EPA Specification for WaterSense Labeling of
AA/atCl" Sense Certification Programs for Irrigation System Auditors
Specification for WaterSense Labeling of
Certification Programs for Irrigation System Auditors
1.0 Scope and Objective
This specification establishes criteria for the labeling of certification programs for irrigation
auditors under EPA's WaterSense Program. It applies to irrigation professionals who assess
the proper functioning of existing irrigation systems, perform irrigation water audits, and
recommend watering schedules. The purpose of the label is to identify programs that certify
irrigation auditors with demonstrated ability to apply water efficiency concepts in their practice.
An irrigation auditor who holds a WaterSense labeled certification should be capable of auditing
irrigation systems with water efficiency being a fundamental component of their practice.
2.0 Criteria for WaterSense Labeling
To be labeled under EPA's WaterSense Program, the certification program must meet the
following criteria:
2.1 Independent Oversight Committee
The certification process provided by an organization must be supervised by an
independent oversight committee. The oversight committee must be established by the
organization and be composed of at least three professionals who are recognized for their
expertise in the irrigation field. Employees of the certifying organization must hold no
more than one third of the oversight committee positions. The committee must be able to
exercise independent judgment and oversight to ensure the integrity of the certification
process.
2.2 Experiential Requirement
The certification must require that the applicant have proof of successfully completing at
least one irrigation audit either before sitting for the exam or within a specified time period
following the exam, as established by the oversight committee. The oversight committee
must establish the standard of proof for the experiential requirement.
2.3 Exam Requirement
The certification must include a requirement for the successful completion of an exam or
series of exams. The exam process may include a written component, a field component,
or a combination of the two. Exam procedures must be established or approved by the
oversight committee.
Version 1.0 1 October 20, 2006
-------
EPA Specification for WaterSense Labeling of
AA/atCl" Sense Certification Programs for Irrigation System Auditors
2.3.1 Exam Content
The exam process should be structured so that passing practitioners must have
demonstrated proficient applied knowledge in the following subject areas and
their relationship to water efficiency. (Note: exam content is not limited to these
subject areas as they are provided as a minimum for recognition by
WaterSense.):
• Distribution uniformity
• Precipitation rates and irrigation scheduling
• Water pressure and impact on sprinkler performance
• Auditing process
• Soil/water/plant relationships
• Recognition of system problems and maintenance requirements
• Awareness of other aspects of good practice, such as OSHA, and
electrical and plumbing codes, as well as the knowledge of when local
and state regulations supersede federal regulations
• Recent innovations and technology developments
Specific exam questions should be established or approved by the oversight
committee.
2.3.2 Exam Passing Score
The oversight committee should establish the passing score. The passing score
on an exam must provide an objective level of assurance that the concepts listed
above are understood and can be applied by the practitioner.
2.3.3 Quality Assurance/Quality Control
The exam process must include the following QA/QC elements:
• The technical content of exam questions should be established or
approved by, and periodically reviewed by the oversight committee to
ensure that the exam meets the requirements specified in Section
2.3.1. In addition, an independent academic institution or professional
testing organization must review the exam questions to ensure that
they accurately test the subject material. The exam review process
should be conducted at least once every two years or every 1,000
exams, whichever occurs first.
• Exams must be administered by an independent academic institute, a
professional testing organization, professional test administrator, or an
irrigation professional certified in the subject matter.
Version 1.0 2 October 20, 2006
-------
EPA Specification for WaterSense Labeling of
AA/atCl" Sense Certification Programs for Irrigation System Auditors
• Exams must be graded by an independent academic institute,
professional testing organization, professional test administrator, or a
certified irrigation professional not involved in the training or proctoring
of the practitioner being examined.
• The security and integrity of the test questions and test processes
must be protected at all times.
2.4 Renewal Process
The certification must have a renewal process with a set periodicity.
2.4.1 Expiration
A certification must be renewed at least once every two years, or more frequently
as established by the oversight committee.
2.4.2 Maintained Proficiency
One aspect of the renewal process must require the submission of
documentation that the practitioner has maintained proficiency in the subject
matter (e.g. continuing education units). Documentation of maintained
proficiency must include evidence of the professional's ongoing application of
water-efficient concepts in their area of certification. The oversight committee
should establish valid documentation requirements of maintained proficiency.
The certifying organization must either request submission of this documentation
or have an auditing process in place to ensure individuals are completing their
maintained proficiency requirements.
