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Landscape Industry Certified Technician Program

Basics

Thinking About Certification?

Learn more about the Landscape Industry Certified Technician program and what it could mean for you and your company.

Program Update

In January 2010, PLANET’s certification program assumed a new brand name — Landscape Industry Certified. The Certified Landscape Technician test is now known as the Landscape Industry Certified Technician test. The new brand name speaks clearly to consumers, is supported and used internationally, shows credibility and commitment to best practices, and leaves a lasting impression. For more information on the name change, see the PLANET website.

What Is Certification?

Certification is an international testing program consisting of both written and field problems. The tests are administered by the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA), which seeks to recognize proficiency in the landscape workforce, upgrade the status of the landscape professional and provide the public with a means of identifying qualified landscape professionals.

To become a Landscape Industry Certified Technician, an applicant must pass every problem in the written and field tests. Those who fail only have to retake the problem missed (not the whole test). Written exams are also available in Spanish.

What the Program Is Not

Certification is not a substitute for the California landscape contractor’s license (C-27). Passing the Certification Test does not count toward the state license. The goals, subject matter and procedures of the Certification Test are different from the licensing exam conducted by the Contractors State License Board. Certification is not a substitute for any of the state-issued pesticide licenses.

Details

Who Is Eligible For Testing?

Anyone is eligible to take the exam, but it is recommended, but not required that applicants have a minimum of 2000 accumulated hours of green industry field experience.

Test Procedures

Testing includes both written exams and field tests. The applicant rotates through timed field problems which are supervised by one or more judges, and require applicants to install or maintain sample landscape projects.

Preparing For The Test

A study guide is mailed to all applicants. It outlines the test problems and prepares the applicant to take the test. In depth training manuals are also available for purchase. We strongly recommend that you use these valuable resources available in the CLCA online store. CLCA online store.

Certificates Available Through PLANET

Softscape Installation
Hardscape Installation
Irrigation
Turf Maintenance
Ornamental Maintenance

Completion of the problems within each certificate concentration is required per certificate. A list of problems within each certificate can be downloaded here. All five certificates can be earned, but completion of ONLY one certificate is needed for the Landscape Industry Certified Technician designation.

Candidates are not required to complete the program within a set time frame. However, if more than three consecutive years have elapsed since an attempt was made to retest, the candidate must begin the module over. Applicants who have taken the old test and need to know which problems that they need to retake can download the Retake Checklist.

Current certified individuals who need to know the problems under the new numbering system can download the Current Certified Checklist.

Certification Benefits

Individual Benefits Of Certification

Promotes professionalism for individuals.
Creates opportunities for career advancement in the industry.
Validates landscape skills and provides international recognition.
Ability for individuals to meet minimum job requirements.
Persons passing a Certification Test will receive a certificate, identification card and logo items.

Employer Benefits of Certification

Ability for companies to meet city and municipal mandates.
Your company is registered with PLANET as an employer of Landscape Industry Certified Technicians.
Employers are welcome to advertise that they have certified employees on their staffs.

Partnership Form

CLCA administers the Landscape Industry Certified Technician test twice a year, and we rely heavily on volunteer and industry support.

Join our cause and reach over 150 applicants and judges per test, representing decision makers and a select group of elite employees making a difference in the industry.

Choose from cash and in-kind (equipment or material) sponsorship options.

Benefits vary by company type and sponsorship level, but may include:

Free test vouchers
Space in applicant waiting area to interact with candidates
Option to bring a promotional/giveaway item
Recognition in California Landscaping magazine
Recognition on site through signage and announcements
Logo and link to your webpage on this website

Click here to download the brochure with complete details.

Misc. Business

Already Certified?

Visit PLANET's website for information about CEUs and the 2–year recertification cycle to keep your certification status active.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received prior to the registration deadline will receive future test credit, valid for one year, minus a $50 admin fee. Cancellations after the deadline will receive credit, valid for one year, minus a $100 admin fee. No refunds/credit for no shows on test day.

Questions

Address all questions to Stephanie King at (916) 830-2780, (916) 830-2788 fax.

CLCA, California Landscape Contractors Association