Landscape Certifications

Certified Irrigation Designer – Landscape

Certification gives you a competitive edge. Become a certified irrigation designer and

  • add instant credibility with customers and employers.
  • increase job opportunities.
  • demonstrate your commitment to efficient water management.
  • qualify for the EPA WaterSense program (golf course and residential/commercial specialties).

CID Overview

CIDs establish specifications and design drawings for landscape irrigation projects. CIDs

  • evaluate site conditions and determine water availability and use requirements.
  • select the most effective irrigation equipment, methods and materials for the application.
  • develop efficient and cost-effective irrigation designs that meet the plant’s watering requirements.
  • prepare comprehensive plans and specifications that include construction details, equipment or materials, as well as appropriate irrigation schedules.
  • ensure the installation matches the design intent.
  • provide direction to the end user on system use, scheduling and maintenance.

CID – Landscape Specialties

  • golf course irrigation
  • residential/commercial irrigation

Becoming a CID – Landscape

To become a CID – Landscape, you must:

  1. Register for the exam. Recommended: three years of irrigation-related experience or education in an irrigation-related field.
  2. Pass the general landscape/turf exam. The four-hour general landscape/turf exam includes 150 equally weighted, multiple-choice questions on irrigation equipment, hydraulics, system components, scheduling, precipitation and application rates, spacing, soil-water-plant relationships, efficiency/uniformity, economics and pumps. 
  3. Pass a landscape/turf specialty irrigation exam. Candidates have four hours to complete a specialty exam in golf course or residential/commercial landscape irrigation. See the Certification Candidate Handbook for details on specialty exam content. Candidates may not take both the general landscape/turf exam and one of the landscape/turf specialty exams on the same day.
  4. Comply with the Select Certified Code of Ethics.
  5. Remain in good standing. CIDs must submit 20 continuing education units per two-year cycle.

CID – Landcape Exam Fees

General Landscape/Turf Exam Fee — $250 (Member), $495 (Nonmember)
Landscape Specialty Exam Fee (golf course or residential/commercial) — $250 (Member), $495 (Nonmember)
Exam Retake Fee — $200 (Member), $325 (Nonmember)
Annual Renewal Fee (one certification) — $75 (Member), $125 (Nonmember); plus $25 for each additional certification

See the Certification Candidate Handbook for exam policies, procedures and fees outside of North America.