Free CIT Cheat Sheet 2026: Exam Quick Reference

Understanding Basic Irrigation Principles

41-46%of exam

Sprinklers + Nozzles Backflow Functionality Pipe + Pressure Ratings Pumps + Water Supplies Job Safety Startup + Winterization

Understanding Electrical Principles

28-32%of exam

Voltmeter Operation Controllers + Transformers Solenoids + Field Wiring Wire Tracking + Splices Zone Will Not Start

Understanding Hydraulic Principles

26-27%of exam

Pressure + Flow Testing Valves Sensors Drip Mechanics Friction Loss Charts

Quick Facts

Exam: CIT
Credential: Certified Irrigation Technician
Body: Irrigation Association
Questions: 100 multiple choice
Weighting: All items weighted equally
Time: 3 hours
Pass: Unannounced; typically 68-72%
Delivery: Computer-based testing centers
Languages: English and Spanish
Fee: $175 member / $300 nonmember
Experience: 6 months or 1,000 hours
Register by: 14 days before exam
Bring: Silent nonprinting calculator, pencils
Provided: Scratch sheets and equations
Results: Emailed within 24 hours
Retake: 90 days between attempts
Attempt cap: Three per two-year period
Recert: 20 CEUs every two years

What Each Backflow Stops

Siphon only: AVB, PVB. Both: DCVA, RP

AVB: no continuous pressurePVB: continuous pressure allowedDCVA: low hazard onlyRP: high hazard rated

Backsiphonage vs Backpressure

Backsiphonage

Supply pressure turns negative
Main break or hydrant use
AVB and PVB protect

Backpressure

Downstream pressure exceeds supply
Pump, boiler, or elevation
Needs DCVA or RP

Suction vs push back

Backflow Assembly Picker

High hazard or chemigation→RP assembly(12 in above grade)
Backpressure is possible→DCVA or RP(Vacuum breakers fail here)
Low hazard, continuous pressure→PVB(12 in above heads)
Low hazard, below grade→DCVA(Vault with drainage)
One zone, intermittent pressure→AVB(6 in above heads)
Reclaimed water supply→RP assembly(Purple pipe required)
Absolute separation needed→Air gap(Not a testable assembly)

Sprinklers + Nozzles

Fixed spray head: Fine mist, no moving stream
Spray precipitation rate: Roughly 1.5-2.0 in/hrFast
Gear-drive rotor: Rotating stream, larger radius
Rotor precipitation rate: Roughly 0.4-0.6 in/hrSlow
Spray nozzle pressure: About 30 psi at nozzle
Rotor nozzle pressure: About 45 psi at nozzle
Head-to-head spacing: Throw reaches the next head
Spacing percentage: About 50% of diameter
MPR nozzle: Flow scaled to arc
Quarter-circle MPR flow: About one quarter of full
Misting at nozzle: Pressure is too high
Dry ring around head: Pressure is too low
Nozzle replacement rule: Match brand, arc, radius
Zone matching rule: Never mix sprays and rotors

Blowout Limits

80 PVC, 50 poly, never through backflow

80 psi rigid PVC50 psi polyethyleneConnect downstream of backflowAlways wear eye protection

AVB vs PVB

AVB

6 in above highest outlet
Downstream of each valve
No continuous pressure
Not testable

PVB

12 in above highest outlet
Upstream of all valves
Continuous pressure allowed
Testable assembly

Per zone vs whole system

Sprinkler Symptom Picker

Fine fog at nozzle→Reduce pressure(Regulator or flow control)
Short throw, large droplets→Raise pressure(Check for leaks)
Dry ring around head→Pressure too low(Or wrong nozzle)
Head weeps after shutdown→Add check valve(Classic low-head drainage)
Head will not retract→Debris in wiper seal(Flush the riser)
Uneven depth across arcs→Install MPR nozzles(Match flow to arc)
Runoff before cycle ends→Cycle and soak(Rate exceeds infiltration)

