100+ Free CIT Practice Questions
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An infinite resistance reading on a valve solenoid most likely indicates:
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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 test your CIT exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What does the abbreviation 'GPM' represent on an irrigation system flow specification?
2What is the typical recommended maximum velocity for water flowing inside a PVC mainline to limit water hammer and erosion of the pipe?
3Static water pressure refers to the pressure in an irrigation system measured when:
4Approximately how much pressure (in psi) does a 10-foot vertical column of water exert at its base?
5When an irrigation lateral runs uphill, what happens to the pressure available at the highest sprinkler relative to the source?
6The Hazen-Williams equation is most commonly used in irrigation to calculate:
7Which Hazen-Williams C-factor is typical for new smooth PVC pipe?
8If pipe length is doubled and the flow rate and pipe size stay constant, friction loss in the pipe approximately:
9Water hammer in an irrigation mainline is most commonly caused by:
10Which device most effectively reduces water-hammer risk on an electrically actuated solenoid valve?
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.
Assessment
100 equally-weighted multiple-choice questions covering basic irrigation principles, basic hydraulics, and basic electrical
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
Not publicly reported (commonly cited as ~75%)
Exam Fee
$175 (member) / $300 (nonmember) (Irrigation Association (IA))
CIT Exam Content Outline
Basic Hydraulics
Pressure-head conversions (1 psi = 2.31 ft, 1 ft = 0.433 psi), Hazen-Williams friction loss, C-factor for PVC (~150), velocity recommendations (≤5 ft/s mainline, ≤7 ft/s lateral), water hammer/surge prevention, TDH, NPSHA vs. NPSHR, available pressure budgeting from supply to head.
Basic Electrical & Controllers
Ohm's Law (V = IR), 24 VAC zone solenoid operation, healthy coil resistance range (20-60 Ω), troubleshooting open and shorted coils, voltage drop and field wire sizing, waterproof direct-burial splices (e.g., 3M DBR/DBY), common-wire convention (white), NEC Class 2 separation, controller programming (rain delay, cycle-and-soak).
Irrigation Components, Pipe & Backflow
PVC pressure classes (Class 100/125/160/200/315), SDR vs. Schedule pipe, solvent-weld cure times, PE drip tubing, swing joints, master valves and flow sensors, ball/gate isolation valves, pressure-reducing valves; four backflow assemblies (AVB, PVB, DCVA, RP) and hazard rating (RP = high hazard), backsiphonage vs. backpressure.
Sprinklers, Drip & System Design
Rotors vs. fixed sprays vs. stream-rotary nozzles, matched precipitation rate (MPR) nozzles, head-to-head spacing and wind-adjusted spacing (~50% of diameter), PR = 96.3 × GPM / Area, distribution uniformity DUlq, hydrozoning, drip pressure ranges (10-30 psi), pressure-compensating emitters for slopes/long lateral, filtration mesh (120-200), microsprinklers, subsurface drip irrigation.
Installation, Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Trench depths (8-12 in residential laterals), 811 utility locates before digging, solvent-weld cure times, winterization with compressed-air blowout, valve diaphragm and seat repair, rotor not rotating diagnostics, low-head drainage and anti-drain check valves, weeping heads, sprinkler audits (catch-can grid, DU calculation), as-built documentation.
How to Pass the CIT Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Not publicly reported (commonly cited as ~75%)
- Assessment: 100 equally-weighted multiple-choice questions covering basic irrigation principles, basic hydraulics, and basic electrical
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $175 (member) / $300 (nonmember)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CIT Study Tips from Top Performers
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) per credential.
What is the passing score for the CIT exam?
The Irrigation Association does not publicly publish an exact CIT passing score. Other Irrigation Association–aligned programs and reference materials cite approximately 75%. Confirm the current required score in the IA Certification Candidate Handbook.
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.