Certification Update #3 | September 2025 New

Date: 04-Sep-2025

Welcome to the first of what aims to be regular updates for those who hold Certifications with Irrigation Australia. Please reach out to certification@irrigation.org.au with any comments, questions, or suggestions for other news.

In this update

1. Irrigation Australia’s new Certified Irrigation Designer Program

2. New resources to support compliant meter installations 

1. Irrigation Australia’s new Certified Irrigation Designer Program – Introductory offer now available!

Irrigation Australia has long partnered with the US-based Irrigation Association to deliver the globally recognised Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) qualification, awarded to professionals who demonstrate design excellence through industry experience and rigorous examinations. 

We’ve now taken an exciting step forward by launching our own Australian-led CID examinations. This localisation reflects the unique needs of Australia’s irrigation industry and marks a significant milestone in professional standards. The new program offers tailored content for Australian projects, enhanced candidate resources, and a more accessible certification pathway. Pricing is currently at an introductory rate, with fees rising soon, so now is the perfect time to sign up and secure your place at the best value! 

The updated process has already seen its first success. Four applicants recently completed the newly developed Step 2 exam, designed around Australian metric standards. First commissioned in June, the exam was delivered throughout July and August, testing candidates across 10 key topics from the newly metricised Principles of Irrigation publication: irrigation methods, soils, precipitation rates, application uniformity, scheduling, irrigation valves, pipe types, hydraulics, pumps, and electrical systems. 

Step 2 is a rigorous, two-hour online exam delivered through the Ammonite learning platform. Candidates are required to achieve a 90% pass mark, ensuring that only those with a strong grasp of irrigation design fundamentals are successful. The exam is divided into sections by topic, with results delivered immediately after each section. Candidates are then given the chance to revisit similar questions if needed. Importantly, the exam follows an open-book format, allowing candidates to reference the Principles of Irrigation during the assessment, reflecting real-world expectations that certified professionals can accurately apply their knowledge using available resources. 

Feedback from the first cohort of applicants helped fine-tune the Ammonite platform, creating a more user-friendly experience that supports candidates in achieving success. Pre-exam practice questions are also available through the system, providing an essential preparation tool for those aiming to meet the high standards of certification. 

With Step 2 now open to all applicants, we’re also preparing to roll out Step 3, scheduled for release in September. Applicants are encouraged to allow one to two months between exam stages, as each step requires dedicated study and scheduled supervision regardless of prior experience. 

This transition marks a new era for Certified Irrigation Designers in Australia - one that strengthens local relevance while maintaining international recognition. By tailoring exams to Australian conditions and providing enhanced candidate support, Irrigation Australia is ensuring that the next generation of Certified Irrigation Designers is equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and innovation needed to meet the challenges of modern irrigation. 

Want to learn more about the new exam process? We recently held a webinar that walks through the program in detail, including what to expect and how to prepare. Click here to watch the webinar recording. 

Download the factsheet or click here to apply! 

2. New resources to support compliant meter installations

The NSW Government has released a set of standard design drawings and an installation checklist to support accurate and compliant installation of non-urban metering equipment. 

Based on industry best practice, these resources are designed to assist both duly qualified persons (DQPs) and smaller water users eligible to self-install their meters. 

Under the non-urban metering rules, 95% of total licensed water entitlement must be metered using accurate, tamper-evident meters by December 2026. Compliance requirements depend on the total entitlement, and the size and type of the works, pump or bore. 

Additional support for duly qualified persons is available through the WaterNSW DQP Concierge Service, which offers personalised assistance with site commissioning and validation.  

Skilled tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, and irrigation specialists will also soon be able to become DQPs with the development of a new Microskills training course.  

Download the standard drawings and checklist form here or learn more by visiting the departments website.