Official-source review: August 24, 2026
Oregon backflow tester certification: Oregon requires OHA Backflow Assembly Tester certification for testing, subject to the licensed-plumber provision described by OHA and any stricter water-system enrollment rule. The standard initial route includes an approved five-day course; out-of-state certificate holders complete the approved Oregon reciprocity route.

What the Oregon backflow tester certification covers
Oregon requires OHA Backflow Assembly Tester certification for testing, subject to the licensed-plumber provision described by OHA and any stricter water-system enrollment rule. The standard initial route includes an approved five-day course; out-of-state certificate holders complete the approved Oregon reciprocity route.
- Testing and reporting backflow prevention assemblies under OHA and water-system rules.
- Work only within the credential issued.
- Obtain every required permit and inspection.
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Oregon backflow tester certification requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Current rule or route |
|---|---|
| Route | OHA Backflow Assembly Tester certification with approved course, examination, two-year renewal and annual gauge calibration |
| Experience | Meet the approved course prerequisites; reciprocity requires a current certification from another state and the Oregon course. |
| Exam | Complete the approved written and practical tester examination. |
| Fees | Initial certification is published at $195, prorated in the final cycle year; training, exam and calibration costs are separate. |
| Insurance or bond | Maintain the CCB bond, liability, workers compensation and specialty coverage required for the business and project. |
| Renewal | Certification expires December 31 every two years based on surname grouping. |
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 Oregon backflow tester certification process
- Identify every individual and business credential triggered by the work.
- Complete required education and experience.
- Obtain approval and pass each examination.
- Submit applications, records and fees.
- Complete bond, insurance, business and permit requirements.
- Renew on time and retain compliance 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 Oregon rules and boundaries
- Individual and business licenses are separate.
- A CCB license does not replace BCD trade licensing.
- Related classifications are not interchangeable.
- The responsible authority makes the final eligibility decision.
Oregon 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.
Oregon backflow tester certification cost and renewal
Budget separately for training, examinations, applications, bonds, insurance, business filings and permits.
Renew individual, business and specialty credentials separately and verify current fees.
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.
Oregon 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?
The principal credential is statewide, but local permits, inspections and utility approvals remain separate.
Is an exam required?
Complete the approved written and practical tester examination.
When does it renew?
Certification expires December 31 every two years based on surname grouping.
Are permits separate?
Yes.
Official sources used
Verified licensing details
- Licensing authority
- Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Services
- Fees
- Initial certification is published at $195, prorated in the final cycle year; training, exam and calibration costs are separate.
- Experience
- Meet the approved course prerequisites; reciprocity requires a current certification from another state and the Oregon course.
- Exams
- Complete the approved written and practical tester examination.
- Insurance or bond
- Maintain the CCB bond, liability, workers compensation and specialty coverage required for the business and project.
- Continuing education
- Take a one- or two-day refresher every two years after the first renewal and calibrate gauges every 12 months.
- Renewal period
- Certification expires December 31 every two years based on surname grouping.
Official sources
Official sources last checked August 23, 2026.
Requirements can change and local rules may apply. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before paying a fee or beginning work.
