BACKFLOW PREVENTION PROGRAM

The AETA is proud to present the 2025 Backflow Prevention Training Schedule. Backflow prevention is an essential part of protecting water systems from pollution and contamination. This year we will offer additional Backflow Assembly Tester Recertification classes to provide training on expanded backflow topics. The classes we offer provide credentials for obtaining Backflow Assembly Tester and Repair certifications and licenses. In addition, the AETA provides training for running a Cross-Connection Control program.

Thank you to all those who host our classes throughout the state, our manufacturers’ representatives, and the Backflow Prevention Association of Arkansas. Your support continues to be important in promoting public health through safe drinking water. We look forward to working with you throughout the year.
Kenny Harvey, Backflow Program Coordinator/Instructor

ACCREDITATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

Backflow Prevention Certification training provided by the Arkansas Environmental Training Academy is accredited by:

Arkansas Department of Health Protective Health Codes
Arkansas Department of Health Engineering
Louisiana Department of Health
Louisiana State Plumbing Board
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

The AETA offers Backflow training on-campus, at locations statewide, and by Internet delivery. To schedule a class at your facility, contact kharvey@sautech.edu or call (870) 574-4552.

BACKFLOW TRAINING SCHEDULE

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BACKFLOW TRAINING INTERNET

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TEXAS BACKFLOW PREVENTON ASSEMBLY TESTER

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WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION SPECIALIST

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING WSPS CLASSES FOR 2025

WSPS Endorsement (Initial)

Effective January 1, 2025, all Licenses Plumbers and Irrigation Contractors wishing to have the WSPS endorsement attached to their SPBLA License are required to take a third-party National Certification Exam administered by the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) or the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) prior to making application to the SPBLA for the WSPS endorsement. This requirement is in addition to the required training class.

AETA classes are designed to prepare students for the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) national Backflow Assembly Tester Written and Performance (Lab) Exams.
Students are responsible for submitting the exam application and payment to ABPA at minimum of 14 days prior to sitting for an exam. To register for the ABPA exams, visit their website at https://www.abpa.org. If you have any questions contact Brittany Laswell at (801) 436-7238 Ext. 1 or email brittany@abpa.org or certification@abpa.org.

WSPS Endorsement (Recertification)

Effective January 1, 2025, all Licensed Plumbers and Irrigation Contractors with the WSPS Endorsement wishing to have their WSPS endorsement recertified are required to take a third-party National Recertification Exam administered by the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) or the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) prior to making application to renew the SPBLA WSPS endorsement. The AETA is implementing the following changes to the WSPS Recertification course to comply with the SPBLA requirement for the National Exam:

The AETA will offer a 2-day Recertification class to prepare students for the national ABPA Exams.
- Day 1 consists of classroom preparation for the ABPA written exam and to meet the 8-hour WSPS Recertification Requirement continuing education requirement of the SPBLA.
- Day 2 consists of training on the USF FCC&HR 10th edition Field Test Procedures that is utilized by the ABPA. Day 2 is optional; however, the AETA strongly recommends Recertification students who are not familiar with the USC Field Test Procedures attend to familiarize with the field test procedures prior to taking the ABPA Lab Exam.
Students are responsible for submitting the exam application and payment to ABPA a minimum of 14 days prior sitting for an exam. Please see page 2 of this memo for instructions for registering for the ABPA exams.

General Testers

General Testers are only required to attend the 8-hour WSPS Recertifications course for continuing education. General Testers are NOT required to take a national level exam at this time. For additional information please email Kenny Harvey at kharvey@sautech.edu or call (870) 574-4550. You may also visit the American Backflow Prevention Association website.

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WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION SPECIALIST

(in conjunction with APA)

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BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSOCIATION OF ARKANSAS

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BACKFLOW COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Backflow Assembly Tester Certification: This is a 40-hour training course designed to train the student in the fundamentals necessary to field-test the various types of backflow prevention assemblies. The course is comprised of a series of lectures and 12-16 hours of hands-on training.
Assembly Tester Recertification: This is an 8-hour training course designed for current Assembly Tester Technicians to renew their current license as required by the Arkansas Department of Health. The course is comprised of a series of lectures and 2 hours of hands-on testing.
Backflow Assembly Repair: This is a 24-hour training course designed to provide the student with the fundamentals necessary to troubleshoot and repair the various types of backflow prevention assemblies. The course is comprised of a series of lectures and a minimum of 8-hours of hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.
Backflow Assembly Advanced Repair (Texas BPAT Renewal): This is a 16-hour training course for individuals currently holding a Texas Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) Certification. The course is comprised of 16 hours of instruction on troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of backflow prevention assemblies. This course is taught in conjunction with the 8-hour BPAT Practical Skills Refresher course.
Texas BPAT Practical Skills Refresher Course: This is an 8-hour training course designed to provide the student with the hands-on training necessary to satisfy the current TCEQ regulations for BPAT license renewal.
Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist: This is a 16-hour training course designed for individuals who are involved in administering the Cross-connection Control Program for their utility. The course is comprised of a series of lectures and performing an actual on-site survey.
Customer Service Inspection: This is a 16-hour training course designed for those who are involved in administering a cross-connection control program in the state of Texas. The course consists of a series of lectures and performing an actual on-site survey.
Water Supply Protection Specialist: This 40-hour training course is designed for students who are interested in obtaining the WSPS endorsement through the Louisiana State Plumbing Board. The endorsement allows the student to perform field tests and make necessary repairs to backflow prevention assemblies in the state of Louisiana.

If you plan to take a Licensure Exam following a Backflow Class, you Must contact the ADH Protective Health Codes Division. Applications must be received by ADH prior to the exam date.

Protective Health Codes Section (Backflow Licensing) Contacts:

Ricky Mayhan: Phone: (501) 661-2642 E-Mail: Ricky.Mayhan@arkansas.gov
William Sims: Phone: (501) 661-2648 E-Mail: William.Sims@arkansas.gov

Engineering Section (Cross-Connection Control Program) Contact:

Robert Reaves Phone: (501) 661-2623 E-Mail: Robert.Reaves@arkansas.gov

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