Certification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Certification

How do I get certified?
The certification process varies with the certification:

• Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC): after your application is accepted, pass a written, objective exam. CIC is a self-study program. An IA review course, Irrigation Contractor, is optional.
• Certified Irrigation Designer (CID): after your application is accepted, pass Step 2, 3 and 4 exams. CID is a self-study program. IA education can help you prepare for the exams with a variety of courses.
• Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS): after your application is accepted, pass a written, objective exam.
• Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor (CGIA): after your application is accepted, pass a written, objective exam and submit an independently completed audit verified by an IA certified auditor in good standing. An IA course, Golf Irrigation Auditor, is optional.
• Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA): after your application is accepted, pass a written, objective exam and submit an independently completed audit verified by an IA certified auditor in good standing. An IA course, Landscape Irrigation Auditor, is optional.
• Certified Water Conservation Manager – Landscape (CWCM-L): After your application is accepted, pass a written, objective exam. CWCM-L is a self-study program. IA education can help you prepare for the exam with a variety of courses.

Learn more about each program at Programs.

What are the costs to become certified?
The cost varies depending on the certification you would like to obtain. Note: education course and exam fees are separate. Fees are noted for each certification at Programs.

When are exams given?
IA certification exams are scheduled across North America at regional trade shows and other locations. All exams are offered at the International Irrigation Show. If you’re looking for an exam in your area, check the continually updated schedule online frequently. If you don’t see a date or location, call the IA certification manager at (703) 536-7080 or email certification@irrigation.org. For a continually updated schedule by date, exam title or location, go to Schedule.

How far in advance must I register?
Your registration and payment should be received by the IA at least 30 days before the exam date.

The 30-day policy was set by the IA Certification Board to allow a minimum period for candidates to study and for the IA to complete the experience verification process, to prepare and ship exams, and to book and brief proctors.

How do I register for exams?

1. Register online by clicking on the course you want on the Schedule. A chart of information relating to the specific exam title, location and date will appear. Go to "Registration" on the chart and click the link, "Register online with the IA." Go to the Schedule.
2. Or download a registration form at Forms.
   Complete and fax your registration form to (703) 536-7019.

Does registering for a class also register me for an exam, or vice-versa?
No. Class and exam registration (and fees) are separate.

What are the requirements to apply or take an exam?
CIC: at least three years irrigation experience, or two years experience plus one year of education in an irrigation-related field to apply to the program.

CID: at least one year irrigation experience (or education) to apply to the program, and three years of irrigation-related experience to take the exam.

CAIS: field experience with the management and operation of on-farm irrigation systems, as well as intermediate math skills are highly recommended.

CGIA, CLIA: at least one year irrigation experience to apply to the program.

CWCM-L: at least three years irrigation experience (or two years experience plus one year of education) and current IA Auditor certification to take the exam.

How do I prepare?
Study all recommended references, equations or formulas, and take optional IA education ourses to help you prepare as suggested on the bulletin for each exam.

References ... IA Bookstore ... IA Education

Why does it take 30-45 days to receive exam results?
IA certification exams are scored by an independent testing facility. Exams are shipped from the testing site to the facility for scoring and letters are generated and mailed to candidates.

After I'm certified, how do I maintain my certification?
Following your first year of certification, ALL certified individuals must renew annually, by submitting $50 per certification (maximum $100) and at least 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Renewal bills are sent in October, and are due December 31. For more information, see Renewal.

How do I earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Here are several ways to earn CEUs:

• Attend irrigation or green industry short courses or seminars
• Earn certification in another area or specialty
• Attend irrigation or green industry trade shows, field days or meetings
• Judge an irrigation competition
• Teach or present an irrigation paper at a short course, seminar, technical conference, or in-house training course
• Teach an irrigation course at a four-year or two-year college or technical institute
• Teach or attend an in-house irrigation training course
• Conduct irrigation audits

Additionally, special credits may be awarded after Certification Board review for activities like writing an irrigation book or publishing an irrigation article in professional journals, association or green industry trade magazines. A maximum of five CEUs per year can be green industry or business related. More information on earning CEUs.

