Certification Programs

Certified agricultural irrigation specialists manage and operate on-farm irrigation systems. They

• understand surface irrigation methods and pressurized systems, including microirrigation and sprinklers.
• evaluate crops and determine water availability and use requirements.
• understand soil-plant-water relationships and how salinity affects irrigation.
• select the most effective irrigation methods and equipment for the application.
• develop efficient and cost-effective irrigation schedules that meet the crop’s water requirement. 

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.

CICs install, maintain and repair irrigation systems. CICs

• execute irrigation projects to meet all specifications and requirements.
• prepare installation sites, including layout, staking, excavation, boring, trenching, grading and backfilling.
• cut and join pipe, know the limitations of different piping systems and understand basic hydraulics.
• lay out and install piping and water delivery components; backflow prevention components; mechanical, hydraulic and electrical irrigation controls; and other irrigation system components.
• troubleshoot and repair irrigation components and systems.
• understand good business practices, construction contracts and their legal rights and obligations, and licensing laws and codes in their state.

CIDs establish specifications and design drawings for agriculture 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 or crop’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 end users on system use, scheduling and maintenance.

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.

• cut and join pipe, know the limitations of different piping systems and understand basic hydraulics.
• lay out and install piping and water delivery components; backflow prevention components; mechanical, hydraulic and electrical irrigation controls; and other irrigation system components.
• troubleshoot and repair irrigation components and systems.

• 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.
• work with a water manager or property owner to manage overall irrigation water use.