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Question 1

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When trenching for an irrigation mainline, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P requires a protective system for any excavation deeper than how many feet?

5 feet

4 feet

6 feet

3 feet

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CIC Exam

150

Exam Questions

Irrigation Association

3½ hrs

Time Limit

Irrigation Association

$250

Member Exam Fee

Irrigation Association

20 CEUs

Renewal Requirement

Per 2-year cycle

Content Domains

CIC Content Outline

3 yrs

Recommended Experience

Irrigation Association

The Irrigation Association CIC (Certified Irrigation Contractor) is the industry's premier field-level credential for irrigation professionals. The 150-question, 3½-hour exam covers irrigation design, installation, scheduling, water management, maintenance, federal codes, and business management. Recommended prerequisite: 3 years of field experience. Renewal requires 20 CEUs every two years.

Sample CIC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CIC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When trenching for an irrigation mainline, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P requires a protective system for any excavation deeper than how many feet?

A.5 feet

B.4 feet

C.6 feet

D.3 feet

Explanation: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652 (Subpart P) requires a protective system — sloping, shoring, or trench box — for excavations 5 feet or deeper unless the excavation is in solid rock. Shallower trenches must still be evaluated for hazards but do not automatically require a protective system.

2A reduced-pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer conforming to ASSE 1013 contains which key internal component that distinguishes it from a double-check valve assembly?

A.A relief valve that opens to atmosphere between the two check valves

B.A vacuum breaker vented to atmosphere downstream of the second check

C.A pressure-reducing valve upstream of both check valves

D.A strainer rated for 200 mesh installed before the first check

Explanation: The defining feature of an ASSE 1013 RPZ assembly is the differential-pressure relief valve (DPRV) located in the zone between the two independently acting check valves. If either check fails, the DPRV opens to drain, preventing backflow from reaching the potable supply. This feature is absent in a double-check valve assembly (ASSE 1015).

3Which ASSE standard applies specifically to the double-check valve assembly (DCV) used in low-hazard cross-connection control?

A.ASSE 1015

B.ASSE 1013

C.ASSE 1024

D.ASSE 1001

Explanation: ASSE 1015 covers double-check valve assemblies (DCVAs) for low-hazard applications. They consist of two independently acting check valves but lack the relief valve found in an RPZ (ASSE 1013), making them suitable only where backflow contamination would be a nuisance rather than a health hazard.

4What is the minimum distance a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) must be installed above the highest downstream irrigation head according to standard cross-connection control guidelines?

A.6 inches above the highest downstream outlet

B.12 inches above the highest downstream outlet

C.At the same elevation as the highest outlet

D.18 inches below grade at the meter

Explanation: A pressure vacuum breaker (ASSE 1020) must be installed at least 6 inches above the highest downstream point it protects. This air gap ensures the vacuum breaker can open to atmosphere before backpressure can reverse flow into the potable supply.

5When joining Schedule 40 PVC pipe using solvent-weld (solvent-cement) technique, what is the correct preparation sequence?

A.Cut square, deburr, dry-fit, apply primer, apply cement, insert with quarter-turn, hold 30 seconds

B.Cut square, apply cement only (no primer), insert with half-turn, hold 10 seconds

C.Cut square, deburr, dry-fit, apply cement, insert straight with no rotation, hold 10 seconds

D.Cut at 45°, apply primer, apply cement, insert straight, hold 60 seconds

Explanation: Proper solvent-weld sequence for PVC: cut square (to maximize bond area), deburr/chamfer the pipe end, dry-fit to confirm depth, apply an approved primer to both surfaces to soften the PVC, apply cement to both surfaces, insert the pipe with a slight quarter-turn to spread cement evenly, and hold for at least 30 seconds while the joint sets. Skipping primer or rotation is a common cause of leaking joints.

6During HDPE pipe fusion, the pipe ends must reach a melt temperature of approximately how many degrees Fahrenheit before facing plates are removed and pipes are joined?

A.400–450°F (204–232°C)

B.200–250°F (93–121°C)

C.550–600°F (288–316°C)

D.150–175°F (66–79°C)

Explanation: Butt-fusion of HDPE pipe requires the heater plate to be set at 400–450°F (204–232°C) so the pipe ends achieve a proper melt bead. Once the correct melt bead forms, the heater is quickly removed, the pipe ends are brought together under controlled fusion pressure, and the joint is held until cooled. Too low a temperature produces an incomplete bond; too high degrades the material.

7In low-voltage irrigation controller wiring, Class 2 circuits are limited to a maximum of how many volts AC?

A.30 volts AC

B.50 volts AC

C.24 volts AC

D.120 volts AC

Explanation: NEC Article 725 defines Class 2 circuits as those limited to 30 volts AC (or 42.4 volts peak). Standard irrigation controller field wiring operates at 24 VAC, which falls within the Class 2 ceiling of 30 VAC, allowing the use of smaller conductors without conduit in many installations.

8When wiring a solenoid valve to a multi-zone controller, the common wire from all valves connects to which terminal on the controller?

A.The common (COM) terminal, typically the negative or neutral leg shared by all zones

B.The master valve terminal (MV) to allow zone sequencing

C.A separate zone terminal matched one-to-one with each valve

D.The pump-start relay terminal to activate water supply

Explanation: Irrigation solenoid valves use a two-wire circuit: one wire runs from the individual zone terminal, and the return wire runs back to the common (COM) terminal. All valves share the same common wire, which completes the 24 VAC circuit. The COM terminal is the shared neutral/return for the entire field-wiring network.