Do I have to be an IA member to become certified?
No, however, you may find it cost effective to join before pursuing certification. Members receive substantial pursuing certification. Members receive substantial discounts on courses, exams and reference materials, plus a host of additional benefits. Learn more about Membership.

Does certification automatically make me an IA member?
No, certification does not convey IA membership.

How can a lapsed certification be reinstated?
If you have not been current for less than three years, reinstatement is possible by paying all back fees and submitting the CEUs for the years that are not current.

If you have not been current for more than three years, certification status is automatically lost. You will need to reapply to the certification program as a new candidate.

How long do I have to take the exam after applying?
A candidate who has not taken an exam for three consecutive years must restart the certification process.

How many times can I retake an exam?
A candidate who fails an exam three times must wait two years from the date of the last exam before they can retake the exam.

What is the difference between certification and licensing?
Certification is a professional credential that states you have voluntarily completed a course of study, passed an exam and met specified criteria. It's usually issued by private organizations. Certification provides consumers with more information about you. It also gives you a way to increase your competency through study and exams, and then advertise or inform others about it. Certification sets standards, ensures practitioners are educated and competent and informs the public.

Licensing is usually required by a state or local government and gives permission to do a job. If one violates the licensing law - either by acting without a license or failing to uphold the rules governing the license privilege - they could be prosecuted. Licenses restrict entry and control activities and professions.

What states have irrigation licensing laws?
The states below have licensing requirements (list is subject to change). If you are interested in taking licensing exams, contact the numbers provided:

Connecticut: Dept. Consumer Protection, (860) 713-6135
Louisiana: Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry, Horticulture Commission, (202) 952-8100
New Jersey: Dept. Environmental Protection, (609) 777-1007
North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board (919) 872-2229
Rhode Island: Dept. of Labor & Training, (401) 462-8550
South Dakota: SD State Plumbing Commission, (605) 773-3429
Texas: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, (512) 239-1000

How is the integrity of the certification process maintained?
Exams aren’t hosted, sponsored or funded by any organization, including manufacturers, distributors or organizations other than the IA. Exams are posted on a schedule by the IA and are open to any qualified candidate.

IA exam proctors must meet specific criteria and are approved by the IA in advance. Proctors are provided with information and instructions to ensure the testing process is consistent.

Exam materials are shipped from the independent test facility to the proctor. Exams are sealed by the proctor with the candidate present and returned directly to the same facility for scoring.

Education instructors (IA or independent) do not have access to certification exams for structuring course content. Staff members (IA or other) do not have access to the exams.

Additionally, every candidate signs a code of ethics to indicate their understanding of the confidential nature of the exam, and that they will not reveal it contents.

How are my exam results kept confidential?
Exam results are mailed from the independent test facility direct to the candidate. Results are not released by email, telephone or fax, or to anyone other than the candidate.

What is "retired" certification status?
To maintain a retired status and enjoy the associated benefits, a certified individual must be fully retired from the irrigation industry with no plans to ever become active in the industry. There is no annual renewal fee; it is not necessary to annually maintain 10 CEUs.

To be placed in retired status, the individual must write a letter to the Certification Board requesting to be placed in retired status and state that he/she is fully retired from the irrigation industry. Once approved, the individual in retired status and state that he/she is fully retired from the irrigation industry. Once approved, the individual may list the certification designation(s) after their name, followed by the word "Retired."

If the individual is determined to have become active in the irrigation industry, the individual loses all certifications and will have to start the certification process as a new candidate. The individual in retired status is not listed in the electronic directory because the individual cannot be active in the irrigation industry. .

To request "retired" status, submit your letter by mail to Attn: Certification, Irrigation Association, 6540 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22042-6638, or email certification@irrigation.org.