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Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

Overview

Certified landscape irrigation auditors gather irrigation water-use data and test landscape irrigation systems. CLIAs:

• Develop system testing strategies.
• Identify plant materials by general groups and determine irrigation water requirements.
• Take soil samples and determine soil types and root zone depths.
• Observe system operations, locate irrigation zones, prepare site audit maps and visually identify broken or misaligned equipment.
• Check pressure and flow rates, conduct water application distribution tests and collect data to determine irrigation uniformity and efficiency.
• Estimate potential dollar and water savings.

Program Requirements

Certified landscape irrigation auditors must:

• Demonstrate a minimum of one year of irrigation-related work experience.
• Pass a written exam on the principles and practices of auditing.
• Submit an independently completed audit on one rotor and one spray area for evaluation.
• Agree to follow the Code of Ethics established by the IA Certification Board.
• Remain in good standing by submitting 10 continuing education units and a nominal renewal fee each year.

Certification Process

To become a CLIA, you must:

1. Submit an application. Minimum requirement: one year of irrigation-related work experience.
    
2. Pass the irrigation auditor exam. The 3-hour exam includes 80 multiple choice questions on site selection, irrigation audit procedures/technology, terminology, soils, irrigation, weather, plants, base schedules/scheduling, water use and schedule adjustments.
    
3. Submit a landscape irrigation audit. Audits must be completed independently and verified by an IA certified professional in good standing.

CLIA exams are offered in multiple locations throughout the year. Find one near you.

Fee Schedule

		IA Member	Nonmember
Step 1:	Application Fee	$50	$175
Step 2:	Irrigation Auditor Exam Fee	$200	$325
Exam Retake Fee/Audit Resubmission Fee		$75	$125
Annual Renewal Fee (one certification)		$50	$100
Annual Renewal Fee (two or more certifications)		$100	$150