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Oklahoma License

13K views 29 replies 17 participants last post by  fire&rain  
#1 ·
I was on vacation a couple weeks ago, and ran into another landscaper. He told me he was not required to have an irrigation license in Oklahoma. He also told me they were allowed to spray hardscapes. Seems like one or both of these statements must be false. I somehow doubt they would let anybody draw up an install plan with no formal training on how hydraulics work, etc. I've poked around the net a little and haven't really found an answer. So, what's the truth here?
 
#28 ·
You'd think but it's the wild west out there for most states. I've tracked down and had over 1100 illegal irrigation clowns fined in NJ over the past 20+ years and for every one caught a dozen are in the shadows. The problem is cheap people who only look at price and the illegals are the cheapest out there so they connect with those who valve money over quality and knowledge.
 
#12 ·
When RI implemented their licenses a few years ago the Plumbers Union was up in arms. They insisted that their plumbers license also cover irrigation. Now you have plumbers advertising irrigation installs, installing all pvc systems
 
#14 ·
It's always been interesting where the plumbers whine and moan about not getting a piece of the action, even though they hate irrigation and have zero clue what it entails.:hammerhead:
I hired a plumber at the beggining of the year to run a crew and he lasted 3 weeks. He did not have a clue about hydraulics and could not wrap his head around proper zoning. We have a few large plumbing companies in town that do track home builder installs, and they are comical to say the least.

I have become much more involved in the various associations trying to push to get the regulations changed in Texas. As of right now plumbers are exempt from the Irrigation License. At minimum they should have to sit for the Irrigators exam but be exempt from taking the class, because if they are the God of everything water as they think it should not be a problem.

The most lucrative jobs we bid are fixing plumber installed systems, so that is the bright side.

I also think there should be a journeymen period before they turn guys loose on installs. I know that when I got my license I thought I knew everything, I quickly realized that I did not have a clue.
 
#15 · (Edited)
Texas doesn't require any experience, just pass the test and you're a LI???

most states require at least 3 or 4 years of experience in the field, they also group the irrigation lic. under landscaping or require a general.
You are right. When I went for my 32hr training course to take the test I asked when we were going to get to the part about controllers, trouble shooting, different valves, ect............

Well to my surprise, there wasn't any.
It is like my TDA turf and ornamental pesticide license, learn the test then learn the rest.

Oh BTW, The part about "just pass the test and your a LI" does not apply to me. I have a LI license, but no way would I call myself a LI yet, but I'm trying.
 
#16 ·
Texas doesn't require any experience, just pass the test and you're a LI???

most states require at least 3 or 4 years of experience in the field, they also group the irrigation lic. under landscaping or require a general.
Not completely true, you do have a manditory 40 hours of class room to sit for the test. Also the test is hard enough to flunk many people.

Well, I think the Irrigation Class is 40 hours, mine was and the Tech course is 32.

I think sooner or later you will see a requirment for a Tech LI plus some experiance but baby steps.
 
#17 ·
My class was32 hours plus several hours of homework. My sons irrigation tech class was 16 hours. I will say it is apretty hard test with about a 53% pass rate for English and 28% pass rate for Spanish first time around. But, you still do not learn about the everyday type repair knowledge.
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#18 ·
You are right. When I went for my 32hr training course to take the test I asked when we were going to get to the part about controllers, trouble shooting, different valves, etc............

Well to my surprise, there wasn't any.
It is like my TDA turf and ornamental pesticide license, learn the test then learn the rest.

Oh BTW, The part about "just pass the test and your a LI" does not apply to me. I have a LI license, but no way would I call myself a LI yet, but I'm trying.
Not completely true, you do have a mandatory 40 hours of class room to sit for the test. Also the test is hard enough to flunk many people.

Well, I think the Irrigation Class is 40 hours, mine was and the Tech course is 32.

