Essential information for cross-connection technicians, licensed plumbers and trainers/instructors of cross-connection/backflow prevention certification programs.
Find details on backflow training, testing backflow assemblies, obtaining hose bibb tags, as well as enforcement, containment, isolation and end outlets.
WSSC Water provides a list of certified instructors (PDF 119 KB) who are trained and certified to provide training to the plumbing service providers. Existing master plumbers and journeyman plumbers or candidates seeking either of these two licenses must obtain their training and certification from an approved trainer.
Initial training for first-time cross-connection technicians shall be a minimum of a 32-hour course and the certification is good for three years. Individuals seeking re-certification must complete an 8-hour course, which is also good for three years.
WSSC Water’s automated backflow tracking system does not permit for any grace period; you must be current with your certification and registered with the WSSC Water licensing department to submit test reports. For those who have taken a hiatus from providing services and have allowed their certification to lapse, you must obtain recertification within 12 months of expiration, or you will have to complete the full 32-hour course to re-register.
WSSC Water has two options for plumbing contractors seeking testable assembly and non-testable device tags. First, the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code permits a registered firm to print their own test tags if the printed document tag meets the code requirements. WSSC Water has tag templates for testable assembly tags, non-testable device tags, and hose bibb tags (PDF 842 KB). This document also provides instructions if a registered firm prefers to obtain WSSC Water-printed testable assembly, non-testable device or hose bibb tags.
Backflow assembly field test results must be submitted electronically through the WSSC Water Cross-Connection Test Report (CCTR) system. The CCTR system site user guide (PDF 3.39 MB) is available as a user navigation tool. Please submit any proposed modifications to the data presented by the CCTR system through this form.