Tennessee backflow tester certification: Complete 2026 Guide

Official-source review: August 24, 2026

Tennessee backflow tester certification: Tennessee trains and certifies cross-connection control professionals through the Fleming Training Center and approved providers. Water suppliers control tester acceptance, forms and reporting, while installation or repair can require a plumbing license.

Fast answer: Complete the approved basic workshop, pass the required assessment, obtain the state certification, verify acceptance with each water supplier, maintain calibrated equipment and submit required reports.

Tennessee backflow tester certification authority eligibility application fees insurance renewal — Tennessee requirements summarized from the responsible agencies. Local permits, employers and certifying bodies may impose additional conditions.

What the Tennessee backflow tester certification covers

Tennessee trains and certifies cross-connection control professionals through the Fleming Training Center and approved providers. Water suppliers control tester acceptance, forms and reporting, while installation or repair can require a plumbing license.

Testing and evaluation of backflow assemblies under Tennessee certification and local water-system rules.
Work only within the classification issued.
Obtain every local permit and inspection.

Compare related occupations and states in the License Finder.

Tennessee backflow tester certification requirements at a glance

Requirement	Current rule or route
Route	State cross-connection control testing/evaluation certification plus water-supplier enrollment and plumbing authority where required
Experience	Complete the approved workshop and practical requirements; plumbing experience and licensing apply to repair or installation scope.
Exam	Pass the written and practical evaluation attached to the approved certification course.
Fees	Published 2026 Fleming fees include $335 for the basic workshop, $170 for renewal and $125 for repair training; provider and local fees may differ.
Insurance or bond	Maintain any employer, plumbing-contractor and water-supplier coverage requirements.
Renewal	Renew certification on the program cycle and keep equipment calibration and water-supplier enrollment current.

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 Tennessee backflow tester certification process

Classify the work, project value and destination jurisdiction.
Complete the required training and experience.
Obtain approval and pass each required examination.
Submit the application, supporting records and current fee.
Complete insurance, business and local 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 Tennessee rules and boundaries

Individual and company credentials may be separate.
State licensing does not replace local permits.
Project value can change the required route.
The responsible authority makes the final eligibility decision.

Tennessee 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.

Tennessee backflow tester certification cost and renewal

Budget separately for applications, examinations, training, insurance, business filings and local permits.

Renew each individual, company and specialty credential separately and confirm current fees 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.

Tennessee 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 licensing, permits and inspections may still apply.

Is an exam required?

Pass the written and practical evaluation attached to the approved certification course.

When does it renew?

Renew certification on the program cycle and keep equipment calibration and water-supplier enrollment current.

Are local permits separate?

Yes.

Official sources used

Verified licensing details

Licensing authority: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Fleming Training Center
Fees: Published 2026 Fleming fees include $335 for the basic workshop, $170 for renewal and $125 for repair training; provider and local fees may differ.
Experience: Complete the approved workshop and practical requirements; plumbing experience and licensing apply to repair or installation scope.
Exams: Pass the written and practical evaluation attached to the approved certification course.
Insurance or bond: Maintain any employer, plumbing-contractor and water-supplier coverage requirements.
Continuing education: Complete initial training and the approved renewal education.
Renewal period: Renew certification on the program cycle and keep equipment calibration and water-supplier enrollment current.

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.