CLCA, California Landscape Contractors Association

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Basics

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 Certified Landscape 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 that CLT applicants have:
  • Four years of work experience in the landscape industry, or
  • Two years of work in the landscape industry, plus the completion of a two-year curriculum in the landscape field.
  • In addition to passing all test problems, applicants must have at least one year of on-the-job experience before they can receive their CLT designation.

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.

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 Certified Landscape 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.

Program Changes

Significant changes are being made to the CLT program Read more...

Beginning in 2009, field tests and written tests will be held on different days. The new application allows you to register for any test in 2009.

DOWNLOAD 2009 Testing Application

Next Field Tests

March 28, 2009. Cuyamaca College, El Cajon
Registration is now CLOSED for this test.

October 3, 2009. American River College, Sacramento
Registration Cut-Off Date: August 21, 2009

Upcoming Written Tests

July 17 Gachina Landscape Management, San Jose, CA Noon-4pm
Last date to register is July 3, 2009

August 22 Buckeye Ranch, Petaluma, CA 8am-Noon
Last date to register is August 7, 2009

September 26 CLCA Headquarters, Sacramento, CA 8am-Noon
Last date to register is September 11, 2009

October 24 Golden Oak, Los Angeles, CA 8am-Noon
Last date to register is October 9, 2009

December 5 CLCA Headquarters, Sacramento, CA 8am-Noon
Last date to register is November 20, 2009