How Do I Become Certified?

Certification is a designation earned by a person to certify that he or she is qualified to perform a job. Certification indicates that the individual has a specific set of knowledge, skills, or abilities in the view of the certifying body.

IAL runs two certification programs, each differing slightly in how certification is gained. The two processes are:

Certified irrigation managers, operators, contractors, installers, agronomists and retailers
Certified irrigation designers.

Certification for irrigation managers, operators, contractors, installers, agronomists and retailers

Each of these certifications stipulates an amount of relevant industry experience, a set of skills that are considered the minimum required for working in that particular occupation and a requirement to commit to keeping skills and knowledge current. The certification fee is $265 for members and $385 for non-members plus biennial renewal fee of $200 for members and $300 for non-members (plus GST).

Step 1. Documentation of industry experience

The applicant is asked to document two or three years of relevant experience in the irrigation industry. This experience will be randomly verified by the IAL. The application form for certification is in downloads at left.

Step 2. Documentation of skills from a training provider.

Registered training providers are the only organisations that can provide the necessary documentation (called Statements of Attainment) that shows an applicant has met the skills requirements for certification.

To help deliver certification, IAL has formed partnerships with training providers, both public and private, throughout Australia. Some of these organisations specialise in delivery at certain levels such as entry level traineeships, or will focus on a particular industry sector such as agricultural irrigation, production horticulture or amenity horticulture.

For help to find the right training provider for you, contact IAL or download the document at left.

Costs for this service needs to be negotiated with the chosen training provider as there is no set cost for this service. Many factors influence this cost including the type of training provider, number of people needing the service and whether the applicant needs training or recognition or a combination of both.

Step 3. Application for certification

Once the applicant has their documentation they apply to the IAL for certification by filling in the application form which must be accompanied by a signed, certified copy of the Statement of Attainment and the certification fee of $265 for members and $385 for non-members (plus GST).

If all the above is supplied, and the applicant’s experience is validated, certification is awarded.

Further information is available for each certification at its own page. Click on the appropriate one: manager, operator, contractor, installer, agronomist, retailer.

Biennial renewal

To ensure that certified people keep their skills up-to-date there is a process to renew certification every two years. People will need to show that they have remained active in the industry and have taken steps to keep up-to-date with new technology and information. Renewal will cost $200 for members and $300 (plus GST) for non-members.

Certification for irrigation designers

Further information and forms are on the CID Page (Click Here)