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. 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. Comply with the Select Certified Code of Ethics.
  2. Remain in good standing. CGIAs must submit 20 continuing education units per two-year cycle.

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.