Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Courses
Adhering to Sanitary Guidelines
TCEQ Occupational Licensing Response to COVID-19
With the onset of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the Governor’s Proclamation of a state of disaster in Texas, TCEQ is extending the expiration dates of all occupational licenses expiring March through August of 2020 by 30 days. All licenses expiring after August 31, 2020 are expected to comply within the original 3-year renewal cycle. TCEQ is aware that occupational license holders may be having difficulty locating in-person continuing education classes for renewal of their licenses. All license holders are encouraged online training opportunities when possible.
BPAT license holders whose licenses will expire October 1, 2021 or beyond, must have completed the 8-hour practical skills continuing education (CE) hours as part of their 24 hour CEs. For licenses expiring between March 2020 and September 2021, the TCEQ continues to temporarily waive the requirement for eight (8) CE hours of hands-on, practical skills training for license renewal. These license holders must still obtain a total 24 hours of continuing education in order to renew their license. This information and future updates are available at Occupational Licensing Responses to COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Message from Bac-Flo Unlimited:
*Covid-19 has affected our normal course scheduling and we are temporarily limiting course numbers in every course. If your license is coming due soon call our office for possible cancellations or other possible courses that may work in your situation. The following is a brief description of the current Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Training Courses being offered by Bac-Flo Unlimited, Inc. To maintain sanitary control within our courses we are only conducting courses at our facility located in Boerne, Texas. Modifications have been made for six foot spacing with students having his or her own testing equipment and supplies. Additional ventilation, face covering requirement, an abundance of sanitation measures throughout classroom and lab testing area, along with temperature checks have been implemented for the safety of our students. Entire course is conducted in an outdoor, pavilion type setting. With limited course numbers as they become full we will sometimes establish another course that will not be on the current list of courses.
40 Hour Backflow Tester Certification Course
This course fully prepares student for the practical skills exam provided at end of course and the written exam at a TCEQ approved site after course completion. Students do not need their own gauge for course attendance. TCEQ license prerequisites: two full years of approved water related work experience, H.S. diploma or GED, and criminal background check. Questions regarding criminal background check and TCEQ license approval can be directed to licenses@tceq.texas.gov or 512-239-1000. Provided ate 12 CEU hours to irrigation, water/wastewater, CSI and water treatment licenses. 100 hours are provided toward obtaining a state plumbing inspector's license. Click here for TCEQ BPAT application.
**Click above to check your license hours!
24 Hour Backflow Tester Renewal Course
This course provides all the necessay credit to renew a BPAT license when taken before the license expiration date. A USC 10th edition manual and an annual gauge certification are included with this course. 24 CEU hous provided to the BPAT license and 8 hours provided to irrigation, water/wastewater, CSI, and water treatment specialist. Note: student may be compensated for bringing their own USC 10th edition manual to class.
8 Hour Hands On (Practical Skills) Course
This course provides the 8 hours of practical skills (hands-on) training that's required by TCEQ every three years for licensed Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers. Attendees enjoy separated hands-on practice stations that are interchangeable by the students themselves. Included is one free gauge certification per student and a set of 10th edition USC laminated testing procedures.
16 Hour Backflow Tester Practical Skills and Repair
This two day course provides 16 hours towards a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester's license including eight hours of practical skills (hands-on) training that's required by TCEQ every three years. One gauge certification and 10th edition USC laminated testing procedures are provided.
Backflow Gauge Certifications
Bac-Flo Unlimited provides GaugeCare™, quality service for your differential pressure backflow gauge.
Ship us your gauge for its yearly certification and we'll ship it back usually within 2-3 business days. Or, contact us for weekly certification times in Boerne, TX.
Ship your gauge to our secure shipping address using any shipping method:
Bac-Flo Unlimited, Inc.
215 West Bandera Road
Suite 114, Box 455
Boerne, TX 78006
- Include with gauge the testing company's name, company address, and company phone number, along with the physical return shipping address.
- Fee: include check or money order for $100 per gauge ($75 certification fee and $25 for return shipping), or click here to pay online.
The usual turnaround time is 2-3 business days for getting your gauge shipped back to you. Please note a delay in return shipping could occur without payment or the required information above. For maximum protection ship gauge in its hard sided case placed in a cardboard box. Removing heavy objects such as tools and fittings will reduce shipping costs. Gauge hoses do not need to be included.
Upon receiving your gauge, we'll inspect, pressure test, verify accuracy points, and fully certify it providing an updated certification report valid for a full year. If there are questions or concerns in regard to a gauge needing additional attention such as calibration or repair, you'll be immediately contacted to discuss.
Bac-Flo Unlimited: "Don't Settle for Less!"
*Free Gauge Certifications - One free gauge certification and report is available to each enrolled student in a continuing education course. This service is offered at no charge only at the time of the course. Note: gauge testing is not part of course instruction, though Bac-Flo Unlimited can offer this service due to the advantage of having two instructors on site.
*Free Troubleshooting Assistance - After completing the 40 hr. tester or 24 hr. renewal course, backflow prevention assembly testers can contact one of our instructors for in-field assistance in the troubleshooting and repair of backflow prevention assemblies. In most instances they can help solve your problem over the phone.
*Two Instructors - This is beneficial in the hands-on training for backflow prevention assembly testers. It enables the student the opportunity to have personal one-on-one training with an instructor.
*National ABPA Tester Certification - This certification is useful for testers who plan to test backflow prevention assemblies outside of Texas. The course and training material are the same as for the standard state certification, with the exception of the written exam and final certification coming from the American Backflow Prevention Association. Add $150 to the price of the 40 hr. tester course for this national certification.
*TCEQ Training Credits - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) training credits are provided with all courses for Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers and for other water licenses when attending the 40 Hr. Tester or 8 Hr. Fundamental Course. CEUs are also provided by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners for credit toward obtaining a Plumbing Inspector's License.
*Optimal Hands-on Training - Our backflow assembly testing stations are individually mounted and spread out in courses with available seating for students. Assemblies consist of all four types and are interchangeable by the students themselves. This results in an optimized learning environment with a relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity for one-on-one training with an instructor.
*Learn from Experience - Courses are taught by experienced instructors in the areas of enforcement, testing, troubleshooting and repairing backflow prevention assemblies. You will learn first hand the dos and donts. Cross connection control and backflow prevention is our primary focus.