester-license fee. |
| Bond or insurance | Testing and plumbing businesses maintain the liability and workers compensation coverage required by contracts and local rules. |
| Renewal | Follow the ASSE certification and water-supplier registration cycles; device test frequency is set by the applicable program. |
Do not treat this table as an approval notice. The agency, certification organization or local jurisdiction makes the final eligibility decision and may request additional evidence.
How to complete the Michigan backflow tester certification process
- Identify the exact individual and business credential.
- Complete the published education and experience.
- Pass each required examination.
- Submit applications, verification and fees.
- Obtain insurance and project permits.
- Renew on time and retain required records.
Keep copies of every experience certificate, examination result, bond or insurance filing and payment receipt. Names and business entities should match across the application and supporting documents.
Important Michigan rules and boundaries
- Tester certification and plumbing licensing are separate.
- Water suppliers administer acceptance and reporting.
- Testing does not automatically authorize installation or repair.
- Device schedules depend on type and local program.
Michigan may separate the credential held by a worker from the contractor license held by the business, while preserving local authority over permits and inspections. Confirm every applicable layer before bidding, advertising or beginning regulated work.
Michigan backflow tester certification cost and renewal
Budget separately for applications, examinations, education, insurance and project permits.
Renew each individual, business and local credential separately and verify current charges before filing.
Government charges are only part of the expected cost. Training, examination preparation, fingerprints, surety premiums, insurance, equipment calibration and local permits can add to the total.
Michigan backflow tester certification checklist
- Confirm that this credential matches the exact work you will perform.
- Check whether the applicant is an individual, sole owner or separate business entity.
- Collect experience and training records before submitting the application.
- Use the current official form and fee schedule.
- Complete every required examination or approved certification route.
- File bonds, insurance and fingerprints when applicable.
- Check county, city, water supplier and building-permit rules.
- Save the expiration date and renewal requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is this credential statewide?
It depends on the occupation. Michigan licenses several skilled trades statewide while home inspection and septic installation rely on business, professional or local requirements.
Is an exam required?
ASSE 5110 written and practical testing through an approved provider.
When does it renew?
Follow the ASSE certification and water-supplier registration cycles; device test frequency is set by the applicable program.
Are project permits separate?
Yes.
Official sources used
Verified licensing details
- Jurisdiction
- state license, registration or local credential, depending on the occupation and project
- Licensing authority
- Michigan EGLE and the local community water supply
- Fees
- ASSE training, examination, certification, gauge calibration and any supplier registration charges apply; there is no single Michigan tester-license fee.
- Experience
- Complete the ASSE 5110 certification route and every local water-supplier acceptance condition.
- Exams
- ASSE 5110 written and practical testing through an approved provider.
- Insurance or bond
- Testing and plumbing businesses maintain the liability and workers compensation coverage required by contracts and local rules.
- Continuing education
- Maintain ASSE certification, current procedures and calibrated equipment.
- Renewal period
- Follow the ASSE certification and water-supplier registration cycles; device test frequency is set by the applicable program.
Official sources
Official sources last checked August 26, 2026.
Requirements can change and local rules may apply. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before paying a fee or beginning work.