Tester Certification Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of a
backflow prevention device in potable water systems regulated by NYC
DEP standards?
A. To increase water pressure in residential plumbing systems
B. To prevent contaminated water from reversing into the public drinking
water supply
C. To stop reverse flow that could introduce pollutants into the municipal
water supply system
D. To filter sediment and improve water taste before distribution
A backflow prevention device is designed to protect public health by
ensuring that water flows in only one direction, preventing chemicals,
waste, or other contaminants from entering the city’s potable water
system.
2. Under NYC DEP requirements, who is generally responsible for
ensuring a backflow prevention device is properly installed on a
property?
,A. The tenant occupying the building
B. The NYC Department of Health
C. The property owner through licensed professionals
D. The water meter manufacturer
Property owners are legally responsible for compliance and must hire
licensed professionals such as engineers and master plumbers to install
required backflow prevention devices in accordance with DEP regulations.
3. Which professional must typically submit plans for approval before
installation of a backflow prevention device in NYC?
A. Certified backflow tester
B. Insurance inspector
C. Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect
D. Water utility meter reader
NYC DEP requires that installation plans for backflow prevention devices be
prepared and submitted by a Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered
Architect before approval and installation can proceed.
4. After installation of a backflow prevention device, what is the first
required verification step?
A. Immediate annual retest after one year
B. Removal of the device for factory inspection
C. Initial testing by a certified backflow tester to confirm proper installation
D. Automatic approval without inspection
An initial test by a certified tester is required after installation to verify
correct operation and compliance before the system is officially accepted
by DEP.
5. How often must a backflow prevention device typically be tested after
initial installation in NYC?
,A. Every 5 years
B. Every 6 months
C. Every 12 months (annually)
D. Only when the property changes ownership
NYC DEP regulations require that certified testers perform annual testing of
backflow prevention devices to ensure continued safe operation and
protection of the water supply.
6. Who is authorized to perform testing of backflow prevention devices in
NYC?
A. Any licensed plumber without additional certification
B. Property owners after training
C. Individuals certified by the New York State Department of Health
D. NYC DEP administrative staff only
Only individuals certified by the New York State Department of Health and
trained specifically for backflow testing are legally permitted to conduct
official tests.
7. What is a key consequence of failing to test a required backflow
prevention device annually?
A. Automatic refund of water bills
B. Increased water pressure reduction
C. Fines or potential water service disconnection
D. Waiver of future testing requirements
Failure to comply with annual testing requirements can result in
enforcement actions by DEP, including fines and possible termination of
water service to the property.
8. Which types of properties are commonly required to install backflow
prevention devices?
, A. Only single-family homes
B. Vacant land parcels only
C. Facilities such as food service, chemical storage, and water-use-intensive
commercial buildings
D. Public parks exclusively
Properties with higher risk of contamination—such as food establishments,
chemical facilities, and industrial buildings—are required to install
backflow prevention devices under DEP rules.
9. What is the primary reason backflow can occur in a water distribution
system?
A. Excess rainfall entering underground pipes
B. Overuse of household plumbing fixtures
C. Changes in water pressure causing reverse flow in piping systems
D. High water temperature in distribution mains
Backflow typically occurs when pressure differences in plumbing or
distribution systems allow water to reverse direction, potentially pulling
contaminants into clean water lines.
10. Which document must certified testers typically complete when
submitting results to NYC DEP?
A. Electrical compliance certificate
B. Building occupancy permit
C. Official backflow prevention test report form
D. Fire safety inspection checklist
Testers are required to complete and submit standardized backflow test
report forms to document compliance and results for DEP records.
11. What is required for the initial backflow device test report
submission after installation?
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of a
backflow prevention device in potable water systems regulated by NYC
DEP standards?
A. To increase water pressure in residential plumbing systems
B. To prevent contaminated water from reversing into the public drinking
water supply
C. To stop reverse flow that could introduce pollutants into the municipal
water supply system
D. To filter sediment and improve water taste before distribution
A backflow prevention device is designed to protect public health by
ensuring that water flows in only one direction, preventing chemicals,
waste, or other contaminants from entering the city’s potable water
system.
2. Under NYC DEP requirements, who is generally responsible for
ensuring a backflow prevention device is properly installed on a
property?
,A. The tenant occupying the building
B. The NYC Department of Health
C. The property owner through licensed professionals
D. The water meter manufacturer
Property owners are legally responsible for compliance and must hire
licensed professionals such as engineers and master plumbers to install
required backflow prevention devices in accordance with DEP regulations.
3. Which professional must typically submit plans for approval before
installation of a backflow prevention device in NYC?
A. Certified backflow tester
B. Insurance inspector
C. Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect
D. Water utility meter reader
NYC DEP requires that installation plans for backflow prevention devices be
prepared and submitted by a Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered
Architect before approval and installation can proceed.
4. After installation of a backflow prevention device, what is the first
required verification step?
A. Immediate annual retest after one year
B. Removal of the device for factory inspection
C. Initial testing by a certified backflow tester to confirm proper installation
D. Automatic approval without inspection
An initial test by a certified tester is required after installation to verify
correct operation and compliance before the system is officially accepted
by DEP.
5. How often must a backflow prevention device typically be tested after
initial installation in NYC?
,A. Every 5 years
B. Every 6 months
C. Every 12 months (annually)
D. Only when the property changes ownership
NYC DEP regulations require that certified testers perform annual testing of
backflow prevention devices to ensure continued safe operation and
protection of the water supply.
6. Who is authorized to perform testing of backflow prevention devices in
NYC?
A. Any licensed plumber without additional certification
B. Property owners after training
C. Individuals certified by the New York State Department of Health
D. NYC DEP administrative staff only
Only individuals certified by the New York State Department of Health and
trained specifically for backflow testing are legally permitted to conduct
official tests.
7. What is a key consequence of failing to test a required backflow
prevention device annually?
A. Automatic refund of water bills
B. Increased water pressure reduction
C. Fines or potential water service disconnection
D. Waiver of future testing requirements
Failure to comply with annual testing requirements can result in
enforcement actions by DEP, including fines and possible termination of
water service to the property.
8. Which types of properties are commonly required to install backflow
prevention devices?
, A. Only single-family homes
B. Vacant land parcels only
C. Facilities such as food service, chemical storage, and water-use-intensive
commercial buildings
D. Public parks exclusively
Properties with higher risk of contamination—such as food establishments,
chemical facilities, and industrial buildings—are required to install
backflow prevention devices under DEP rules.
9. What is the primary reason backflow can occur in a water distribution
system?
A. Excess rainfall entering underground pipes
B. Overuse of household plumbing fixtures
C. Changes in water pressure causing reverse flow in piping systems
D. High water temperature in distribution mains
Backflow typically occurs when pressure differences in plumbing or
distribution systems allow water to reverse direction, potentially pulling
contaminants into clean water lines.
10. Which document must certified testers typically complete when
submitting results to NYC DEP?
A. Electrical compliance certificate
B. Building occupancy permit
C. Official backflow prevention test report form
D. Fire safety inspection checklist
Testers are required to complete and submit standardized backflow test
report forms to document compliance and results for DEP records.
11. What is required for the initial backflow device test report
submission after installation?
