CLCA, California Landscape Contractors Association

CLCA.org :: California Landscape Contractors Association

Basics

Program Update

Beginning in January 2010, PLANET’s certification program will assume a new brand name — Landscape Industry Certified. The Certified Landscape Technician test will be known as the Landscape Industry Certified Technician test. The new brand name will speak clearly to consumers, be supported and used internationally, show credibility and commitment to best practices, and leave a lasting impression. For more information on the new 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.

CLCA has joined forces with PLANET to offer five Core tests in Hardscape Installation, Softscape Installation, Turf Maintenance, Ornamental Maintenance and Irrigation.

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 test booklet is mailed to all applicants. It outlines the test problems and prepares the applicant to take the test. Printed study guides are also available. We strongly recommend that you use these valuable resources available in the CLCA online store.

Categories

All Modules
  • W 1.01 Common Core

Softscape Installation

  • W 5.02 Softscape Plan Reading
  • W 5.03 Softscape Horticultural Principals
  • W 5.04 Irrigation Components
  • 5.21/9.21 Plant ID
  • 5.22/8.22/9.22 Basic Program Controller
  • 5.23/7.23/8.23/9.23 Lateral Repair & Head Adj
  • 5.24/9.24 Tree Planting and Staking
  • 5.51 Sod Installation
  • 5.52 Plant Layout
  • 5.53 Rototiller Operation

Hardscape Installation

  • W 6.05 Hardscape Plan Reading
  • W 6.06 Hardscape Principals and Calculations
  • 6.25/9.25 Chainsaw
  • 6.61 Grading and Drainage
  • 6.62 Instrument
  • 6.63 Paver Installation
  • 6.64 Skid Steer Operation

Irrigation

  • W 7.15 Advance Irrigation Components
  • W 7.16 Irrigation Plan Reading
  • W 7.17 Basic Horticultural Principles
  • 5.23/7.23/8.23/9.23 Lateral Repair & Head Adj
  • 7.71 Advanced Program Controller
  • 7.72 Lateral Installation
  • 7.73 Mainline installation
  • 7.74 Valve repair
  • 7.75 Valve wiring
  • 7.76 Pipe Installation Equipment- Trencher

Turf Maintenance

  • W 8.07 Turfgrass Horticultural Principals
  • W 8.08 Turfgrass Calculations
  • W 8.09 Irrigation Components and Principals
  • 5.22/8.22/9.22 Basic Program Controller
  • 5.23/7.23/8.23/9.23 Lateral Repair & Head Adj
  • 8.81 21" Mower
  • 8.82 Intermediate Walk-Behind Mower
  • 8.83 Riding Mower
  • 8.84 Edger and Trimmer
  • 8.26 Power Blower
  • 8.85 Aerator
  • 8.86 Fertilizer

Ornamental Maintenance

  • W 9.07 Ornamental Maintenance Hort. Prins
  • W 9.12 Ornamental Maintenance Calculations
  • W 9.14 Irrigation Components and Principals
  • 5.21/9.21 Plant ID
  • 5.22/8.22/9.22 Basic Program Controller
  • 5.23/7.23/8.23/9.23 Lateral Repair & Head Adj
  • 5.24/9.24 Tree Planting and Staking
  • 6.25/9.25 Chainsaw
  • 9.91 Pruning

W=Written Test
Bold=Tests Good For More Than One Module

Benefits

Benefits Of Certification

  • Promotes professionalism for individuals.
  • Validates landscape skills and provides international recognition.
  • Your company is registered as an employer of Landscape Industry Certified Technicians.
  • Creates opportunities for career advancement in the industry.

Recognition

Persons passing a Certification Test will receive a certificate, identification card and logo items.

Employers are welcome to advertise that they have certified employees on their staffs.

Misc. Business

Cancellations

Cancellations received in writing prior to the deadline are subject to a $25 processing fee and another $25 fee to cover the expense of the test booklet. No refunds will be given after the cut-off date.

Submissions

Return form and fees by deadline date to:
California Landscape Contractors Association
1491 River Park Drive,#100,
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 830-2780
(916) 830-2788 fax

Questions

Address all questions to David Silva, CLCA Certification Manager at (916) 830-2780, (916) 830-2788 fax.

Download 2010 Application

2010 Field Test Schedule

April 10 Cuyamaca College, San Diego, CA Sign up cut-off date: February 13, 2010

October 2 Buckeye Ranch, Petaluma, CA Sign up cut-off date: August 21, 2010

Upon confirmation of application you will receive location address and test start time. Due to space and availability for the written tests, you may be asked to choose an alternative location. Dates and locations are subject to change. Please be sure to get all applications in early as the CLT test has been known to sell out in the past.

2010 Written Test Schedule

February 4 Landscape Industry Show, Los Angeles, CA 8am - Noon


March 27 Cuyamaca College, San Diego, CA 8am - Noon
Deadline: March 5, 2010

June 5 Cuyamaca College, San Diego, CA 8am - Noon
Deadline: May 22, 2010