ACIT
ALCA Certified Irrigation Technician
The ALCA Certified Irrigation Technician (ACIT) equips landscape professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to optimize and troubleshoot existing irrigation systems for maximum efficiency. The certification was established in 2022 as a response to the industry demand for certified landscape irrigation technicians. The ACIT is an essential certification in your steps to becoming a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor.
Benefits of ALCA Certified
Irrigation Technician (ACIT)
ACIT provides technical training to improve and optimize water usage of existing irrigation systems. The curriculum includes site assessment, principles of efficiency, troubleshooting, repair, programming controllers, smart controllers, and ground fault/wire locator demonstrations. This certification enhances the services you provide your clients and allows you to serve as an expert for your business and your coworkers.
ACIT is for landscape professionals seeking to elevate their career, gain industry respect, and ensure responsible water management practices.
ACIT increases your skills and equips you with expertise to provide excellence to your clients. With the ACIT, you increase your marketability, reputation, and professionalism which results in advanced career opportunities. All ACITs and their employers are listed on ALCA’s website which sets you apart from other landscape contractors.
3-Day
Certification
Process
$525 Members / $1050 Non-Members
ACIT is a 3-day intensive training focused on the optimization of water usage and maximizing the efficiency of existing irrigation systems. ACIT consists of 2 days of classroom study and 1 field day to practice the principles and technical concepts of efficient irrigation systems. Students become ACIT upon completion of the 3-day program and passing the certification exam with 80% or higher.
Must have attended and passed the ACLP Irrigation Class, or have equivalent field experience, including proficient use of multi-meter to register for ACIT Program
ACIT does not expire and provides relevancy for your entire career. We encourage ACIT to continue their education through other ALCA programs, SmartScape, and Irrigation Association classes.
Site Assessment
Students are guided through ACLA’s certified site assessment process and provided detailed checklists and tool kit. The site assessment process includes research, gathering specs, and studying site plans and diagrams before visiting the site.
Students are taught how to walk a site and identify the conditions of the landscape including plant health, locations of the irrigation components, condition of the irrigation components, microclimates, leaks, and performance issues. Flow rate, precipitation rate, and pressure data are collected and measured. A diagram is created based on the site assessment and used to develop a plan to troubleshoot, make repairs, and optimize the irrigation system.
Maximizing Efficiency
It is the responsibility of irrigation technicians to ensure the right amount of water is going to the right location for the right amount of time. Students are taught how to determine the amount of water and pressure necessary in a system and manage pressure loss.
Students are trained on how to calculate evapotranspiration (ET) rates, distribution uniformity (DU), and accurate run times to ensure irrigation efficiency and plant health. This information informs the irrigation technician how to program controllers accurately and use smart controllers effectively.
Troubleshooting & Repair
ACIT provides students with a process for identifying current irrigation malfunctions, how to correct them, and how to prevent them. Students practice troubleshooting and repair on ALCA’s drip irrigation stand, sprinkler stand, on-site controllers, valve boxes, and backflow, and are guided through a water audit using the catch can method.
