Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers

Licensure

To obtain a new backflow prevention assembly tester (BPAT) registration in the State of Iowa, the applicant must complete an application in our online licensing system and provide documentation from one of the following:

• Initial application for registration must be made within 12 months after the date of completion of an Iowa DIAL-approved 32-hour BPAT training course or
• Current third-party certification from the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) or American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) or
• Out-of-state backflow tester or cross-connection credential from a state with similar or greater requirements for training and continuing education than the state of Iowa. 

If you are applying with a DIAL-approved 32-hour course, your training provider will upload your certificate to our licensing system.  If the course has not been uploaded, please contact your training provider before applying.

If you are applying with third-party or out-of-state credentials, the uploaded document must include your name, type of certification/license, and expiration date.

Renewal

The renewal window opens 60 days before the registration's expiration date.  

Late fees for renewals start on the day after the expiration date. 

To renew a State of Iowa backflow registration, the applicant must complete an online renewal application and provide documentation from one of the following: 

• An Iowa DIAL-approved five-hour BPAT recertification training course or
• Current third-party certification (ABPA or ASSE) or 
• Approved out-of-state credentials (e.g. NE Grade VI).  You must provide a copy of your card or certification that shows your name, type of certification, and expiration date.

The DIAL-approved 5-hour BPAT recertification training course can be taken at any time during your registration period. Your training provider will upload your certificate to our licensing system. If the course has not been uploaded, please contact your training provider before applying.

If you are applying with third-party or out-of-state credentials, the uploaded document must include your name, type of certification/license, and expiration date.

Processing

• If you are applying with an Iowa DIAL-approved course, the registration is processed automatically and emailed the day after payment is submitted.  
• It can take one to two weeks if you apply before your DIAL-approved training provider uploads your course, if you are applying with a third-party certification/out-of-state credentials, or if additional follow-up is necessary.
• Registrations are sent to the email address you have on the My Profile page.  Email addresses can be updated in our online licensing system by logging into your account, changing your email from the My Profile page, and clicking Continue

If you have not seen your registration after two weeks of submitting your renewal/application, please verify you have not received an email from us asking for further information/documentation.

If you have not received an email from us, please contact us at env.health@dia.iowa.gov.

Registration Schedule and Fees 

• State of Iowa backflow prevention assembly tester registration is valid for two years from the processing date.
• Registration application and renewal fees are $72.
• Late fees are $10 per month with a maximum late fee of $50.
• A backflow registration can be inactive for two years and can be reinstated with a five-hour course. Testers whose registrations have expired for more than two years must retake the Iowa DIAL-approved 32-hour BPAT training course.

Late Notices

There are two scenarios where you may receive a late notice.

• The renewal was submitted, but not yet processed, you may receive a late notice email. Our processing time is one to two weeks.
• The renewal is incomplete and the application fee is unpaid.  The department's licensing system does not notify staff of incomplete applications with unpaid fees.  Please log back into the department's online licensing system, resume your in-progress application, and verify the following:
  • All questions were answered
  • Your training course was uploaded by the course provider
  • All fees were paid

Training & Continuing Education

You must take a DIAL-approved five-hour BPAT training course to renew your backflow tester registration. For a five-hour recertification course to qualify for your renewal, it must be taken during the registration period.

Your DIAL-approved training provider is responsible for rostering all course attendees and will upload your training course to our database. If this has not been uploaded, you will need to contact your training provider to let them know. Program staff does not have access to this information.

Laws & Rules

• Iowa Administrative Code 641 Chapter 26