Swing Joints + Fittings

Swing joint: Flexible riser under sprinkler head
Triple-swing assembly: Three street ells linked
Swing joint purpose: Absorbs impact, allows height adjustment
PVC primer: Softens and cleans joint surfaces
Solvent cement: Fuses pipe and fitting
Cement cure time: Wait per label before pressurizing
Poly pipe joints: Barbed insert plus stainless clamp
Poly and solvent cement: Cement will not bond poly
Threaded joint sealing: Tape or dope, no overtightening
Male adapter rule: Plastic male into metal female

Locate Paint Colors

Red power, yellow gas, blue water, purple reclaimed

Orange: communicationsGreen: sewerWhite: proposed digPink: survey marks

Class vs Schedule Pipe

Class pipe

Number is the psi rating
Class 200 means 200 psi
Same rating every diameter

Schedule pipe

Number describes wall thickness
Rating falls as diameter grows
Schedule 40 is common

Pressure rated vs wall rated

Pipe + Pressure Ratings

Class 200 PVC: 200 psi working pressurePressure rated
Class 315 PVC: 315 psi working pressure
Schedule 40: Wall thickness, not fixed psiWall rated
Schedule rating drift: Rating falls as diameter grows
SDR: Diameter divided by wall thickness
Rating temperature: Rated at 73 degrees F
Polyethylene pipe: Flexible, freeze tolerant, barbed fittings
Purple pipe: Reclaimed, non-potable water
Mainline: Constantly pressurized upstream of valves
Lateral: Pressurized only while zone runs
Sleeve: Larger pipe under hardscape

Spray vs Rotor

Fixed spray

About 1.5-2.0 in/hr
Roughly 30 psi nozzle
Short radius, sprays continuously

Gear rotor

About 0.4-0.6 in/hr
Roughly 45 psi nozzle
Long radius, rotating stream

Never mix in one zone

Backflow Functionality

AVB: Backsiphonage only, not testable
AVB height: 6 in above highest outlet
AVB pressure limit: No continuous pressure allowed
AVB position: Downstream of the control valve
PVB: Testable, continuous pressure allowed
PVB height: 12 in above highest outlet
PVB protection: Backsiphonage only, not backpressure
DCVA: Two check valves in seriesLow hazard
RP assembly: Checks plus atmospheric relief valveHigh hazard
RP height: 12 in above grade
Air gap: Physical separation, strongest protection
Anti-siphon valve: Control valve with built-in AVB
Chemigation protection: RP assembly required
Assembly testing: Usually annual, per local code

Pumps + Water Supplies

Centrifugal pump: Above water, needs priming
Submersible pump: Sits in well below water
Jet pump: Shallow well, self-priming
Cavitation: Suction bubbles collapse in impeller
Cavitation sound: Like gravel rattling inside pump
Pump start relay: Controller signal energizes pump
Dry-run protection: Low pressure or float cutoff
Dead-heading a pump: Closed discharge overheats the pump
Potable supply: City main through backflow assembly
Non-potable supply: Well, pond, or reclaimed
Static water level: Well level before pumping
Drawdown: Level drop while pumping

Water Meters + Leaks

Low-flow indicator: Small triangle, star, or dial
Leak test: All off, indicator still turns
Meter sizing: Size to peak system flow
Oversized flow: Meter loses excessive pressure
Mainline leak sign: Wet spot, meter creeps constantly
Lateral leak sign: Wet only while zone runs
Low-head drainage: Lowest head weeps after shutdown
Check valve fix: Stops low-head drainage

Job Safety

Call 811 first: Mark utilities before any digging
Locate wait period: Legal notice before breaking ground
Red locate paint: Electric power lines
Yellow locate paint: Gas, oil, or steam
Orange locate paint: Communication and signal lines
Blue locate paint: Potable water lines
Purple locate paint: Reclaimed water and irrigation
Green locate paint: Sewer and drain lines
Trench safety: Shore or slope deep trenches
Confined space entry: Test atmosphere, follow permit
SDS: Chemical hazard sheets onsite
Blowout eye protection: Required whenever air is used

