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Exam Review

Key Facts: CIT Exam

100

Exam Questions

Irrigation Association

3 hrs

Time Limit

Irrigation Association

$175

Member Exam Fee

Irrigation Association 2026

0.433 psi

Pressure per 1 ft of water

IA equation sheet

96.3

PR Constant (GPM × 96.3 / Area)

IA equation sheet

24 VAC

Standard Solenoid Voltage

Industry standard

20 CEUs

Per 2-yr Recert Cycle

Irrigation Association

The CIT (Certified Irrigation Technician) is a 100-question, 3-hour proctored exam from the Irrigation Association covering basic irrigation principles, hydraulics, and electrical. Candidates are expected to know pressure/head conversions (0.433 psi/ft), Hazen-Williams friction loss, sprinkler precipitation rate (PR = 96.3 × GPM / area), Ohm's Law and 24 VAC solenoid diagnostics (20-60 Ω healthy coil), the four backflow types (AVB, PVB, DCVA, RP), PVC pressure classes, drip filtration mesh, and field troubleshooting. An equation sheet is provided at the exam. Recommended prerequisite is 6 months / 1,000 hours of irrigation field experience.

Sample CIT Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CIT exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 126+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What does the abbreviation 'GPM' represent on an irrigation system flow specification?
A.Grains per minute
B.Gallons per minute
C.Gauge pressure measurement
D.Ground pressure modulus
Explanation: GPM stands for gallons per minute, the standard U.S. customary unit of volumetric flow for irrigation. Sprinkler and emitter flow rates, pump capacities, and pipe sizing tables are typically expressed in GPM.
2What is the typical recommended maximum velocity for water flowing inside a PVC mainline to limit water hammer and erosion of the pipe?
A.1 ft/s
B.5 ft/s
C.15 ft/s
D.25 ft/s
Explanation: The Irrigation Association and most manufacturer engineering manuals recommend keeping mainline flow velocity at or below approximately 5 ft/s. Higher velocities increase friction loss, surge pressures (water hammer), and long-term erosion of fittings.
3Static water pressure refers to the pressure in an irrigation system measured when:
A.Water is flowing through the system at full design flow
B.No water is flowing — all valves are closed
C.Only the smallest emitter is operating
D.The pump is shut off and the supply line is drained
Explanation: Static pressure is the pressure in a pressurized but non-flowing system. When valves are closed and no water moves, there are no friction or velocity losses, so the gauge reads the highest pressure that the supply can deliver at that elevation.
4Approximately how much pressure (in psi) does a 10-foot vertical column of water exert at its base?
A.0.43 psi
B.2.31 psi
C.4.33 psi
D.10.0 psi
Explanation: The conversion is 1 ft of water head = 0.433 psi. For a 10-ft column, 10 × 0.433 = 4.33 psi. Equivalently, 1 psi = 2.31 ft of head, so 10 ft / 2.31 ft per psi ≈ 4.33 psi.
5When an irrigation lateral runs uphill, what happens to the pressure available at the highest sprinkler relative to the source?
A.It increases by 0.433 psi per foot of rise
B.It decreases by 0.433 psi per foot of rise
C.It is unaffected because pressure is independent of elevation
D.It decreases by 1 psi per foot of rise
Explanation: Each foot of elevation gain reduces available pressure by approximately 0.433 psi because work must be done to lift the water against gravity. A 10-ft rise costs 4.33 psi before any friction loss is considered.
6The Hazen-Williams equation is most commonly used in irrigation to calculate:
A.Sprinkler precipitation rate
B.Soil infiltration rate
C.Friction loss in pressurized pipes
D.Evapotranspiration
Explanation: The Hazen-Williams equation estimates head loss due to friction in pressurized water pipes. It uses pipe diameter, flow rate, pipe length, and a roughness coefficient (C). It is the most common method on IA exams for sizing irrigation mainlines and laterals.
7Which Hazen-Williams C-factor is typical for new smooth PVC pipe?
A.100
B.120
C.150
D.180
Explanation: PVC pipe has a Hazen-Williams roughness coefficient of approximately 150, reflecting its very smooth interior. By contrast, steel ≈ 100-120 and old cast iron drops below 100.
8If pipe length is doubled and the flow rate and pipe size stay constant, friction loss in the pipe approximately:
A.Stays the same
B.Doubles
C.Quadruples
D.Is cut in half
Explanation: Friction loss is directly proportional to length in the Hazen-Williams equation. Doubling the length doubles the loss. Loss varies with flow to roughly the 1.85 power and inversely with diameter to about the 4.87 power.
9Water hammer in an irrigation mainline is most commonly caused by:
A.Slow opening of manual ball valves
B.Sudden closure of a quick-acting valve
C.Use of pressure regulators downstream
D.Air vents at high points
Explanation: Water hammer (surge) is a high-pressure transient created when fast-moving water is brought to a near-instantaneous stop. The momentum converts to pressure that can spike well above the working pressure and damage pipes, fittings, and valves.
10Which device most effectively reduces water-hammer risk on an electrically actuated solenoid valve?
A.Atmospheric vacuum breaker
B.Air-gap separation
C.Slow-closing solenoid valve or surge arrestor
D.Pressure-compensating emitter
Explanation: Slow-closing solenoid valves close progressively to reduce the rate of velocity change, and dedicated surge arrestors absorb pressure spikes. Both are standard countermeasures for water hammer at remote control valves.

