Top 11 Irrigation Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for irrigation technicians in the job market because they demonstrate their knowledge, experience and proficiency in the field. Certified technicians are more likely to be hired than non-certified technicians since employers know that they have a higher level of expertise. Certifications also give employers assurance that their technician is up to date on the latest industry standards and practices. Certification can also help technicians get better pay and advancement opportunities. The importance of certifications for an irrigation technician cannot be overstated as it is integral to success in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Irrigation Technicians, and explains how they can help to advance an irrigation technician's career.

What are Irrigation Technician Certifications?

Irrigation technician certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual has gained the knowledge and expertise necessary to work in the field of irrigation. This certification can help by providing proof of competency for job seekers, employers, and clients. It also allows individuals to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their dedication to safety and quality assurance.

The certification process involves passing an exam that covers topics such as water conservation, system design, installation, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and other related topics. The exam is designed to test an individual’s technical knowledge and understanding of irrigation systems.

By completing the certification process and earning the designation, individuals demonstrate they have attained a high level of proficiency in this field. Certification may also help individuals qualify for higher pay or more advanced positions within the irrigation industry. Earning this credential can also help make them stand out among other applicants when looking for employment opportunities.

Overall, irrigation technician certification can be beneficial for both job seekers and employers alike by ensuring that those working in the field have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge needed to safely install, maintain, repair, or troubleshoot irrigation systems.

Pro Tip: Before you pursue any irrigation technician certification, make sure to research and understand the requirements for the certification. Many certifications require specific work experience, continuing education credits, or passing an exam. Knowing what is required ahead of time will help you determine if a particular certification is right for you.

Related: What does an Irrigation Technician do?

Top 11 Irrigation Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Irrigation Technicians today.

1. Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT)

Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and proficiency in the installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems. The CIT certification is offered through the Irrigation Association (IA), an international organization dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation.

To obtain the CIT certification, applicants must complete a series of requirements including passing an exam. The exam consists of 130 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as system design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Candidates must also demonstrate at least two years of experience in the irrigation field or have completed an approved training program.

The exam can be taken at any one of the IA’s authorized testing centers located throughout the United States. The cost for taking the exam is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes and fees. Once certified, CITs are required to renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

2. Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA)

A Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) is a professional certification program designed to help landscape professionals improve their knowledge and skills related to water conservation and efficient irrigation management. The CLIA program is administered by the Irrigation Association, an international organization dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation practices.

To become a CLIA, individuals must complete a training course and pass a written exam. The training course covers topics such as water-saving technologies, soil moisture sensing, system design and maintenance, water budgeting and auditing techniques. The course can be completed in one day or over multiple days depending on the provider.

The cost of the CLIA program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500 - $1,500. After completing the training course and passing the exam, individuals will receive their CLIA certification which is valid for three years.

In addition to helping landscape professionals save money on water bills, having a CLIA certification can also open up new job opportunities in the field of landscape irrigation management.

3. Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC)

A Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of irrigation. This certification is issued by the Irrigation Association, which is an international organization dedicated to promoting efficient and sustainable use of water resources.

In order to become a CIC, applicants must meet certain requirements including having at least five years of experience in irrigation installation or design, passing an exam, and completing continuing education courses. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as irrigation system design, installation methods, maintenance practices, and safety.

The cost for taking the exam is $400 for members of the Irrigation Association and $550 for non-members. The exam can be taken anytime throughout the year at designated testing centers across the United States. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CIC certification within two weeks.

The cost of becoming a CIC varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the Irrigation Association. For members, there is an initial fee of $100 plus annual dues of $75; for non-members there is an initial fee of $150 plus annual dues of $125.

Overall, becoming a Certified Irrigation Contractor requires dedication and commitment but it can open up new opportunities in your career as an irrigation professional.

4. Certified Landscape Water Manager (CLWM)

Certified Landscape Water Manager (CLWM) is a certification program offered by the Irrigation Association. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of water management principles and practices related to landscape irrigation. The CLWM program is open to anyone interested in learning more about water management and how it applies to their work, whether they are a professional in the industry or a homeowner looking for ways to conserve water in their own yard.

