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.

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 CLT-E 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. For 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 CLT-E designation.

Applicants in process must not let more than three years pass without participating in testing before having to start the process all 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 CLT-E that need to know which problems under the new numbering system can download the Current CLT 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.

Misc. Business

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received in writing prior to the deadline are subject to a $50 processing fee. No refunds will be given after the cut-off date.

Questions

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

Download 2010 Application

Download California Plant List

2010 Field Test Schedule

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

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

August 6 Gachina Landscape Management, San Jose, CA Noon - 4pm
Deadline: July 23, 2010