Georgia Backflow Tester Certification Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide

Official-source review: August 25, 2026

Georgia backflow tester certification: Georgia public-water rules require annual assembly testing by a tester certified through the Georgia statewide program or an accepted ABPA, ASSE or TREEO program. Water suppliers may impose additional registration and reporting conditions.

What the Georgia backflow tester certification covers

Georgia public-water rules require annual assembly testing by a tester certified through the Georgia statewide program or an accepted ABPA, ASSE or TREEO program. Water suppliers may impose additional registration and reporting conditions.

• Required field testing after installation, repair or relocation.
• Annual assembly testing under public-water rules.
• Test reports containing gauge and assembly information.
• Work subject to the serving water supplier’s program.

Installation and repair may also require the Georgia plumbing license.

Georgia backflow tester certification requirements at a glance

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 Georgia backflow tester certification process

1. Choose GBPAT or another certification accepted by Georgia EPD.
2. For GBPAT, complete the approved 32-hour course.
3. Register for the WPI/PSI exam and score at least 70%.
4. Apply for certification after passing.
5. Calibrate the test gauge annually and register with each water supplier as required.
6. Complete six contact hours and renew every three years.

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 Georgia rules and boundaries

• Tester certification does not automatically authorize plumbing installation or repair.
• Water suppliers may add local registration, forms and deadlines.
• The test gauge must be checked for accuracy annually.
• GAWP endorsement from another program still requires the Georgia exam for GBPAT certification.

Georgia 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.

Georgia backflow tester certification cost and renewal

Add training, examination, insurance, equipment and local costs.

Renew by the published deadline and retain supporting records.

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.

Georgia 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?

Accepted certification statewide, with water-supplier registration and reporting rules.

Is an exam required?

100-question computer exam; minimum score 70%.

When does it renew?

Every three years; a 90-day late window carries an added fee and inactive testing status.

Are local approvals separate?

Yes.

Official sources used

• Georgia safe-drinking-water rule
• GBPAT certification requirements
• GBPAT exam information
• GBPAT renewal