What is the Water Smart Irrigation Professional Certification Program?
The Water Smart Irrigation Professional Certification Program, also referred to as the WSIP Program, is a landscape industry program to make water-efficient irrigation practices and irrigation system optimization the industry standard. The WSIP program combines both theoretical and practical hands-on training and certification, and is offered by Landscape Ontario (LO). The WSIP program was developed in partnership with Landscape Ontario, the Region of Peel, and York Region.
What is the goal of the program?
Engage the service sector that deals directly with residents and businesses and create opportunities for market transformation. The goal is to then provide specialized training will help transform the market, making water efficient irrigation practices and irrigation system optimization the industry standard.
What topics are included in the training program?
The WSIP program includes topics such as:
- Theory and municipal strategies;
- Water conservation principles, products and solutions;
- Water conserving products (controllers, sprinklers, nozzles and drip irrigation);
- Soil and plant relationships;
- WSIP Data Manager software training;
- Conducting irrigation system assessments for water efficiency opportunities;
- Presenting water saving opportunities to clients.
What is the time commitment to become WSIP certified?
The WSIP program takes a total of 3 days over the span of a few weeks:
- The training program will be completed over 2 full days;
- The written test will be completed in a half day;
- The validation assessment (a practical examination) will be completed in a half day at Landscape Ontario in Milton ON.
Who should apply to the WSIP Program?
Any irrigation company with an interest in becoming a member of a growing water smart irrigation community.
Is there a recertification process for the WSIP program?
Yes. Every two years WSIP certified professionals are required to recertify to maintain WSIP certification. Over the course of the two years, WSIP certified professionals are required to earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).
Why should I participate in the program?
This is an exciting opportunity to become a leader in the irrigation industry and to put your existing industry training to good use. Participants of the WSIP program will undergo training in preparation for the season. They will have exclusive opportunities to use methodologies taught during training, and access to an irrigation auditing tool to evaluate irrigation systems and make water efficient recommendations to clients.
Is this training and certification program recognized?
The WSIP Certification Program has been developed by LO under the same standards as existing certification programs.
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