Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) promulgated new and revised rules on September 27, 2007 which will affect many licensing programs.

Please review the URL below to become acquainted with the Texas Water Code Chapter 37, and Title 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 30 and Chapter 290

Backflow Prevention Assembly(BPAT)Program

The Backflow Assembly Tester Program staff can answer routine operator inquiries. Below is the phone number and other means for contacting the program:

• Location - The second floor in building A of the TCEQ complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Austin, Texas
• Office Hours - 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
• Phone number -512/239-6133. Press #1 for New Applications or Exams
  Press #2 for Renewals
• Fax - 512/239-6272
• Email address licenses@tceq.state.tx.us
• Mailing Address - TCEQ, Backflow Assembly Tester Program, MC-178, PO Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087

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Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester

• Why do I need a license?
• How do I become licensed?
• What type of training must I complete for a license?
• What do I need to know about an application?
• What if my application is deficient?
• What is acceptable experience?
• If I hold a license in another state, can I transfer it to Texas?
• How do I renew my license?
• What are some of my responsibilities to the TCEQ?
• I lost my license or pocket card-how do I replace it?

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Why do I need a license?

In accordance with state law, Texas Water Code Chapter 37, and Title 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 30 and Chapter 290 a person who repairs or tests the installation or operation of backflow prevention assemblies must hold a license issued by the TCEQ.

How do I become licensed?

To become licensed as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, you must have the required education and experience, complete the related training and pay an application fee.

What type of training must I complete for a license?

You must take a 40 hour Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester course (Course Code 1200)
List of approved Training Providers PDF

What do I need to know about an application?

• Where can I obtain an application?
• What do I need to provide with an application?
• When do I pay the application fee?

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Where can I obtain an application?

Applications are available through the Training Provider, the TCEQ's BPAT Program in the Austin central office or at any TCEQ regional office. The application must be completed in full, signed, dated, and submitted with the appropriate application fee (check or money order only). All fees are non-refundable.

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What do I need to provide with an application?

In addition to the standard information (name, address, social security number), you will need to submit supporting documentation such as:

• copy of certificate of completion for unverified training
• copy of college transcripts used for experience substitution
• copy of current out-of-state license (if applying for reciprocity)

All statements and qualifications provided by each applicant are subject to verification.

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When do I pay the application fee?

You must pay the application fee when you submit the application. The application fee is valid for one year.

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What if my application is deficient?

Applicants who are deficient after an initial review by the staff may be asked to submit supplemental information for consideration if the staff determines that the original application did not contain all relevant information. The applicant must submit this information within 120 days of notification of deficiency, or the examination,application and fee will become invalid.

Application fees are not refundable

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What is acceptable experience?

Approved areas of work include;

• operating or maintaining a public drinking water system
• installing or repairing residential, commercial, or industrial drinking water treatment equipment
• installing or repairing lawn irrigation systems
• performing activities requiring a master or journeyman plumbing license
• installing or servicing fire suppression sprinkler systems and lines
• operating or maintaining a domestic wastewater treatment facility
• performing health inspections that requires a registered sanitarian
• performing duties approved by the executive director.

Up to 1 year of the experience requirement may be substituted with 1 year of college (32 semester hours) or 20 hours of additional approved training credits.

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If I hold a license in another state, can I transfer it to Texas?

Texas issues licenses of reciprocity on a case-by-case basis with all other states.

To be considered for reciprocity:

• You must hold a current BPAT license
• Your license must have been obtained by exam
• The license must be mandatory under the other state's laws
• The equivalent education, training, experience, and fee requirements for the type and class of Texas license being applied for have been met.

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How do I renew my license?

You will be mailed a renewal notification to the last known address on file at least 60 days before your license expires. This notification will give you instructions for renewing your license using the Texas Online license renewal process.

If you are unable to renew on-line, please contact our office immediately to receive a printed renewal application. You can contact the TCEQ Licensing Section at licenses@tceq.state.tx.us or phone (512)239-6133. Please be sure to include your full name and license number with your request. Remember it is your responsibility to timely submit a renewal application.

Credit is given for attendance at TCEQ approved training courses, correspondence courses, seminars, and association meetings on the basis of one credit hour per hour of attendance.

To check how many credit hours you currently have on file. click here.

Renewal applications are mailed to the operator's address on file. The TCEQ is not responsible for undelivered mail.

What are some of my responsibilities to the TCEQ?

The operator is responsible for:

• Notifying the Austin central office of any address changes;
• Maintaining personal training records, including:
  • Name of training course
  • Location of training course
  • Name of training provider and
  • Date of training course

I lost my license or pocket card-how do I replace it?

To replace a lost or stolen license, mail a request for a duplicate license, along with a check or money order(made payable to TCEQ)for $20, to:

BPAT Program
TCEQ
P.O. Box 13088
Austin, TX 78711-3088

Please include the following with your request:

• Name
• TCEQ license number for the license you are requesting

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