Certified Backflow Tester Courses

Periodically, Cross Connection Control staff conducts a state-recognized school for tester certification and recertification. First, a 40 hour, five day backflow tester certification course is offered to individuals who are interested in testing backflows. A 16 hour, two day re-certification course is offered to certified testers in order to keep testers' skills and regulatory knowledge current. Individuals who are interested in becoming certified testers should review the course packet (PDF). The City of Durham also accepts the following approved backflow certification courses: Charlotte Water, Greenville, Fayetteville, Raleigh, and NC Rural Water.

The City of Durham also offers a Tester Orientation for students who attended a certification or recertification class at one of our approved reciprocity schools listed above. This is for those interested in testing backflow preventers on the City of Durham’s Water distribution system.  Successful completion of the Durham Orientation class (already included in Courses taught by the City of Durham) is mandatory for anyone who wishes to perform backflow preventer testing in our jurisdiction. This includes testers approved through reciprocity. The orientation class will cover local tester requirements and expectations. Copies of Durham’s Cross Connection Control Regulations will be provided during the class and time will be allotted for tester questions.

To enroll, please select the desired course below. Fill out each section and attach all required documentation such as current calibration data, current contractor license, current certificate (if applicable). Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: Orientation Classes ONLY Offered in 2020 & 2021 Due to Construction

Due to construction at our location (1600 Mist Lake Drive), certification and re-certification classes in 2020 and 2021 will not be offered through the City of Durham. Our facility is in the midst of a major construction and renovation project. Parking is limited, and the existing wet lab will soon be demolished. The City will still offer orientation classes for students who receive their certification or re-certification through our approved reciprocity schools (Charlotte Water, Greenville, Fayetteville, Raleigh, and NC Rural Water). The 2020 orientation class schedule will be posted in December 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Cost of Classes

Certification: $150
Re-Certification: $75
Orientation: $50  

​IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Thank you for your patience as the City continues to recover from the recent malware attack. While many services have been restored, many City staff are still regaining access to phones and emails. Please note that some delays in response for service from our employees should be anticipated until we are completely restored across the entire organization.

Due to COVID-19 and because of the nature of this cyber security event, the City has postponed the March 27, 2020 orientation class until further notice.  Our office will email all students to notify them of this information as well as the new date for the class.