IA Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT)

What does the abbreviation 'GPM' represent on an irrigation system flow specification?

• AGrains per minute
• BGallons per minute
• CGauge pressure measurement
• DGround pressure modulus

What is the typical recommended maximum velocity for water flowing inside a PVC mainline to limit water hammer and erosion of the pipe?

• A1 ft/s
• B5 ft/s
• C15 ft/s
• D25 ft/s

Static water pressure refers to the pressure in an irrigation system measured when:

• AWater is flowing through the system at full design flow
• BNo water is flowing — all valves are closed
• COnly the smallest emitter is operating
• DThe pump is shut off and the supply line is drained

Approximately how much pressure (in psi) does a 10-foot vertical column of water exert at its base?

• A0.43 psi
• B2.31 psi
• C4.33 psi
• D10.0 psi

When an irrigation lateral runs uphill, what happens to the pressure available at the highest sprinkler relative to the source?

• AIt increases by 0.433 psi per foot of rise
• BIt decreases by 0.433 psi per foot of rise
• CIt is unaffected because pressure is independent of elevation
• DIt decreases by 1 psi per foot of rise

The Hazen-Williams equation is most commonly used in irrigation to calculate:

• ASprinkler precipitation rate
• BSoil infiltration rate
• CFriction loss in pressurized pipes
• DEvapotranspiration

Which Hazen-Williams C-factor is typical for new smooth PVC pipe?

• A100
• B120
• C150
• D180

If pipe length is doubled and the flow rate and pipe size stay constant, friction loss in the pipe approximately:

• AStays the same
• BDoubles
• CQuadruples
• DIs cut in half

Water hammer in an irrigation mainline is most commonly caused by:

• ASlow opening of manual ball valves
• BSudden closure of a quick-acting valve
• CUse of pressure regulators downstream
• DAir vents at high points

Which device most effectively reduces water-hammer risk on an electrically actuated solenoid valve?

• AAtmospheric vacuum breaker
• BAir-gap separation
• CSlow-closing solenoid valve or surge arrestor
• DPressure-compensating emitter

What is the primary purpose of a backflow prevention device on a potable-supplied irrigation system?

• ATo increase delivered pressure at distant sprinklers
• BTo prevent contaminated water from re-entering the public water supply
• CTo filter sediment from the irrigation water
• DTo equalize flow between zones

Which backflow prevention assembly provides the highest level of protection and is required for high-hazard cross-connections?

• AAtmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
• BPressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
• CDouble Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
• DReduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP / RPZ)

A pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) on an irrigation system must be installed at least how far above the highest downstream outlet?

• A6 inches
• B12 inches
• C24 inches
• D60 inches

Which condition would cause backsiphonage in an irrigation system?

• ADownstream pressure higher than supply pressure
• BA pump downstream of the supply pushing water back
• CA drop in supply pressure below atmospheric, such as during a water main break
• DExcessive friction loss in the lateral pipe

Which of the following is NOT a typical reason an annual backflow assembly test is required by jurisdictions?

• AVerify that internal check valves still seat correctly
• BConfirm that the differential relief valve opens at the proper pressure (for RPs)
• CTest irrigation controller programming
• DDocument compliance with the local cross-connection control program

Class 200 PVC pipe is rated for a continuous working pressure of:

• A100 psi
• B160 psi
• C200 psi
• D315 psi

SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio) PVC pipe sizing is based on:

• AThe ratio of internal diameter to wall thickness
• BThe ratio of outside diameter to wall thickness
• CThe flow capacity in GPM divided by pressure rating
• DThe pipe length divided by its diameter

What is the primary reason swing joints are installed under sprinkler heads?

• ATo increase the pressure delivered to the head
• BTo prevent damage and allow alignment when the head is hit by traffic or mowers
• CTo filter debris before water enters the nozzle
• DTo reduce evaporation at the nozzle

Solvent-welded PVC joints should be allowed to cure for how long before being pressurized in most field conditions for typical small irrigation pipe sizes?

• A5 minutes
• BMinimum 30 minutes
• CAt least 1 hour and longer in cold or wet conditions
• D24 hours regardless of conditions

Polyethylene (PE) tubing is commonly used in irrigation systems for:

• AHigh-pressure mainlines above 200 psi
• BDrip and microirrigation laterals
• CUnderground vacuum lines
• DPump suction lines from a deep well

Which type of irrigation valve is typically used to electrically control individual zones from a controller?

• AGate valve
• BBall valve
• CSolenoid (remote control) valve
• DGlobe valve

What is the typical operating voltage of an irrigation controller's valve solenoid output?

• A12 VDC
• B24 VAC
• C120 VAC
• D240 VAC

Ohm's Law states that for a simple electrical circuit:

• AV = I × R (Voltage = Current × Resistance)
• BV = I / R
• CI = V × R
• DR = V × I