Startup + Winterization

Spring startup: Fill slowly to purge air
Fast fill risk: Air surge blows nozzles off
Blowout PVC limit: 80 psi maximum air
Blowout poly limit: 50 psi maximum air
Compressor sizing: Zone GPM divided by 7.5
Blowout connection point: Downstream of the backflow assembly
Air through backflow: Destroys internal checks and seats
Blowout run limit: Short bursts, one zone
Manual drain system: Open drain valves at lows
Backflow winterizing: Open test cocks, relieve pressure
Controller in winter: Set off or rain mode

Soil-Plant-Water Basics

Infiltration rate: Speed soil absorbs applied water
Sandy soil: Fast intake, low water holding
Clay soil: Slow intake, high water holding
Runoff cause: Precipitation rate exceeds infiltration rate
Cycle and soak: Split run time, add soaks
Root zone depth: Turf shallower than trees
Field capacity: Water held after gravity drainage
Wilting point: Plant can no longer extract
Available water: Between capacity and wilting point

Plans + As-Builts

As-built drawing: Record of what was installed
Legend: Key to plan symbols
Scale: Plan distance to real distance
Engineer scale: Reads decimal foot plans
Specifications: Written material and method rules
Valve location record: Measure from two fixed points
Sleeve record: Pipe crossings under hardscape

Ohm's Law

V = I x R at 24 VAC

Volts = amps x ohmsLow ohms means high current20-60 ohms is healthy

Open vs Short Circuit

Open circuit

Meter reads OL or infinite
Cut wire or burned coil
Zone simply will not run

Short circuit

Meter reads near zero ohms
Nicked jacket or failed coil
Controller faults or blows fuse

No path vs bypass path

Zone Will Not Start

Controller display is dead→Check 120 VAC supply(Breaker or GFCI)
No zone runs at all→Test transformer output(Look for 24 VAC)
One zone silent, others fine→Test that station output(Meter set to VAC)
Station reads 24 VAC→Fault is in field(Wire, splice, or solenoid)
Station reads zero volts→Controller output failed(Move wire to spare)
Bleed screw opens valve→Electrical fault confirmed(Valve is mechanically sound)
Bleed screw does nothing→Hydraulic fault confirmed(No water or debris)
Sensor light is active→Bypass the rain sensor(Common wire interrupted)

Voltmeter Operation

VAC setting: Measures field solenoid voltage
VDC setting: Wrong for 24 VAC circuits
Ohms setting: Power off, leads disconnected
Continuity: Beeps on a complete path
Amps setting: Measures current draw inline
Clamp meter: Reads amps without breaking circuit
OL reading: Open circuit, infinite resistance
Near-zero ohms: Short circuit or crossed wires
Healthy station voltage: Roughly 24-28 VAC under load
Zero volts at station: No output from the controller
Solenoid current draw: Well under one amp

Troubleshooting Order

Power, program, controller, wire, solenoid, valve

Start at the controllerSplit the run in halfBleed screw separates the fault

Master Valve vs Pump Relay

Master valve

Normally closed solenoid valve
Isolates mainline when idle
Limits leak and break damage

Pump start relay

Switches line power to pump
Controller cannot drive pumps
Needs adequate zone flow

Same terminal, different device

Ohm Reading Picker

Reads 20-60 ohms→Coil is healthy(Look upstream instead)
Reads under 20 ohms→Shorted solenoid(Replace the coil)
Reads OL or infinite→Open circuit(Cut wire or coil)
Good at valve, bad at controller→Field wire or splice(Track the wire)
Resistance climbing over time→Corroded splice(Redo waterproof connector)
Two zones open together→Two solenoids, one station(Split to separate terminals)

