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Backflow tester certification in Oregon.

OHA certifies Backflow Assembly Testers. Assemblies must be tested by an OHA-certified tester; Oregon journeyman and apprentice plumbers who finish an approved tester course may test without certification (OAR 333-061-0070, 333-061-0072).

Last updated .

Who certifies

Oregon Health Authority, Drinking Water Services (Cross Connection program)
971-673-0321 · cross.connection@odhsoha.oregon.gov

The state issues the certificate testers need.

What it takes

Credential
OHA Backflow Assembly Tester certification.
Before you start
Proof of education (high school diploma, GED or higher). If you test for a fee you need a Construction Contractors Board (CCB) or Landscape Contractors Board (LCB) license, held by you or your employer.
Training
OHA-approved 5-day tester course, completed within 12 months before you apply.
Exam
Given at the end of the approved course: at least 70% on the written exam and 90% on the physical-performance exam.
Renewal
Every two years, expiring December 31 (last names A-K in even years, L-Z in odd years). Needs a 1- or 2-day refresher course from an approved provider (not required at first renewal), plus gauge calibration reports. Lapsed a year or more: meet initial requirements again.
Test kit
Test gauge calibrated every 12 months, in the same month each year. Send the last two calibration certificates with renewal (rule: testing with a gauge not calibrated in the prior 12 months can cost you certification).
Fees
OAR 333-061-0072 lists $195 for initial or renewal (2 years), $35 reciprocity review, $50 reinstatement. The OHA page shows $97.50 certification and $132.50 reciprocity, prorated by 50% in the second half of the cycle; confirm the amount with OHA.

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

The tester keeps one copy, gives one to the owner and one to the water supplier, in a form the supplier accepts. Each supplier sets its own method.

Deadline: Within 10 working days (OAR 333-061-0070)

Portals in use: FormLink Systems

Largest water systems

Portland Water Bureau

Contact
backflow@portlandoregon.gov
Reports
Email completed PDF reports to backflow@portlandoregon.gov, or mail to Portland Water Bureau, Attn: Backflow Assembly Records, 664 N Tillamook Street B320, Portland OR 97227. Due within 10 business days.
Testers
Must be state-certified. Attaching the sticker label from the customer's reminder letter speeds processing. No calibration filing rule stated.

Tualatin Valley Water District

City of Salem Public Works

Reports
The tester sends the report to the city's Cross Connection Specialist.

Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB)

Contact
541-984-4747 · backflow@eweb.org
Reports
Assemblies already in EWEB's database: submit through EWEB's online backflow database. New, replaced, removed or relocated assemblies: email backflow@eweb.org. Due within 10 working days of the first test.
Testers
Must hold current OHA certification and follow EWEB's Tester Code of Conduct (revised 10-2025). Keep EWEB told of changes to your certification and test gauges; good standing keeps you on EWEB's tester list.

Medford Water Commission

Contact
541-774-2430 · customerservice@medfordwater.org
Reports
Page does not say how testers submit reports; call customer service. Fax 541-500-6220.
Testers
Page links to the state list of certified testers and gives no extra tester rules.

All 916 Oregon 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