The Irrigation Association’s (IA) certification program began in 1983 as a means for contractors to demonstrate a certain level of professionalism and skill. The goal of these certifications, in addition to bettering your business and the industry, is to “set your business apart from the competition,” says Brent Mecham, CIC, CID, CGIA, CLIA, industry development director of the IA.
Customers increasingly recognize and look for certification, continues Mecham. “It’s a confirmation of your professionalism and capability,” he says. “If it comes down to two contractors, one who’s certified and one who isn’t but otherwise are equally capable, the customer is going to choose the contractor who has certification.”
It definitely gives the customer a sense of assurance, adds Michael Hornung, CIC, owner of Valley Green Cos., in Sartell, Minn. “Being certified tells the customer we know what we’re doing and we have the certification to prove it,” he says.
On Chesapeake Irrigation System’s Web site, President Bill Underwood stresses the fact that his business is one of a limited number in Maryland to have certified contractors on staff. “It’s definitely helped the business grow,” he says.
Additionally, “because there’s a continuing education component to certification in order to keep it up-to-date, contractors who become certified are proving they are keeping up with the latest irrigation technology,” says Sherrie Schulte, education and certification manager of the IA.
OVERCOMING BARRIERS.
Despite the benefits of becoming certified, there are still barriers holding many contractors back. In fact, the majority of the industry is not certified. The IA reports only 2,100 individuals hold certification within the entire industry. While it makes those who are certified stand out, most say more contractors becoming certified could push the industry forward as a whole.
“We are working hard to increase that number,” says Vanessa Vizcarra, education/certification coordinator of the IA. “We partner with a lot of companies that offer classes and exams, giving contractors more locations to take the test, making it easier and more accessible for them.”
One major barrier, however, may be the cost involved, which can range from as low as $50 if you’re an IA member to as high as $500-plus if you are a nonmember trying to obtain CID certification, which requires three exams. “We understand for the small-business person this can be financially difficult,” admits Schulte. “As a result we are offering more online education opportunities where the contractor doesn’t have to travel to take the test. And we are flexible with where the CE credits come from.”
The difficulty or work involved in studying and testing may also be a barrier. “The test is certainly hard, but there’s a reason for that – what we’re doing isn’t easy,” says Hornung. “It’s not meant for everybody.”
But those who take the time to study shouldn’t have too much trouble passing the exam. “The biggest mistake people make is coming into these exams thinking they can wing it,” says Schulte. “They think ‘I’ve been in the industry for 20 years, I don’t need to look at any books.’ But if you don’t study, you’ll have trouble. People assume they aren’t going to be tested on codes and laws, but we do test on them.”
As far as what’s involved to become certified, the process varies with each certification. To become a Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC), for instance, you must pass the exam and keep up with continuing education credits to stay current. But to become a Certified Irrigation Designer (CID), you must pass three exams and keep your credits up-to-date. Deciding which certification is right for your business requires taking a close look at what niches you cater to, says Mecham. “The decision should be driven by what you want for your business,” he says.
Mecham adds that a new certification, only a year old, is becoming very popular: Certified Water Conservation Manager – Landscape (CWCML). Water Conservation Managers are irrigation professionals who look to achieve the highest level of water conservation possible. Today, with water conservation issues at the top of peoples’ minds, certification is more important than ever. “Saving water, especially now, is crucial,” says Vizcarra. “With the green movement, everyone wants to know how to save and it’s a great thing to be certified and show you are capable of providing those skills.”