The Olivenhain Municipal Water District (District) is considering the use of microfiltration or ultrafiltration technology for its planned 25-MGD initial/60-MGD ultimate drinking water filtration plant. Because membrane filtration systems are classified as "alternative treatment technologies" under the federal Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), these systems require individual certification by a state's jurisdictional regulatory authority prior to use within that state. In California, a primacy state, the SWTR is administered by the DHS. Presently, only two membrane filtration systems (one from each of two membrane manufacturers) have obtained DHS certification. The District decided that it could obtain significant benefits if the number of certified suppliers was increased, and directed its engineer to develop a testing protocol that would describe the steps necessary to obtain certification in rapid, predictable manner. This testing protocol was then accepted by the DHS. This paper presents the protocol developed along with certain other procedural requirements for obtaining certification of membrane filtration equipment for use in California. The protocol may provide a framework for developing similar certification processes in other states. Includes tables.