The CLWM certification program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level requires completion of an online exam that covers topics such as water conservation, soil science, plant selection, irrigation system design and maintenance, water budgeting, and more. To become certified at any level, you must successfully complete the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CLWM program varies depending on the level you are pursuing. Level 1 costs $125 USD; Level 2 costs $250 USD; and Level 3 costs $500 USD.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks for applicants to receive their results after taking the exam. Once you have successfully completed all three levels of the CLWM program, you will be eligible for recertification every three years by completing an online recertification form and paying a fee of $75 USD per year.

5. Certified Water Efficient Landscaper (CWEL)

Certified Water Efficient Landscaper (CWEL) is a certification program offered by the Irrigation Association and administered by the Green Industry Training Center. It is designed to educate and certify landscape professionals in water-efficient irrigation practices and technologies. The program covers topics such as water conservation, soil science, plant selection, irrigation system design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the CWEL coursework and exams. The coursework can be completed online or in person at an approved training center. The cost of the program varies depending on the training provider but generally ranges from $200-$400.

Once you have completed the coursework and passed all three exams (Irrigation System Design & Installation Exam, Irrigation System Maintenance & Troubleshooting Exam, and Water Conservation & Management Exam), you will receive a certificate of completion from the Irrigation Association. This certificate will allow you to use the CWEL logo on your website or other marketing materials to demonstrate your commitment to water conservation.

6. Certified Turf and Ornamental Technician (CTOT)

Certified Turf and Ornamental Technician (CTOT) is a certification program offered by the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in turfgrass and ornamental horticulture. The CTOT certification is awarded after successful completion of an examination that covers topics such as turfgrass management, pest control, irrigation, soils, plant identification, landscape design and installation.

The process for obtaining the CTOT certification typically takes between six months to a year depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework. To get started, you must first become a member of PGMS and then register for the CTOT exam. Upon registration, you will be provided with study materials that cover all of the topics included in the exam. Once you have completed your studies and feel ready to take the exam, you can schedule it through PGMS.

The cost of becoming certified varies based on whether or not you are already a member of PGMS. If you are not already a member, then there is an initial fee for membership plus additional fees for registration and taking the exam. The total cost can range from $200-$400 depending on your situation.

7. Certified Drip Irrigation Designer (CDID)

Certified Drip Irrigation Designer (CDID) is a certification program offered by the Irrigation Association. It is designed for irrigation professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the design, installation, and maintenance of drip irrigation systems. The certification requires a comprehensive knowledge of water conservation principles, system design, and installation practices.

The CDID certification process consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as water conservation principles, system design, components and materials used in drip irrigation systems, installation techniques, and troubleshooting.

To get certified as a CDID professional, individuals must first complete the online course and then pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam can be taken either online or in-person at approved testing centers. Once certified, CDID professionals are required to keep up with industry developments through continuing education opportunities provided by the Irrigation Association.

The cost for the CDID certification program varies depending on whether you take the online or in-person exam. For those taking the online exam, it costs $100 for members of the Irrigation Association and $150 for non-members. For those taking the in-person exam, it costs $150 for members of the association and $200 for non-members.

8. Certified Irrigation Designer (CID)

Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) is a professional certification program administered by the Irrigation Association. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the design, installation, and maintenance of irrigation systems. The CID certification is based on a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as water resources, hydraulics, soils, plant materials, and system design.

The CID certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To become certified, an individual must first submit an application to the Irrigation Association. This includes providing proof of experience in the field and passing a background check. Once approved, applicants must then pass the CID exam which consists of both written and practical components.

The cost for the CID certification varies depending on whether you are already an IA member or not. For non-members, it costs $450 for members it costs $350. Additionally there are additional fees associated with taking the exam including an application fee ($50), an exam fee ($150), and a score report fee ($50).

9. Certified Golf Course Irrigation Auditor (CGIA)

A Certified Golf Course Irrigation Auditor (CGIA) is a professional designation that certifies an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the area of golf course irrigation systems. The CGIA program was created to help golf courses achieve water efficiency and cost savings through improved irrigation system performance.

The CGIA certification is administered by the Irrigation Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting efficient and sustainable use of water resources for landscape irrigation. To become certified, an individual must successfully complete a two-day, 16-hour training program and pass an exam. The training program covers topics such as water conservation, soil science, plant physiology, turfgrass management, and irrigation system design and maintenance.