9Flow through a pipe is governed by the continuity equation Q = A × V. If a 1-inch pipe (ID ≈ 0.957 in, area ≈ 0.0050 ft²) carries water at 5 ft/s, what is the approximate flow rate in gallons per minute?

A.11.2 gpm

B.5.5 gpm

C.22.4 gpm

D.2.8 gpm

Explanation: Q = A × V = 0.0050 ft² × 5 ft/s = 0.025 ft³/s. Converting: 0.025 ft³/s × 448.83 gal/ft³ ≈ 11.2 gpm. This basic hydraulic calculation is used when sizing supply lines to ensure adequate flow to all zones without excessive velocity.

10Friction loss in a pipe increases with flow rate according to the Hazen-Williams formula. If friction loss doubles when flow increases by approximately what percentage?

A.About 85% increase in flow doubles the friction loss

B.Doubling the flow doubles the friction loss (linear relationship)

C.A 25% increase in flow doubles the friction loss

D.Friction loss is independent of flow rate

Explanation: The Hazen-Williams formula shows that friction head loss is proportional to Q^1.852. To double the loss (2 = Q^1.852), Q = 2^(1/1.852) ≈ 1.85, meaning approximately an 85% increase in flow rate doubles the friction loss. This non-linear relationship is why oversized mains reduce pressure loss dramatically.

About the CIC Exam

Advanced certification for irrigation professionals who install, repair, and maintain irrigation systems. The CIC exam covers hydraulics, backflow prevention, OSHA safety, scheduling, and business management.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

3½ hours

Passing Score

Scaled (not published)

Exam Fee

$250 (member) / $495 (non-member) (Irrigation Association)

CIC Exam Content Outline

~25%

Irrigation Installation

Pipe joining (PVC solvent-weld, HDPE fusion), valve and head installation, controller wiring, trenching safety

~15%

Irrigation Design

Site analysis, hydraulic calculations, zone layout, head selection, precipitation rate

~15%

Irrigation Scheduling

ET-based scheduling, cycle-and-soak, controller programming, seasonal adjustment

~15%

Water Management & Conservation

Distribution uniformity, smart controllers, soil moisture sensors, WaterSense

~15%

Maintenance & Repair

Winterization blow-out, diagnostics, solenoid testing, backflow testing, system audits

~10%

Federal Laws & Codes

OSHA Subpart P, SDWA cross-connection control, FIFRA, Davis-Bacon Act, HCS

~5%

General Business Management

Bid estimating, change orders, insurance, as-built documentation, CIC Code of Ethics

How to Pass the CIC Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled (not published)
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 3½ hours
Exam fee: $250 (member) / $495 (non-member)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CIC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know OSHA Subpart P cold — protective systems, soil classifications, and egress requirements are frequently tested

2Understand the difference between ASSE 1013 (RPZ), 1015 (DCV), 1024 (DCDA), and vacuum breakers — and when each is required

3Practice hydraulic calculations: pressure budget, friction loss (Hazen-Williams), flow rate (Q = A × V), and pump horsepower

4Learn solvent-weld PVC sequence: cut, deburr, dry-fit, prime, cement, quarter-turn, hold 30 seconds

5Review controller wiring: COM wire function, pump-start relay, master valve, wire sizing for long runs

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CIC exam?

The IA Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) exam contains 150 equally weighted multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 3½ hours to complete the exam. The Irrigation Association may include a small number of unscored beta-test questions within the 150-question total.

What is the passing score for the CIC exam?

The Irrigation Association does not publish a specific numerical passing score for the CIC exam. Scores are scaled, and the passing standard is set by the IA Certification Board. Candidates receive a pass/fail result with a score report. To maximize your chances, aim to score 80%+ consistently on practice tests before scheduling.

How much does the CIC exam cost?

The CIC exam fee is $250 for Irrigation Association members and $495 for non-members. Retakes cost $200 (member) or $325 (non-member). IA membership may pay for itself if you plan to take the exam, given the $245 savings on the initial attempt.

What are the CIC exam prerequisites?

The Irrigation Association recommends three years of irrigation-related field experience before sitting for the CIC exam. There is no formal education requirement. All candidates must agree to the CIC Code of Ethics as part of the application process.

How do I renew my CIC certification?

CIC certification must be renewed every two years. To renew, you must submit 20 continuing education units (CEUs) earned during the two-year cycle and remain in compliance with the CIC Code of Ethics. CEUs can be earned through IA training programs, industry conferences, related coursework, and other approved education.

What topics does the CIC exam cover?

The CIC exam covers seven domains: irrigation design, irrigation installation, irrigation scheduling, water management and conservation, maintenance and repair, federal laws and codes (OSHA Subpart P, SDWA, FIFRA), and general business management. Backflow prevention (ASSE 1013/1015/1024), pipe joining, hydraulics, and controller wiring are heavily tested.

Can I use reference materials during the CIC exam?

The Irrigation Association provides a standardized equation sheet containing hydraulic formulas to all candidates at registration. No personal reference books, notes, or electronic devices are permitted during the exam. The equation sheet covers flow calculations, Hazen-Williams formula, precipitation rate, and pump horsepower calculations.

How should I study for the CIC exam?

Focus on these high-impact areas: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P (trenching/excavation), backflow prevention standards (ASSE 1013, 1015, 1024), PVC solvent-weld and HDPE fusion technique, hydraulic calculations (pressure budget, friction loss, flow rate), controller wiring, winterization blow-out procedures, and bid estimating fundamentals. Complete our 100 free practice questions and review all explanations — especially for questions you miss.