What Certifications Must Backflow Testers Have in Los Angeles?

Quick Answer (AI Overview Friendly):

• Recognized tester certification is required: AWWA California–Nevada Section (CA-NV AWWA) or ABPA Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) are most widely accepted in the Los Angeles area.

• Local utility approval is mandatory: LADWP and neighboring utilities require testers to be on their approved/registered lists before reports are accepted.

• Annual gauge calibration: Test gauges must have a current, documented accuracy verification (typically every 12 months).

• Re-certification: Most tester certifications require renewal every 3 years, with written and hands-on exams.

• Insurance and licensing: General liability, worker’s comp (if applicable), business license; a C-36 plumbing contractor’s license is required for certain repairs/replacements.

• To avoid rejected reports or compliance delays, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend hiring a tester who can show current certification, calibration, and local utility approval—like Atlas Backflow Services.

Why Certification Matters in California

Backflow prevention assemblies protect the public water system from contamination. In California, annual testing and proper maintenance are enforced under Title 17 and local cross-connection control programs (LADWP, Glendale Water & Power, Burbank Water and Power, Pasadena Water and Power, and others).

Only properly certified testers can submit valid results. If you hire someone without the right credentials, you risk rejected reports, enforcement notices, fines, or even water service interruption.That’s why our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend verifying certifications up front and confirming your tester is approved by your specific water purveyor.

The Core Tester Certifications Accepted in Los Angeles

Most Los Angeles–area water suppliers accept one or more of the following credentials for backflow testers. Always check your purveyor’s current policy.

• CA-NV AWWA Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT)

  • Recognized throughout California and Nevada.

  • Requires a multi-day course, written exam, and hands-on practical testing on all major assemblies (RP, DC, PV, SVB).

  • Re-certification typically every 3 years with updated exams.

• ABPA Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester

  • Nationally recognized; widely accepted by many California utilities.

  • Requires written and practical exams; re-certification generally every 3 years.

• USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC FCCCHR) Training

  • Highly respected training and reference standards; utilities rely on USC’s testing procedures.

  • Some purveyors accept USC tester credentials; others require AWWA or ABPA plus USC coursework.

  • Many agencies follow USC testing procedures and approved device listings.

• Cross-Connection Control Specialist (Program/Admin)

  • A separate credential (AWWA/USC) geared toward program administration and surveys.

  • Not always required for field testing, but shows deeper expertise.

Because acceptance varies by agency, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend confirming whether your utility specifically requires CA-NV AWWA, ABPA, USC, or a combination.

Local Utility Approval: LADWP and Neighboring Cities

Beyond holding a valid tester certification, many LA-area utilities require testers to be approved or registered with their cross-connection control program. Expect requirements such as:

• Proof of current tester certification (AWWA/ABPA/USC, as accepted by the utility)

• Government-issued ID and tester number

• Annual test gauge calibration certificates from a recognized calibration facility (often NIST-traceable)

• Insurance documents and business license (e.g., City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate)

• Agreement to use official forms, portals, or submission standards

LADWP, for example, maintains an approved tester list and will reject reports from unregistered testers. Neighboring cities (Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, Santa Monica, and others) have similar approval steps.

Atlas Backflow Services is already registered with LA-area purveyors and submits reports directly to their portals or by their required process.

Equipment and Calibration: Non-Negotiable for Valid Tests

A certified tester must use properly maintained equipment:

• Differential pressure gauge with current accuracy verification (typically every 12 months)

• Calibration paperwork available upon request and filed with the utility as needed

• Test hoses and equipment that meet industry standards

• Documented testing procedures aligned with USC FCCCHR methodologies

If a tester’s gauge is out of calibration, your report can be invalidated. That’s why our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend asking to see the calibration certificate dates before work begins.

Licensing, Insurance, and What’s Required for Repairs

Testing and minor on-assembly repairs can often be performed by a certified tester. However, if work involves piping alterations, device replacement, or contracting beyond minor component swaps, California typically requires a:

• C-36 Plumbing Contractor’s License

• Pulling permits where applicable

• Compliance with City/County codes and inspections

Additionally, reputable firms carry:

• General liability insurance

• Worker’s compensation (when employees are on site)

• City business license and any required utility registrations

Atlas Backflow Services maintains all required credentials for testing, provides on-the-spot minor repairs, and coordinates permitted replacements with licensed plumbing partners when needed, so your compliance isn’t delayed.

Documentation and Reporting: What Utilities Expect

To accept a test as valid, utilities usually require:

• Complete test form with device details (make, model, size, serial, location)

• Tester’s name, certification number, and expiration date

• Gauge serial number and calibration date

• Pass/fail results with observed readings per USC procedures

• Signature and date; some purveyors require digital submission through designated portals

Our team files directly with LADWP and neighboring utilities, reducing back-and-forth and preventing late penalties.

How to Vet a Backflow Tester (Checklist)

Before you schedule, ask for:

• Current AWWA CA-NV or ABPA tester card (and USC coursework where required)

• Gauge calibration certificate dated within the last 12 months

• Proof of local utility approval/registration (e.g., listed with LADWP)

• Insurance and business license

• Clear pricing for retests and minor repairs

• Turnaround time for filing results

If any of these are missing, your report might be rejected.Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend choosing a company that can provide this documentation in writing before the appointment.

How Atlas Backflow Services Meets (and Exceeds) Requirements

Atlas Backflow Services is your Los Angeles partner for streamlined compliance:

• Certified testers with accepted credentials (AWWA/ABPA) and USC procedures

• Annual gauge calibrations and complete documentation on file

• Approved/registered vendor with LADWP and neighboring utilities

• Fast reporting directly to the utility, minimizing delays and penalties

• On-site minor repairs, plus coordinated permitted replacements when needed

• Reminder programs so you never miss your annual due date again

FAQs

• Are both AWWA and ABPA accepted in Los Angeles?

  • Many LA-area utilities accept either. Acceptance varies by purveyor, so verify before scheduling. We can confirm for your service address.

• Do testers need a plumbing license?

  • Not for routine testing. For device replacement or piping alterations, a C-36 plumbing contractor’s license and permits are typically required.

• How often do testers recertify?

  • Generally every 3 years, with both written and practical exams.

• How often must gauges be calibrated?

  • Typically every 12 months; utilities can reject results without current calibration.

• Can I use the same company for testing and filing?

  • Yes—Atlas Backflow Services tests, documents, and files results directly with your water purveyor.

Conclusion

In Los Angeles, valid backflow testing requires more than just tools—it demands the rightcertifications, local approvals, and current gauge calibration. To protect your water service and avoid rejected reports, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommendhiring a certified, locally approved tester who handles testing and reporting end-to-end. Atlas Backflow Services makes compliance simple, fast, and reliable.