Industry Certifications
Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) Program
The Irrigation Association Certification Board of Governors has
established certification programs to achieve national recognition
of Irrigation Specialists. Certification exams are designed to meet
standards of validity, reliability, and difficulty. Certification
indicates that the successful applicant has:
A minimum of three years of irrigation-related experience/education.
Successfully passed a written examination covering general
irrigation subjects and specialty areas.
Agreed to follow a specific Code of Ethics established by the
Certification Board of Governors.
Irrigation contractors are specialty contractors whose principal contracting business is the execution of contracts and subcontracts to install, repair, and maintain irrigation systems in such a manner that projects can be executed in an acceptable way, meeting all specifications and requirements. They are involved in the layout, installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems used for landscape and turf irrigation.
Irrigation Contractors will do layout, staking, excavation,
boring, trenching, grading, back-filling, and limited design. They
will install all piping and water delivery components. They will
install the irrigation controls, including mechanical, hydraulic,
and electrical systems. Contractors will troubleshoot and repair all
of these components and systems.
Irrigation Contractors read site, contour, and grading plans, as
well as the various "shop drawings" used in installation. They
should have knowledge of the various soil conditions which affect
the installation and operation of the irrigation system. They should
be able to effectively choose and schedule the required installation
equipment.
Irrigation Contractors work with all types and classifications of
pipe. They should be able to perform the necessary cutting and
joining of these different materials, understand the limitations of
each piping system, and have knowledge of the required fittings and
components of the water delivery system, including backflow
prevention components. They should understand basic hydraulics as
applied to pumps, irrigation piping, sprinkler heads, water hammer,
and backflow prevention principles.
Irrigation Contractors should have knowledge of the various types of
control devices used in irrigation systems, including mechanically,
hydraulically, and electrically controlled valves and irrigation
controllers. They should have basic electrical knowledge needed for
installation of electric motors and associated electronic control
systems. They should have knowledge of the required licensing laws
and codes in their respective states.
In addition, they should know the principles of good business practices, organization, accurate bookkeeping, and timely material and labor take-offs and bids. They should be ble to organize and schedule projects. They should understand construction contracts, as well as their legal rights and obligations.
