Comparison

Backflow Buddy vs NFPA CFPS Prep

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Backflow Buddy

This app simulates backflow prevention devices and their testing procedures. It offers customizable water pressure simulations and quizzes to prepare users for certification exams.

Highlights
  • RPZ and Test Gauge simulation
  • Double Check and Test Gauge simulation
  • Customizable internal water pressure
  • Differential pressure gauge simulation
  • Quiz preparation with multiple lengths
  • Randomized industry-expert questions
  • Comprehensive quiz results
Features
Read full description

Backflow Buddy was designed to be a teaching tool for instructors and a learning tool for anyone interested in back flow prevention assemblies and how they are tested. Features include: - Simulation of RPZ and Test Gauge - Simulation of Double Check and Test Gauge Imagine seeing what is happening inside a backflow device as water moves through it. The water pressure in different portions of the device is fully customizable, allowing users to simulate a failing check valve or even back siphonage. Simulators include working accurate differential pressure gauges that can be hooked up to the devices. -Quiz Prep Prepare yourself for upcoming exams. With three quiz length options, you can test your self on a variety of backflow subjects. Questions created by industry leaders and educators. Randomized questions with comprehensive results at the end of each quiz, to help see what you're missing.

About

NFPA CFPS Prep

Features
Read full description

NFPA CFPS Prep is the focused study companion for candidates pursuing the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) credential issued by the National Fire Protection Association. Built by exam preppers, for exam preppers — the app drills the application-level reasoning the real CFPS exam tests, not rote memorization. WHAT'S INSIDE - 500+ multiple-choice questions, every one with a written explanation - 18 topic areas mirroring the CFPS Body of Knowledge: – Fire Science & Combustion – Detection & Alarm Systems (NFPA 72) – Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13 / 13R / 13D) – Standpipes & Hose (NFPA 14) – Portable Extinguishers (NFPA 10) – Special Suppression (Clean Agents · CO₂ · Foam) – Building Construction & Occupancy – Life Safety & Means of Egress (NFPA 101) – Smoke Management (NFPA 92) – Water Supply & Fire Pumps (NFPA 20 / 22 / 24) – Hazardous Materials & Special Hazards – Emergency Planning & Response – Fire Risk Assessment & Loss Management – Codes, Standards & Plan Review – Inspection, Testing & Maintenance (NFPA 25) – Industrial · Healthcare · Special Occupancies – Fire Investigation & Cause Determination – Human Behavior in Fire & Tenability EXAM MODES - Full CFPS Mock — 100 questions in 180 minutes, mirroring the real sitting - Mid-length Mock — 75 questions in 135 minutes, perfect for a diagnostic check-in - Subdomain Drill — 30-question deep dive on a single topic - Knowledge Area Mock — 60 questions across one of five high-level areas - Practice Mode — untimed study mode with instant feedback after every question PROVEN STUDY FEATURES - Questions progress easy → medium → hard within every session - Each question tagged by domain, knowledge area, and difficulty - Scenario-based "case" prefaces for application-style items - 50+ purpose-drawn fire-protection diagrams: fire tetrahedron, sprinkler layouts, NFPA 72 detector spacing, hazard classifications, fire pump curve, standpipe classes, means of egress components, smoke control, occupancy classifications, NFPA code family, ICS chart, risk matrix, fault and event trees, and more - Question navigator and flag-for-review on every full exam - Domain-by-domain breakdown of every result, so you can target weak spots - Performance history tracked across sessions REFERENCE TAB A searchable, always-with-you NFPA cheat sheet — quick recall of detector spacing rules, sprinkler densities, occupant-load factors, travel-distance limits, fire-resistance ratings, NFPA 72 audibility targets, and more. EXAM GUIDE TAB Everything you need to know about the credential — eligibility, registration, test-day expectations, blueprint domains, and study-week strategy. DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONALS - Universal app — runs natively on iPhone and iPad - Portrait and landscape layouts on every screen, content never truncated - Works fully offline — open the app and study on the train, in the field, or on a flight. No account required, no ads, no in-app purchases. WHO IT'S FOR Fire protection engineers, life-safety consultants, code officials, AHJs, plan reviewers, facility risk managers, fire-service officers preparing for the CFPS, insurance loss-control specialists, and anyone working with NFPA codes who wants to validate broad competency. DISCLAIMER This app is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA®, CFPS®, and the relevant NFPA standards are trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association. Always consult the latest published NFPA standards and your local Authority Having Jurisdiction for compliance decisions.

Screenshots

Backflow Buddy3 screens
NFPA CFPS Prep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Backflow Buddy at $1.99 against NFPA CFPS Prep's $9.99. Backflow Buddy also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). NFPA CFPS Prep's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Backflow Buddy costs $1.99 and NFPA CFPS Prep $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Backflow Buddy ships an update fortnightly, NFPA CFPS Prep every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Backflow Buddy versus NFPA CFPS Prep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackflow BuddyNFPA CFPS Prep
Price$1.99 — better$9.99
Rating3.7 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size258 MB5 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperGreg PhillipsYuhsiu Lai

In-app purchases

None

Backflow Buddy

No in-app purchases

None

NFPA CFPS Prep

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Backflow Buddy free?
Backflow Buddy costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is NFPA CFPS Prep free?
NFPA CFPS Prep costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Backflow Buddy or NFPA CFPS Prep have ads?
Backflow Buddy shows ads; NFPA CFPS Prep does not.
Which is updated more often, Backflow Buddy or NFPA CFPS Prep?
Backflow Buddy ships an update fortnightly, and NFPA CFPS Prep every 2 months. Most recently, Backflow Buddy was updated on October 24, 2026 and NFPA CFPS Prep on October 31, 2026.

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