About the CIT Exam

The CIT is the Irrigation Association's entry-level field-technician credential, validating that a candidate understands basic irrigation principles, hydraulics, and electrical concepts needed to install, troubleshoot, and maintain landscape and commercial irrigation systems. The exam includes 100 equally-weighted multiple-choice questions on irrigation components, water delivery, backflow prevention, basic hydraulics, and basic electrical fundamentals.

Exam sponsor: Irrigation Association (IA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

100 equally-weighted multiple-choice questions covering basic irrigation principles, basic hydraulics, and basic electrical

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

Cut score not announced in advance; typically ranges 68-72% (IA Certification Candidate Handbook)

Exam / Certification Fees

$175 (member) / $300 (nonmember)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not publicly reported. IA does not publish CIT pass rates Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

41-46%

Understanding Basic Irrigation Principles

Sprinklers, nozzles and spacing, backflow prevention, pipe and fittings, pumps, startup and winterization, water supplies, and job safety

28-32%

Understanding Electrical Principles

Controllers, solenoid valves and wiring, multimeter diagnostics, transformers, and electrical troubleshooting

26-27%

Understanding Hydraulic Principles

Static and dynamic pressure, friction loss, velocity, valves, and drip hydraulics

Preparing for the CIT Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Cut score not announced in advance; typically ranges 68-72% (IA Certification Candidate Handbook)
  • Assessment: 100 equally-weighted multiple-choice questions covering basic irrigation principles, basic hydraulics, and basic electrical
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $175 (member) / $300 (nonmember) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 126 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CIT: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize pressure-head conversions cold: 1 psi = 2.31 ft of water; 1 ft of water = 0.433 psi. These appear on nearly every CIT exam.
2Drill the precipitation rate formula until it's automatic: PR (in/hr) = 96.3 × GPM ÷ Area (ft²). 96.3 is the IA constant.
3Learn the four backflow types in order of protection: AVB < PVB < DCVA < RP. RP is the only one rated for high-hazard cross-connections like chemigation.
4Memorize healthy 24 VAC solenoid resistance (20-60 Ω). Below ~20 = short, infinite = open coil. This is core CIT electrical troubleshooting.
5Know mainline velocity limits: keep ≤5 ft/s on mainlines and ≤7 ft/s on laterals to avoid water hammer and surge damage.
6Match precipitation rate (MPR) nozzles match GPM to arc so quarter heads flow ~1/4 of full-circle heads — gives uniform inches/hour across mixed arcs.
7Cycle-and-soak applies when sprinkler PR > soil infiltration rate. Split the total run time into shorter cycles with soak periods to eliminate runoff.
8PVC class numbers ARE the pressure rating: Class 200 = 200 psi continuous working pressure. Schedule 40 has variable pressure rating that decreases as diameter grows.
9Drip filter mesh ratings: 120-200 mesh (75-125 microns) is standard for emitters. Higher mesh = smaller particle captured.
10Always call 811 (one-call) before digging. This is a non-negotiable industry safety practice and shows up on the exam as the first step before any installation work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CIT exam?

The Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) is the Irrigation Association's foundational field-technician credential. It is a 100-question, 3-hour proctored multiple-choice exam covering basic irrigation principles, basic hydraulics, and basic electrical fundamentals.

How much does the CIT exam cost?

The CIT exam is $175 for Irrigation Association members and $300 for nonmembers. Retake fees match the initial exam fee. Annual recertification renewal is $75 (member) or $125 (nonmember), which covers one certification; each additional IA certification adds $25.

What is the passing score for the CIT exam?

The Irrigation Association does not announce the CIT cut score in advance; the handbook states it typically ranges between 68% and 72% depending on the exam form.

What topics are on the CIT exam?

The 100 equally-weighted multiple-choice questions cover three core areas — basic irrigation principles, basic hydraulics, and basic electrical — including topics like pressure-head conversions, Hazen-Williams friction loss, 24 VAC solenoid operation, valve types, backflow assemblies, drip components, sprinkler precipitation rate, and field troubleshooting.

What are the prerequisites for the CIT?

The Irrigation Association recommends six months or 1,000 hours of irrigation-related field experience and requires candidates to agree to the IA Code of Ethics. There is no formal degree requirement.

How long should I study for the CIT?

Most candidates prepare 40-80 hours over 4-8 weeks. Prioritize hydraulics math (PR formula, pressure-head conversions, Hazen-Williams), 24 VAC electrical troubleshooting, the four backflow types, PVC pipe classes, and drip system fundamentals.

How do I maintain the CIT certification?

CIT recertification is on a two-year cycle requiring 20 continuing education units (CEUs) and payment of annual renewal fees. CEUs can be earned through Irrigation Association courses, conferences, manufacturer training, and other approved professional development.