Texas Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) Contractor License

The Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) Contractor License enables the holder to:

• Test and repair assemblies on any domestic, commercial, industrial, or irrigation service
• Check and service assemblies on firelines only if permanently employed by an Approved Fireline Contractor

How to Get the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) Contractor's License in Texas?

1. Take and approve the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester 40-Hour Training
2. Submit the required online Application Form and fee
3. Provide certificates of education and work experience:
   • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma
   • Two years of experience in an approved area, which includes but not limited to:
     • Installation or repair of residential, commercial, or industrial drinking water treatment equipment
     • Operation or maintenance of a public drinking water system
     • Domestic wastewater treatment facility
     • Installation or repair of lawn irrigation systems
     • Service or installation of fire suppression sprinkler systems and lines
     • Performance of duties approved by the Executive Director
     • Activities that requires a Master or Journeyman Plumbing License
     • Health inspections that require a Registered Sanitarian
   • Up to one year of experience could be substituted with one year of College credit (32 semester hours) or 20 hours of approved training
4. Wait for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality pre-approval
5. Sign up for an exam at your Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Regional Office or your local Computer-Based Testing Center

• Once the test results are validated by the Commission, the applicant will receive an official notification regarding further instructions for the licensure emission process

Texas Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) Contractor License Exam

Below are the currently available details regarding the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam, which is divided into a Written Portion (CBT) and a practical Skills Portion (administered by the Training Provider). Before candidates are allowed to take the computer-based test, they must first comply with the criteria to receive pre-approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. After receiving clearance, applicants can take four tests during a one-year approval period (the initial test plus up to three retests) at the Registered Test Center. If the candidate is ineligible to retake the examination, access to the licensing test will not be granted. Depending on the test site, applicants that fail to pass the initial test may retest it once right away, but must come back on a different day to attempt the remaining three out of their four chances.

Texas Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) Contractor Trade Exam

• Testing Company: TCEQ
• Time Allowed: 3 Hours for the Written Portion; time-limit for the Practical Skills Portion depends on the Training Provider
• Subjects Involved:
  • Written Portion
    • Identification and description of backflow preventers, devices, and assemblies utilized for the prevention of backflow
    • Principles of backflow, backpressure, and backsiphonage
    • Backflow, cross-connections, public health, and environmental protection
    • Cross-connection control programs
    • Operation, and calibration of test gauges
    • Proper testing and repair of backflow prevention assemblies and safe test procedures
    • Knowledge in the responsibilities of:

      • BPAT
      • Plumbers
      • Plumbing inspectors
      • Water purveyors
      • Customers
  • Practical Skills Portion
    • Proper, safe test procedures for backflow prevention assemblies
    • Troubleshooting and repair of backflow prevention assemblies
    • Documentation of installation, testing, and/or repair of backflow prevention assemblies
    • Reduced pressure principle assembly
    • Double check-valve assembly
    • Pressure vacuum breaker assembly
    • Spill resistant pressure vacuum breaker