The cost of the CGIA certification program varies depending on the type of training chosen (in-person or online). In-person courses typically range from $1,000 - $2,000 while online courses are usually less expensive at around $400 - $600.

Once an individual has successfully completed the training program and passed the exam, they will receive their CGIA certification which is valid for three years. During this time they must maintain their certification by earning continuing education credits each year.

10. Professional Rainwater Harvesting Practitioner (PRHP)

Professional Rainwater Harvesting Practitioner (PRHP) is a certification program for individuals who wish to become knowledgeable in the field of rainwater harvesting. This certification is offered by the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA). The PRHP certification program consists of two courses: an online course and an in-person training course.

The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, and covers topics such as rainwater catchment system design, installation, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting. The in-person training course is a two-day class that provides hands-on experience with designing, installing, and maintaining rainwater harvesting systems.

To obtain the PRHP certification, individuals must first complete both the online and in-person courses. After successful completion of both courses, individuals must pass a written exam to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining the PRHP certification varies depending on which organization is offering it; however, it typically ranges from $500 to $1000 USD.

11. Professional Fertigation Manager (PFM).

Professional Fertigation Manager (PFM) is a software program designed to help agricultural professionals manage their fertilizer applications and irrigation systems. It is designed to be easy to use, yet powerful enough to handle complex fertigation operations.

The PFM software allows users to monitor and control their irrigation systems in real time, as well as plan and schedule future fertilization applications. It also provides detailed reports on the performance of the system and its components, allowing users to make informed decisions about their fertigation operations.

The PFM software can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website for free. It takes just a few minutes to install and set up the software. Once installed, it can be used immediately with no additional setup required.

The cost of Professional Fertigation Manager varies depending on the features included in the package chosen by the user. The basic package starts at around $100 USD, while more comprehensive packages may cost up to $500 USD or more.

Overall, Professional Fertigation Manager is an invaluable tool for agricultural professionals looking to maximize efficiency and yield from their crop production operations.

Do You Really Need a Irrigation Technician Certificate?

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need an irrigation technician certificate, it really depends on a few factors. If you are looking to work in the irrigation industry, then having a certificate is essential. It shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly install, maintain and repair irrigation systems. It also demonstrates that you understand the principles and processes involved in ensuring efficient water use for agricultural purposes.

On the other hand, if you are simply looking to start your own irrigation business or want to do some basic repairs yourself, then an irrigation technician certificate may not be necessary. However, if you plan on doing more complex jobs such as installing automated systems or designing new systems from scratch, then having a certificate could help give potential customers confidence in your abilities.

In conclusion, when it comes to deciding whether or not you need an irrigation technician certificate, it really depends on what type of work you plan on doing and how much experience and knowledge you already have in the field. Having a certification can definitely give customers assurance that your work will be done correctly and professionally.

Related: Irrigation Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Irrigation Technician Certifications

1. What is the difference between an Irrigation Technician Certification and a Certified Irrigator?

An Irrigation Technician Certification is awarded by an approved training program or organization and provides recognition that the individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and competency in irrigation systems. A Certified Irrigator is a professional designation granted by the Irrigation Association (IA) that demonstrates mastery of all aspects of irrigation system installation, maintenance, and management.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining an Irrigation Technician Certification?

Requirements for obtaining an Irrigation Technician Certification vary by program or organization. Generally, applicants must have completed at least two years of verifiable experience in irrigation systems and must pass examinations covering topics such as hydraulics, components, materials, design principles, and water conservation regulations.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

The amount of time required to become certified varies depending on the program or organization from which certification is sought. Generally, it takes between six months to one year to complete the necessary training courses and exams required for certification.

4. Is recertification required?

Yes, most programs require recertification every three years to ensure that technicians remain up-to-date on current industry practices and standards. Recertification also helps demonstrate commitment to continued learning and professional development.

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming an Irrigation Technician?

Yes, there are several online courses available that can help prepare individuals for becoming an irrigation technician. These courses often provide comprehensive instruction on topics such as hydraulics, components, materials, design principles, water conservation regulations, and more.