Controllers + Transformers

Program: Start times, run times, days
Start time meaning: Whole program runs once each
Repeated cycles cause: Extra start times were entered
Station terminal: One numbered wire per zone
Common terminal: Shared return for all solenoids
MV/P terminal: Master valve or pump relay
Transformer job: Steps 120 VAC to 24
Transformer test: Read primary and secondary volts
Seasonal adjust: Percent scaling of every runtime
Rain delay: Pauses watering for set days
Controller reset: Clears faults per manufacturer steps
Smart ET controller: Adjusts runtime from weather data
Manual station test: Runs each zone in order

Solenoids + Field Wiring

Solenoid function: Plunger vents the diaphragm chamber
Solenoid voltage: 24 VAC standard
Healthy coil resistance: Roughly 20-60 ohmsMemorize
Below 20 ohms: Shorted coil, blows fuse
Infinite ohms: Open coil or cut wire
Manual bleed screw: Opens valve without any electricity
Bleed opens the valve: Fault is electrical, not hydraulic
Wire size rule: Longer runs need thicker wire
Voltage drop: Volts lost over wire length
Common wire color: Usually white in the field
Burial depth: 6 in minimum, NEC low voltage
Under driveways, streets: 18 in homes; 24 in streets
Spare wires: Pull extras for future repairs

Wire Tracking + Splices

Wire tracker: Transmitter tone plus handheld receiver
Valve locating: Follow the tone to solenoid
Direct-burial splice: Waterproof grease or gel connector
Wire nut alone: Not rated for buried splices
Failing splice symptom: Resistance climbs, valve chatters
Splice location: Inside an accessible valve box
Surge protection: Ground the controller properly
Lightning damage sign: Several zones dead at once

Pressure and Head

psi x 2.31 = feet; feet x 0.433 = psi

2.31 feet per psi0.433 psi per foot20 feet costs 8.7 psi

Static vs Dynamic Pressure

Static

Measured with no flow
Highest reading you will see
Set by supply and elevation

Dynamic

Measured while zone runs
Always lower than static
Falls further as flow rises

No flow vs flowing

Low Pressure Picker

Static reading is low→Supply side problem(Meter, city, or well)
Static fine, dynamic low→Flow related loss(Friction or too many heads)
Only far heads suffer→Undersized lateral pipe(Check the friction chart)
All zones weak after repair→Partly closed isolation valve(Open it fully)
Uphill heads are weak→Elevation loss(0.433 psi per foot)
Pressure fine, flow poor→Clogged filter or nozzle(Clean and retest)
Whole system lost pressure→Mainline break(Meter spins with all off)

Pressure + Flow Testing

Static pressure: Measured with no flow
Dynamic pressure: Measured while the zone runs
Pressure loss: Static minus dynamic reading
psi to feet: Multiply psi by 2.31IA equation
Feet to psi: Multiply feet by 0.433IA equation
Elevation gain: Costs 0.433 psi per foot
Elevation drop: Gains 0.433 psi per foot
Flow equation: Q = A x V
Velocity limit: Below 5 feet per second
Water hammer: Surge from fast valve closure
Gauge test point: Read at the last head
Bucket test: Time to fill known volume
Precipitation rate equation: PR = 96.3 x GPM / area

Globe vs Angle Valve

Globe body

Inlet and outlet inline
Drops into straight pipe
Serviced from the top

Angle body

Inlet below, outlet at side
Turns flow ninety degrees
Used under anti-siphon valves

Straight run vs corner

Drip Component Picker

Emitters plugging repeatedly→Finer filter(120-200 mesh)
Pressure over emitter rating→Pressure regulator(Often 25-30 psi)
Long run or slope→Pressure compensating emitters(Even flow throughout)
Fines collect at line end→Flush valve(Flush every season)
Soil pulled in at shutdown→Air vacuum relief(Install at high point)
Turf area over dripline→Subsurface drip(Add root protection)

