Backflow Base / Tester certification / Nebraska
Backflow tester certification in Nebraska.
Anyone who tests or repairs backflow preventers with test ports that protect a public water system must hold a Grade VI water operator license from DHHS.
Last updated .
Who certifies
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (Title 179 NAC 10, Grade VI operator license)
The state issues the certificate testers need.
What it takes
- Credential
- Grade VI license (backflow preventer testing and repair technician)
- Before you start
- At least 19, good character, US citizen or lawfully admitted, able to read and write English, in adequate physical condition, able to keep logs and records.
- Training
- Minimum 32-hour course with hands-on instruction on cross connections, and backflow preventer operation, maintenance, testing and repair.
- Exam
- Written test plus a hands-on test of testing and repair, set by DHHS with its advisory council.
- Renewal
- Licenses expire Dec 31 of odd-numbered years. 10 hours of approved continuing education at renewal. A license expired or inactive 2+ years means re-taking the exam.
- Fees
- Rule text shows $115 initial and $115 per 2-year renewal (2011 version of the rule; confirm current fees).
Certificates from elsewhere
No other state's certificate is named as valid here. Ask the program before you rely on one.
Where to get certified
- Nebraska Rural Water Association (NERWA)Wahoo, NE · course · in person. Lists 5-day backflow certification courses (Oct 19-23, 2026 in Bridgeport; $750 members, $1000 non-members) and 1-day backflow classes.
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
Reports go to the water system. MUD and Lincoln both require the tester's state certificate number and test gauge details.
Portals in use: Lincoln Backflow Tester Portal (SAMS)
Largest water systems
Metropolitan Utilities District (Omaha)
- Contact
- 402-504-7807 · backflow@mudnebr.com
- Reports
- Use the MUD Backflow Device Test Report and return it to MUD, 7350 World Communications Dr., Omaha, NE 68122.
- Testers
- Form needs the state certified technician's name and certificate number, employer, and test gauge make, serial number, calibration date and who verified accuracy.
City of Lincoln (Lincoln Water System)
- Contact
- 402-441-5912 · backflow@lincoln.ne.gov
- Reports
- Submit every test report through the Backflow Tester Portal (lincoln.ne.gov/BackflowTesterPortal).
- Testers
- Register yearly in the portal to be on the approved list. Upload Grade VI certificate, state renewal letter, gauge calibration reports, and a yearly certificate of insurance naming the City/Lincoln Water System as additional insured ($500,000 minimum general liability).
City of Grand Island (Utilities Department)
- Testers
- Publishes a Backflow Tester List. Page could not be read.
City of Papillion
- Contact
- 402-597-2007
City of Kearney
- Contact
- 308-233-3258 · msawin@kearneygov.org
- Reports
- The page links a Backflow Device Test Report and an inspection form but does not say where to send them. Contact the Water Quality Coordinator.
- Testers
- Devices must be inspected by certified backflow inspectors; the city links a list of them.
Sources
- Nebraska Title 179 NAC 10-005 and 10-006 to 10-012
- MUD Backflow Device Test Report
- Lincoln Backflow Testing Resources
- Lincoln Annual Backflow Tester Information
- Kearney Backflow
- NERWA training
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
- Bookings from a booking page, your own website, and an AI receptionist on your phone.
- Schedule board and route for each tester.
- Field app that scores every test, even with no signal.
- Test reports sent to the water system that serves each address.
- Card payments to your own Stripe account, and yearly renewals that charge after the test.
- Client portal for HOAs, property managers and contractors.
- $50/month flat: no per-test fee, no cut of payments.
- Every feature →What the app does, part by part.
- Compare →Next to other backflow and field-service software.
- Start free →No card. $50/month or $500/year once you go live, 45 days free.
- Free exam prep →Study questions, practice exams, device tests, a VR wet lab.