Certification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
WaterSense
Who is eligible to apply for a WaterSense partnership?
The following IA certification programs carry the EPA WaterSense label.
Individuals certified in these programs and in good standing are eligible to apply to WaterSense as a partner.
Good standing indicates that the individual has earned and submitted 10 Continuing Education Units
along with a renewal fee by the renewal date on an annual basis.
- Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC)
- Certified Irrigation Designer (CID)
- Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA)*
- Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor (CGIA)*
Learn more about each program at Programs.
*For CLIA or CGIA certification earned before April 1, 2007: You will be eligible for partnership upon renewal for 2008.
- Submit your application for WaterSense partnership after your next certification renewal.
Complete the EPA WaterSense partner agreement for certified professionals at
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/partners/eligibility.htm.
- Include proof of certification, which will be your renewal card issued in 2008.
Cards are only issued for renewals received by the annual January 31 renewal deadline.
*For CLIA or CGIA certification earned after April 1, 2007:
Why is the WaterSense application process different for CLIA and CGIA, depending upon when the certification was earned?
WaterSense specifications required changes in the CLIA and CGIA programs that did not take effect until April 1, 2007. For CLIA and CGIA exams after that date,
one year of irrigation field experience is required with application 30 days in advance. Additional questions were added to the exams related to water efficiency.
CLIA and CGIA candidates are required to submit an independently completed audit, verified by an IA auditor in good standing, before the certification process is complete.
Am I automatically a WaterSense partner once I earn a labeled IA certification?
No. You must apply to WaterSense by completing the partner agreement for “Certified Professionals” at
www.epa.gov/watersense/partners/eligibility.htm.
You will be a WaterSense partner when you receive confirmation from the EPA.
Can I use the WaterSense partner logo on my business cards as soon as I earn my IA certification?
No. You must apply and be accepted as a WaterSense partner and receive your partnership materials from EPA in order to use the partner logo.
Important: at no time will you able to use the WaterSense label. This is your partnership materials from EPA in order to use the partner logo.
Important: at no time will you able to use the WaterSense label. This is reserved for labeled products or programs such as CIC, CID, CLIA and CGIA.
What are the benefits of becoming a WaterSense partner?
As a WaterSense partner you will be able to distinguish yourself from your competitors as
you display the WaterSense partner logo on business cards, brochures and promotional items.
The Environmental Protection Agency will promote the logo as a symbol of water efficiency in the same
way the Energy Star logo has been promoted to represent energy efficiency. WaterSense partners will be
included on the EPA’s online directory. WaterSense partners also get access to promotional materials
and tools developed by the EPA.
When can I apply for a WaterSense partnership?
You’re eligible to apply when you:
- Receive your certificate, if you’re newly certified.
- Receive your renewal card, if you’re already certified. Learn more about
renewal.
Where can I get more information?
Check out the EPA WaterSense website or call the WaterSense helpline.
- Call the toll-free WaterSense helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) or
- Visit the EPA WaterSense website (www.epa.gov/watersense/).