Landscape Certifications

Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor

Certification gives you a competitive edge. Become a certified golf irrigation auditor and

  • add instant credibility with customers and employers.
  • increase job opportunities.
  • demonstrate your commitment to efficient water management.
  • qualify for the EPA WaterSense program.

CGIA Overview

CGIAs quantify and analyze turf irrigation water use for golf courses. CGIAs

  • collect site data.
  • make maintenance recommendations and perform minor repairs.
  • perform field measurements and observations.
  • determine irrigation uniformity and efficiency.
  • develop a basic irrigation schedule for greens, tees and fairways.
  • work with a golf course superintendent to manage overall irrigation water usage and decisions.

Becoming a CGIA

To become a CGIA, you must:

  1. Register for the exam. Recommended: one year of irrigation-related work experience.
  2. Pass the golf irrigation auditor exam. The three-hour exam includes 125 equally weighted, multiple-choice questions on golf course irrigation procedures, soil-plant-water relationships, irrigation scheduling and equipment/technology.
  3. Comply with the Select Certified Code of Ethics.
  4. Remain in good standing. CGIAs must submit 20 continuing education units per two-year cycle.

** Submitting an independent audit is no longer a requirement to becoming an IA CGIA. However, please note that completing the steps in “Becoming a CGIA” will not automatically qualify you to being WaterSense recognized. If you would like for your CGIA to be WaterSense recognized, please follow the additional steps below.

Becoming WaterSense Recognized

In order for your CGIA to be WaterSense recognized, you must provide proof to the IA that you have completed an audit. The options to complete the audit are as follow:

  1. Submit a golf irrigation audit. Audits must be completed independently and verified by an IA-certified professional in good standing within one year of acceptance into the certification program. The following further outlines this requirement:
  1. Take an IA Golf Irrigation Auditor class. Since audits are performed in this class, taking the class will satisfy this WaterSense requirement.

CGIA Exam Fees

Golf Irrigation Auditor Exam Fee — $250 (Member), $495 (Nonmember)
Exam Retake Fee — $200 (Member), $325 (Nonmember)
Audit Resubmission Fee — $75 (Member), $125 (Nonmember)
Annual Renewal Fee (one certification) — $50 (Member), $100 (Nonmember)
Annual Renewal Fee (two or more certifications) — $100 (Member), $150 (Nonmember)

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