Become an authorized backflow prevention assembly tester

• A completed application form
• A copy of your current Test Equipment Calibration Certificate
• A copy of your current Certificate of Competency - Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester from one of these agencies:
  • American Water Works Association (AWWA)
  • American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE)
  • American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
  • Northern California Backflow Prevention Association (NCBPA)
• An original Certificate of General Liability Insurance with attached cross-liability clause. Make sure your certificate:
  • Shows at least $1,000,000 General Liability
  • Includes your name and your valid Certificate of Competency from AWWA, ASSE, ABPA, or NCBPA
  • Has the following language: 
    • "The City and County of San Francisco, its Officers and Employees, are named as additional insured pursuant to all operations performed for them by the named insured."
  • Lists the certificate holder as:
    • SFDPH Environmental Health, Attn: Cross-Connection Program. 49 South Van Ness Ave., Suite 600, San Francisco CA 94103
  • Includes a 10-day prior written notice of cancellation, non-renewal, or material change to SFDPH Environmental Health

Pay the application fee. Write a check or money order to the SF Department of Public Health and send to:

Include "ATTN: Cross-Connection Program" in the address.

Once we have your documents, we will contact you. We will schedule you for the exam on San Francisco Health Code covering backflow prevention. We offer the exam every quarter. We give exam spots based on the application date.

Make sure you:

• Send your documents from Step 1 at least 3 business days before the exam
• Get at least a 70% on the exam to pass

The Tax Collector's Office will send you a bill for your annual license certificate fee. We will mail you your Permit to Operate and add you to our approved tester list.