IA’s Certified Irrigation Technician Exam

CITs are field technicians who install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems.

 

To become a CIT, you must:

  • Register for the exam
  • Pass the irrigation technician exam
  • Comply with the Select Certified Code of Ethics from The Irrigation Association
  • Remain in good standing. (Gain 20 CEU hours per two-year cycle)

Course Outline


Understanding basic irrigation principles (41-46%)

  1. Sprinkler type, nozzle type and spacing
    1. Evaluate coverage are to determine sprinkler type and spacing
    2. Assess spacing relative to sprinkler type and coverage area
    3. Assess existing nozzle selection
    4. Perform maintenance and adjustments
    5. Match head and nozzle being replaced
    6. Understand relative precipitation rates
  2. Swing joint assemblies
    1. Identify assembly components
    2. Determine appropriate swing joint type
    3. Determine appropriate swing joint installation
  3. Pipe fittings and connection procedures
    1. Select proper solvents for pipe type and primers
    2. Identify type of pipe fitting
    3. Determine connection procedures based on pipe and fitting type
    4. Perform connection procedures based on pipe and fitting type
  4. Equipment and tool usage
    1. Follow manufacturer’s instructions
    2. Select appropriate equipment and/or tools for the task
    3. Maintain equipment and tools
  5. Pumps
    1. Identify pump types, components and controls
    2. Understand pump flow and pressure
    3. Demonstrate understanding of pump safety
  6. Backflow functionality
    1. Identify backflow type, function and components
    2. Identify state and local requirements
  7. Plans and as-built documentation
    1. Read scale and legend
    2. Understand specifications
  8. Water meter usage
    1. Identify appropriate meter
    2. Understand meter readings
    3. Identify leak detector on meter
  9. Job safety
    1. Identify and use appropriate safety equipment
    2. Locate utilities
    3. Follow exaction safety procedures
    4. Follow confined space entry procedures
    5. Follow MSDS guidelines
  10. Startup and winterization procedures
  11. Identify leaks
  12. Identify all water supplies
  13. Demonstrate understanding of basic soil-plant-water relationships

Understanding electrical principles: (28-32%)

  1. Voltmeter operation
    1. Test amperage or watts
    2. Test for voltage, resistance, and continuity
    3. Understand voltmeter readings
  2. Controller electrical operation
    1. Demonstrate understanding of basic controller programming
    2. Identify components
    3. Perform diagnostics procedures
    4. Perform controller functions
    5. Perform reset procedures
    6. Perform basic controller ad component replacement
  3. Transformer operation
    1. Test incoming and outing voltage
    2. Match transformer properties for replacement
  4. Solenoid operation
    1. Test resistance and incoming voltage
    2. Identify manufacturer
    3. Identify manufacturer specifications
  5. Wiring types
    1. Determine wire size and type
    2. Determine appropriate burial depth
  6. Field wiring/wire tracking/valve locating
    1. Select appropriate equipment
    2. Perform equipment setup and operational procedures
    3. Perform splicing procedures

Understanding hydraulic principles: (26-27%)

  1. Sensors
    1. Demonstrate understanding of how sensors operate
    2. Identify sensors used
    3. Perform sensor maintenance and replacement
    4. Follow manufacturer’s operating procedures
  2. Valves
    1. Demonstrate understanding of how valves operate
    2. Identify valves
    3. Perform valve installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair
    4. Install appropriate valve enclosure
  3. Pressure testing
    1. Determine dynamic vs. static pressure
    2. Understand pressure gauge readings
    3. Understand manufacturer’s pressure requirements
  4. Flow testing
    1. Record flow meter readings
    2. Understand manufacturer’s flow requirements
  5. Drip mechanics
    1. Determine maximum tubing length
    2. Identify filtration and pressure regulation requirements
    3. Identify emission devices
    4. Perform maintenance procedures
    5. Determine appropriate component usage
  6. Read friction loss charts

Learning Objectives


Candidates should be able to:

  • Cut and join pipe
  • Understand the limitations of different piping systems.
  • Understand basic hydraulics.
  • Lay out and install.
    • piping and water delivery components
    • backflow prevention components
    • mechanical, hydraulic and electrical irrigation controls
    • as well as other irrigation system components.
  • Troubleshoot and repair irrigation components and systems.

Suggested Prerequisites


  • Six months or 1,000 hours of irrigation-related field experience.
  • Location Information and Class Registration

    September 13, 2024
    Bellingham, WA
    September 13, 2024
    Orlando, FL
    September 20, 2024
    Portland , OR
    September 20, 2024
    Baker, LA
    September 27, 2024
    Redmond, OR
    September 27, 2024
    Louisville, KY
    October 4, 2024
    Redding, CA
    October 4, 2024
    Cleveland, OH
    October 11, 2024
    Sacramento, CA
    October 11, 2024
    Durham, NC
    October 18, 2024
    Tuscaloosa, AL
    October 18, 2024
    Memphis, TN
    October 25, 2024
    Bakersfield, CA
    October 25, 2024
    Charleston, SC
    November 1, 2024
    Rock Hill, SC
    November 1, 2024
    Fort Myers, FL
    November 8, 2024
    West Palm Beach, FL
    November 8, 2024
    Anaheim, CA
    November 15, 2024
    Hattiesburg, MS
    November 15, 2024
    Miami, FL
    November 22, 2024
    Atlanta, GA
    November 22, 2024
    San Diego, CA
    December 6, 2024
    December 6, 2024
    Denver, CO
    December 13, 2024
    Las Vegas, NV
    December 20, 2024
    Lansing, MI
    December 20, 2024
    Long Island, NY
    January 10, 2025
    San Diego, CA
    January 10, 2025
    Tucson, AZ
    January 17, 2025
    Boston, MA
    January 17, 2025
    Anaheim, CA
    January 24, 2025
    Birmingham, AL
    January 24, 2025
    Campbell, CA
    January 31, 2025
    Norfolk, VA
    January 31, 2025
    Reno, NV
    February 7, 2025
    Hudson, WI
    February 7, 2025
    Meridian, ID
    February 14, 2025
    Chicago, IL
    February 14, 2025
    New Orleans, LA
    February 14, 2025
    Orlando, FL
    February 28, 2025
    Nashville, TN
    February 28, 2025
    Bakersfield, CA
    March 7, 2025
    Detroit, MI
    March 7, 2025
    Sacramento, CA
    March 14, 2025
    St. Louis, MO
    March 14, 2025
    Salt Lake City, UT
    March 21, 2025
    Charleston, SC
    March 21, 2025
    Portland, OR
    March 28, 2025
    Indianapolis, IN
    March 28, 2025
    Seattle, WA
    April 4, 2025
    Columbus, OH
    April 4, 2025
    Denver, CO
    April 11, 2025
    April 11, 2025
    Bozeman, MT
    April 18, 2025
    Savannah, GA
    April 18, 2025
    Wichita, KS
    April 25, 2025
    Durham, NC
    April 25, 2025
    Oklahoma City, OK
    May 2, 2025
    Austin, TX
    May 2, 2025
    Little Rock, AR
    May 9, 2025
    Daytona Beach, FL
    May 9, 2025
    Louisville, KY
    May 16, 2025
    Clearwater, FL
    May 16, 2025
    Palm Springs, CA
    May 23, 2025
    Hollywood, FL
    May 23, 2025
    Redding, CA
    August 18, 2023