3.0 Application for the WaterSense Label
The organization seeking the label must submit an application to EPA's WaterSense Program
for review. The label will be granted upon the approval of an organization's application by
WaterSense staff. The application should document that the organization's certification process
meets the criteria listed in Section 2.0. The application must include the following materials:
3.1 Letter of Intent
The letter of intent serves to introduce the organization's certification program and should
include a background section that describes its certification and reason for seeking the
label under EPA's WaterSense Program. The letter should include a statement attesting
to the validity of information submitted, and be signed by the chairman of the oversight
committee responsible for the certification program and an officer of the organization.
Version 1.0 3 October 20, 2006
-------
EPA Specification for WaterSense Labeling of
AA/atCl" Sense Certification Programs for Irrigation System Auditors
3.2 Identifying Information
Provide the following identifying information for this application: a) Title of certification, b)
Name and address of certifying organization, and c) Name, address, phone number, and
email address of point of contact with certifying organization.
3.3 Documentation of Independent Oversight Committee Responsibility
For the oversight committee identified in Section 2.1, provide a description of the role,
responsibility, and function of the oversight committee within the organization. The
description should address the following topics: 1) How committee members are selected
or appointed, and 2) Committee member terms of service, such as duration of
appointment or nature of compensation, if any. If available, a copy of the organization's
by-laws pertaining to the oversight committee may be submitted as documentation.
3.4 Documentation of Independent Oversight Committee Composition
For the current oversight committee, provide each committee member's name, committee
position, professional affiliation, and a brief synopsis of irrigation expertise.
3.5 Documentation of the Certification Process
This portion of the application consists of documentation for both the experiential and
exam requirements.
3.5.1 Experiential Requirement
The organization must submit a description of the process they use to ensure the
experiential requirement listed in Section 2.2 is met as part of the certification
process.
3.5.2 Exam Content
The organization must submit a sample certification exam that has been
administered no more than 6 months prior to the application date. The sample
exam should be annotated to indicate how each subject, listed in Section 2.3.1 is
tested in a sufficient manner. This documentation should link exam questions or
field demonstration requirements with the subject areas and demonstrate how
each subject area was tested. The exam may be claimed as confidential
business information and if so, will be safeguarded as such.
Version 1.0 4 October 20, 2006
-------
EPA Specification for WaterSense Labeling of
AA/atCl" Sense Certification Programs for Irrigation System Auditors
3.5.3 Exam Administration
Describe the process used to administer and grade the exam. Indicate what a
passing grade is.
3.5.4 Documentation for the Exam Material Review Process
Provide the name and address of the independent academic institution or
professional testing organization used to review exam material, and describe the
process used by that organization for the review.
3.6 Documentation of the Certification Renewal Process
The organization must submit a description of the certification renewal process, including
the documentation required for renewal, or a description of the auditing mechanism used
to ensure compliance.
3.7 Letters of Reference
The organization must submit two letters of reference that address how the certification
program has benefited water efficiency within their region, their state, or on a national
level. One letter must come from a utility and the other from a state agency or regional
water district. Both letters must be signed and dated by the individual responsible for the
reference.
4.0 Effective Date
This specification is effective on 20 October 2006. Certifying organizations may apply for the
label upon release of this specification.
5.0 Renewal Process for the WaterSense Labeling of Certification Programs
The WaterSense label for a certification program is effective for 3 years from the date use of the
label is granted. To renew the label, the certifying organization must submit a new application
prior to the expiration of the label for review by WaterSense staff. This application must include
all materials designated in Section 3.0.
In addition, it is the responsibility of the certifying organization to notify WaterSense of any
changes to its program that result in the program no longer meeting the criteria designated in
Section 2.0. The WaterSense label will be revoked if the certification program no longer meets
the listed criteria.
Version 1.0 5 October 20, 2006
-------
EPA Specification for WaterSense Labeling of
AA/atCl" Sense Certification Programs for Irrigation System Auditors
6.0 Definitions
Irrigation System Auditor: Individual who assesses the proper functioning of existing irrigation
systems, visually identifies malfunctioning equipment, perform irrigation water audits, and
recommends watering schedules
Independent Oversight Committee: A committee formed by the certifying organization that
supervises the certification program while exercising independent, professional judgment. This
committee should act as a governing body for the certification program and be responsible for
establishing policies and requirements. It must be established by the organization and be
composed of at least three professionals who are recognized for their expertise in the irrigation
field. No more than one third of the positions may be held by employees of the certifying
organization.
Professional Testing Organization: An organization that supports, or provides for the
development or administration of standardized tests, typically on a fee for service basis.
Independent Academic Institution: A public or private institution dedicated to higher
education, which grants academic degrees.
Professional Test Administrator: A professional trained to maintain a secure, fair, and
consistent testing environment.
Version 1.0 6 October 20, 2006
------- |