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Backflow Base / Tester certification / Illinois

Backflow tester certification in Illinois.

Illinois calls testers Cross Connection Control Device Inspectors (CCCDI). IEPA coordinates approval (35 Ill. Adm. Code 604.1510); registration and instruction are mainly run by the Environmental Resources Training Center at SIU Edwardsville. Phone and email are ERTC's; the IEPA main line is 217-782-3397.

Last updated .

Who certifies

Illinois EPA, Field Operations Section (CCCDI approval, run through SIU Edwardsville ERTC)
618-650-2030 · ertcinfo@siue.edu

The state issues the certificate testers need.

What it takes

Credential
IEPA CCCDI approval (card issued through ERTC)
Before you start
Must be a licensed plumber (Illinois EPA Pollution Control Board notice: CCCDIs must be licensed plumbers).
Training
4-day, 24-hour ERTC course with hands-on testing of backflow devices.
Exam
ERTC's page names no formal exam; it lists hands-on practice testing. The written and performance exam wording in the rule was not read.
Renewal
Approval renews each year, generally between May 1 and June 30 (35 Ill. Adm. Code 604.1510(b)(2), per Pollution Control Board). ERTC also requires an 8-hour virtual recertification every 3 years.
Fees
Initial course $650 per session. Annual renewal fee is paid online through SIUE; amount not shown.

Certificates from elsewhere

No other state's certificate is named as valid here. Ask the program before you rely on one.

Compare every state →

Where to get certified

Listed for convenience, not endorsed. Check that a course is on the state's approved list before you pay.

Free exam prep → Study questions, practice exams, device tests.

Test procedures for every assembly → The steps we recommend for the field exam.

Filing test reports

Facilities test devices at installation and at least yearly; inspection records go to the community water supply, which sets its own form or portal. Many suburbs use Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI); Chicago uses its own CCCD inspection site.

Portals in use: BSI Online, Chicago CCCD inspection site (chicagocccdi.org)

Largest water systems

Chicago Department of Water Management

Contact
crossconnections@cityofchicago.org
Reports
Initial testing of a new device goes through the Department of Buildings Water Plan Desk. All later inspections are reported to DWM through the Cross Connection Control Device Inspection site, chicagocccdi.org.

City of Aurora Water Production

Contact
630-256-3237
Reports
The FAQ does not say how reports are submitted. Call Ian Wade, Capital Improvements Project Manager.
Testers
Certain commercial and irrigation customers need annual inspections. Tester credentials are not stated.

City of Joliet Public Utilities

Contact
815-724-4000
Reports
The plumber sends the certification paperwork to the City of Joliet after the annual test. No portal or backflow email named on the page.
Testers
Annual test by a licensed plumber holding a Cross Connection Certification License.

City of Naperville Water Utility

Contact
630-420-6137 · support@backflow.com
Reports
Your test contractor submits results online on BSI's website (BSI support 888-966-6050). BSI sends a due letter 30 days before the test date. The email is BSI's support address.
Testers
Annual test by a licensed plumber who holds a CCCDI. BSI keeps a list of Illinois CCCDIs.

Illinois American Water (Champaign)

All 1,709 Illinois water systems →

Sources

Checked 2026-10-19 against each state's own program pages and rules. Rules change; confirm with the program before you book an exam or a test. Spot something out of date? hello@backflowbase.com.

The software

Contact

hello@backflowbase.com