Valves

Globe valve body: Inlet and outlet inline
Angle valve body: Inlet below, outlet at side
Diaphragm operation: Pressure above holds valve shut
Flow control stem: Throttles the zone at valve
Master valve: Normally closed, isolates the mainline
Isolation valve: Manual shutoff for repairs
Quick coupling valve: Hose point on the mainline
Valve box: Access, protection, splice housing
Valve will not close: Debris under the diaphragm
Valve will not open: No power or plugged port
Valve chatter: Weak voltage or low flow
Pressure regulating module: Holds a set downstream pressure

Chart vs Hazen-Williams

CIT scope

Read friction loss charts
Look up size and flow
Multiply by run length

Designer scope

Computes the Hazen-Williams equation
Sizes pipe from scratch
Tested on CID and CIC

Look up, do not derive

Sensors

Rain sensor: Interrupts the common wire
Rain sensor test: Press plunger, zone should stop
Freeze sensor: Blocks watering below set temperature
Wind sensor: Suspends watering above set speed
Soil moisture sensor: Waters only when soil dries
Flow sensor: Reports actual gallons per minute
High flow alarm: Broken mainline or stuck valve
Low flow alarm: Clogged zone or closed valve
Sensor bypass switch: Ignores the sensor for testing

Drip Mechanics

Required drip components: Filter and pressure regulator
Filter mesh: Openings per linear inch
Typical emitter filtration: 120-200 mesh screen
Higher mesh number: Finer screen, smaller particles
Drip pressure regulator: Commonly set 25-30 psi
Pressure compensating emitter: Even flow across pressure range
Non-compensating emitter: Flow rises with pressure
Maximum lateral length: Limited by flow and slope
Flush valve: Purges fines from line ends
Air vacuum relief: Stops soil suction at shutdown
Subsurface drip: Buried dripline with root protection
Emitter flow units: Gallons per hour, not minute

Friction Loss Charts

Chart basis: Loss per 100 feet
Chart inputs: Pipe size, material, flow
Scale to run: Multiply by actual pipe length
Smaller pipe: Higher velocity, higher loss
Larger pipe: Lower velocity, lower loss
C factor: Pipe roughness coefficient
Fitting losses: Added as equivalent pipe length
Chart columns: Velocity beside friction loss

Common Traps

Class vs Schedule

Class 200 means 200 psi ≠ Schedule 40 is wall thickness

Vacuum breaker heights

AVB sits 6 inches up ≠ PVB sits 12 inches up

Vacuum breakers and backpressure

AVB and PVB stop backsiphonage ≠ Only DCVA and RP stop backpressure

Chart vs equation

CIT reads friction charts ≠ Designers compute Hazen-Williams

Volts vs ohms

Volts tested with power on ≠ Ohms tested with power off

Bleed screw diagnosis

Bleed opens means electrical fault ≠ Bleed fails means hydraulic fault

Master valve vs relay

Master valve stops water ≠ Relay switches pump power

Mesh number direction

200 mesh is a finer screen ≠ 100 mesh is a coarser screen

Mixing head types

Spray applies 1.5-2.0 in/hr ≠ Rotor applies 0.4-0.6 in/hr

Pass mark

Cut score varies by form ≠ It is not a flat 70%

Last Minute

1.Principles 41-46%, electrical 28-32%
2.Hydraulics is 26-27% of exam
3.100 questions, 3 hours, equal weight
4.Pass mark unannounced, typically 68-72%
5.1 psi = 2.31 feet head
6.1 foot head = 0.433 psi
7.Keep velocity below 5 ft/s
8.Healthy solenoid reads 20-60 ohms
9.AVB 6 in, PVB 12 in
10.RP is the high-hazard assembly
11.Class pipe number is its psi
12.Blowout: 80 PVC, 50 poly
13.Never blow air through backflow
14.Ohms testing requires power off
15.Bleed screw isolates electrical faults
16.Drip needs filter and regulator
17.Higher mesh number is finer
18.Call 811 before any digging
19.Read charts, do not derive
20.Retake wait is 90 days
21.Recert: 20 CEUs, two years

IA Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT)

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