Landscape Certifications

Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor

Improve golf course irrigation performance.

Certification demonstrates expertise in evaluating irrigation system performance and improving water efficiency on golf courses. A CGIA credential can help you:

  • Demonstrate specialized irrigation auditing expertise.
  • Build credibility with customers and employers.
  • Expand career opportunities in golf course irrigation.
  • Qualify for EPA WaterSense recognition.

Certified by
The Irrigation Association

CGIA Overview

Certified Golf Irrigation Auditors evaluate irrigation system performance and help golf facilities improve water management. They demonstrate expertise in:

  • Collecting irrigation system and site data
  • Performing field measurements and observations
  • Evaluating irrigation uniformity and efficiency
  • Identifying maintenance needs and making recommendations
  • Developing irrigation schedules for greens, tees and fairways
  • Working with golf course superintendents to improve irrigation performance

How to become a Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor

1. Prepare for the exam

A minimum of one year of irrigation-related work experience is recommended before taking the exam.

Explore study resources

2. Pass the Golf Irrigation Auditor exam

The three-hour multiple-choice exam includes 125 questions covering:

  • Golf course irrigation audit procedures
  • Soil-water-plant relationships
  • Irrigation scheduling
  • Irrigation equipment and technology

Register for an exam

3. Maintain your certification

To remain certified, you must:

  • Follow the Select Certified Code of Ethics.
  • Earn 20 continuing education credits every 2 years.
  • Pay the annual certification renewal fee.

Review certification maintenance requirements

Become eligible for EPA WaterSense recognition

CGIA certification alone does not automatically qualify you for EPA WaterSense recognition.

To become WaterSense recognized, complete one of the following:

  1. Submit a qualifying golf irrigation audit that is independently completed and verified by an IA-certified professional in good standing within one year of acceptance into the certification program.
  2. Complete an IA Golf Irrigation Auditor class, which includes the required audit.

Audit guidelines             Policies, procedures & worksheets               Submission form


Exam Fees

Fee IA Member Nonmember
Golf Irrigation Auditor Exam $250 $495
Exam Retake $200 $325
Audit Resubmission $75 $125
Annual Renewal* $75 $125

*Additional certifications are $25 each.



Candidate Handbook

See the Certification Candidate Handbook for complete exam policies, specialty exam details and international testing fees.