I think sooner or later you will see a requirement for a Tech LI plus some experience but baby steps.
you have to have 4 yrs of work in the field which must be corroborated. my statement was not about the individuals, it is about the system that touts it'self as having one of the most stringent testing programs in the nation yet they don't require field experience?

gimme a break, that is no better than having no licensing at all. :confused:
 
#19 ·
you have to have 4 yrs of work in the field which must be corroborated. my statement was not about the individuals, it is about the system that touts it'self as having one of the most stringent testing programs in the nation yet they don't require field experience?

gimme a break, that is no better than having no licensing at all. :confused:
I would love to see strenghtening of the LI requirements.

Maybe even a tier system like Electricans and Plumbers. I would also like to see parts regulated like the A/C industry :laugh:
 
#21 · (Edited)
I hired a plumber at the beggining of the year to run a crew and he lasted 3 weeks. He did not have a clue about hydraulics and could not wrap his head around proper zoning. We have a few large plumbing companies in town that do track home builder installs, and they are comical to say the least.

I have become much more involved in the various associations trying to push to get the regulations changed in Texas. As of right now plumbers are exempt from the Irrigation License. At minimum they should have to sit for the Irrigators exam but be exempt from taking the class, because if they are the God of everything water as they think it should not be a problem.

The most lucrative jobs we bid are fixing plumber installed systems, so that is the bright side.

I also think there should be a journeymen period before they turn guys loose on installs. I know that when I got my license I thought I knew everything, I quickly realized that I did not have a clue.
To be called a 'journeyman plumber'.. I kinda feel you should be able to properly design a city....Skyscrapers..Housing..Irrigation.. Wells . Fire systems.... Not just log 4000 hours .. Take a test, be able to solder 1/2 copper piping everywhere through the house and know some codes

I don't understand why plumbers have such a hard time with this.

I had to somewhat argue with a plumbing company the other day. Basically I serviced a sprinkler system and told the HO that they had a leak inside the house and recommended a plumber ( This guy is like 85+ with parkensins) The plumber came out and told the guy it's his sprinkler system and charged him like $165... I come back out and verify it's in the hot water system inside the house.. So I called up the plumbing company and told them this on behalf of the old guy... The plumbing guy didn't believe me and said " What would you know your're just working the sprinklers" ( Being in front of the HO) I said " Well I obviously know more then you and I'm probably half your age.. You need to come back here and fix your mistake" I found out what's leaking, you obviously didn't do your job.
 
#22 ·
To be called a 'journeyman plumber'.. I kinda feel you should be able to properly design a city....Skyscrapers..Housing..Irrigation.. Wells . Fire systems.... Not just log 4000 hours .. Take a test, be able to solder 1/2 copper piping everywhere through the house and know some codes

I don't understand why plumbers have such a hard time with this.

I had to somewhat argue with a plumbing company the other day. Basically I serviced a sprinkler system and told the HO that they had a leak inside the house and recommended a plumber ( This guy is like 85+ with parkensins) The plumber came out and told the guy it's his sprinkler system and charged him like $165... I come back out and verify it's in the hot water system inside the house.. So I called up the plumbing company and told them this on behalf of the old guy... The plumbing guy didn't believe me and said " What would you know your're just working the sprinklers" ( Being in front of the HO) I said " Well I obviously know more then you and I'm probably half your age.. You need to come back here and fix your mistake" I found out what's leaking, you obviously didn't do your job.
life is an apprenticeship, each job we have is both teacher and test.
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#24 ·
In Illinois we have to take a 16 hour course with a 100 quetion test on irrigation procedures plus codes from the IDPH to get our license. We also carry a 20,000 dollars performance bond. We also do a 4 hour CEU course each year. Our license cost 400.00 annualy for 0-7 employees more for companies with more employees. There are very stiff penalties if you're caught with out a license.
 
#25 ·
n Illinois we have to take a 16 hour course with a 100 quetion test on irrigation procedures plus codes from the IDPH to get our license. We also carry a 20,000 dollars performance bond. We also do a 4 hour CEU course each year. Our license cost 400.00 annualy for 0-7 employees more for companies with more employees. There are very stiff penalties if you're caught with out a license.
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