Certification Update #2 | July 2025 New

Date: 04-Jul-2025

Welcome to our latest update for those who hold Certifications with Irrigation Australia. Please reach out to ashleigh.lang@irrigation.org.au or naomi.carragher@irrigation.org.au with any comments, questions, or suggestions for other news.

In this update

1. A new era for Certified Irrigation Designers in Australia

2. New CMI recertification exam for Certified Meter Installers & Validators

3. Simplified CPD point charts now available

4. New company-wide online training subscription now available

5. Consultation opportunity - A new certification pathway

6. Upcoming certification updates and pathways unveiled in free webinar

1. A new era for Certified Irrigation Designers in Australia

Irrigation Australia has proudly maintained a long-standing partnership with the US-based Irrigation Association to award Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) qualifications. This internationally recognised certification acknowledges individuals who demonstrate design excellence through both relevant industry experience and the successful completion of rigorous examinations.

To maintain their certification, each CID is required to complete five (5) points of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually. These CPD activities can include industry training, participation in irrigation events, and the submission of innovative design work for review by our Certification Committee. Certified Professionals can be found via our public Certification Directory, which provides easy access for employers and clients seeking qualified irrigation designers.

In an exciting development, from 1 July, Irrigation Australia will begin delivering its own CID examinations, marking a significant step forward in the localisation of professional standards. The Australian-led Certified Irrigation Designer Program will feature:

• Tailored exam content specific to Australian projects and practices
• Enhanced resources to support candidates through the assessment process
• A more streamlined and accessible certification pathway

This transition represents a new era of locally driven certification, reflecting the unique needs and challenges of Australia’s irrigation landscape.

2. New CMI recertification exam for Certified Meter Installers & Validators

Certified Meter Installers and Validators now have a streamlined pathway to maintain their professional standing with the introduction of a new online recertification exam.

This 20+ question assessment has been designed to ensure certified professionals remain up to date with the latest metering standards, regulatory changes, and best practices in water meter installation and maintenance. By successfully completing the exam, individuals will be awarded 2 CPD points, contributing directly to their recertification requirements.

The new exam not only supports compliance with industry expectations but also reinforces essential skills and encourages ongoing professional development. It plays a vital role in helping certified practitioners demonstrate their knowledge, uphold their credentials, and maintain their reputation in the field.

With a focus on accessibility and relevance, this short exam format makes it easier than ever to stay current and credible in a rapidly evolving industry.

3. Simplified CPD point charts now available

Irrigation Australia has released updated CPD point charts, offering a clearer and more streamlined way for certified professionals to track their progress. The newly revised charts have been designed with simplicity in mind, making it easier than ever to understand how CPD points are earned and applied across different certification types. 

Whether you're attending training, participating in industry events, or contributing to the sector through innovation, the updated charts help ensure your efforts are accurately recorded and recognised.

These changes aim to support certified members in maintaining their credentials with greater confidence and clarity.

Feedback on these programs, including CPD opportunities, is welcome at any time.

4. New company-wide online training subscription now available

Set your team up for success with Irrigation Australia’s most affordable and flexible training option yet! Our 12-month unlimited company subscription for online courses is available now at a special discounted rate for company members!

Give your staff unlimited access to our complete online training suite, designed to build foundational knowledge and expand expertise across both landscape and agricultural irrigation systems. 

Three online courses, one powerful subscription

Your team will gain full access to all three of our industry-developed online courses:

Introduction to Irrigation – Part A

A four-hour self-paced course based on Certificate II-level content. Ideal for newcomers, this course introduces core irrigation concepts and components in an accessible, engaging format. Perfect for landscapers, property managers, and irrigation retail staff.

Introduction to Irrigation – Part B: Landscape

This six-hour course builds on the basics with more advanced Certificate III-level content for those working in urban or open space environments. Topics include commercial systems, pumps, filtration, hydraulics, backflow prevention, and water efficiency.

Introduction to Irrigation – Part B: Agricultural

Tailored for those in the farming sector, this five-hour course explores Certificate III-level content such as drip, pivot, and under-tree systems; filtration and fertigation; pumps; water meters; soil management; and monitoring technology.

Why choose the company subscription?

• Unlimited staff access for 12 months
• Scalable and cost-effective training for teams of any size
• Supports onboarding and upskilling of new and existing staff
• Accessible anywhere, anytime - perfect for regional teams or flexible workforces
• Includes all three comprehensive online courses

Company members: $660

Not a member? Click here to learn how to join and access exclusive training offers like this one!

Whether you're onboarding new team members, building technical knowledge, or supporting long-term career growth, this subscription is the easiest way to level up your workforce.

Click here to find out more and secure a subscription for your whole team today!

5. Consultation opportunity - A new certification pathway

We have been in consultation for some time with a number of stakeholders about a new Certification offering.

The new Certified Landscape System Auditor (tentative title) attempts to address a gap identified for contractors and others testing the performance of landscape systems including sports fields, parks, gardens and other public spaces.

It extends the scope of our popular Irrigation Efficiency Course (IEC) and introduces several new units to deliver a nationally recognised qualification for professionals working in landscape irrigation.

Designed with contractors and professionals servicing asset owners in mind, such as those working with councils, commercial landscapes, and large infrastructure projects, this course provides both practical and technical expertise in auditing and optimising irrigation systems for peak performance. The aim would be to ultimately see the Certification specified as a requirement for auditing systems by asset owners including local governments, much as the Certified Irrigation Installer is now.

It is designed to complement, rather than replace the Certified Irrigation System Auditor program which includes training and experience for all systems including major Agricultural ones.

Course highlights

Participants will gain valuable skills in:

• AHCIRG337 - Assessing irrigation system performance 
• AHCIRG338 - Troubleshooting common system faults 
• AHCIRG346 - Operating pressurised irrigation systems 
• AHCIRG344 - Implementing effective irrigation schedules 
• AHCIRG341 - Operating and maintaining pumping systems 

Upon successful completion, learners will earn a national certification, positioning them as qualified landscape systems auditors and opening up new professional pathways across Australia’s irrigation and landscaping sectors.

Why this matters

With increasing pressure on water resources and a growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective irrigation solutions, certified professionals are becoming critical to delivering efficient irrigation practices in the field. This course will provide the hands-on skills and technical knowledge needed to meet industry expectations and exceed them.

We are aiming to launch by the end of September. Please provide any feedback on the suggested content to dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au by July 31.

6. Upcoming certification updates and pathways unveiled in free webinar

Irrigation Australia invites industry professionals to a free webinar on Wednesday, 16 July at 1 PM (AEST), showcasing major updates to its professional certification programs.

This session will highlight the launch of the Australian-led Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) Program, a key advancement in recognising design excellence through locally tailored examinations. From 1 July, CID assessments will be delivered by Irrigation Australia, with content specifically focused on Australian projects and practices, making certification more accessible and relevant than ever before.

The webinar will also seek feedback on a new offering designed to deliver a training and certification program for auditors working in landscape systems, as well as new CPD opportunities for existing Certified Professionals.

As the industry faces growing pressure to optimise water use and improve system performance, certified professionals are more important than ever. This webinar is a valuable opportunity to stay informed and take the next step in your professional development. Register now to secure your place!