With the formation of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) in January, contractors throughout the green industry have a strong resource for professional education at their fingertips. Though everyone is encouraged to join the group formed by the merger of Associated Landscape Contractors of America and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America, both members and non-members can take advantage of one of the most important opportunities afforded to a landscape professional: Certification.
Whether you’re a business owner eager to earn credentials that solidify your business prowess, or a technician ready to prove yourself in areas of installation, maintenance or irrigation, there’s a certification exam waiting for you. Lawn care professional can earn certification in a number of areas, as well, and many industry associations beyond PLANET, such as the Irrigation Association and the Snow & Ice Management Association, also offer certifications in those fields.
Click the links below to browse certification information on these and other organization’s Web sites. Details include how the tests are administered, exam dates, study materials and more. For more information on becoming certified, contact your state association.
Certified Landscape Professional (CLP)
Certified Landscape Technician – Interior (CLT-I)
Certified Landscape Technician – Exterior (CLT-E)
Lawn Care Certification Programs – including:
- Certified Turfgrass Professional (CTP)
- Certified Turfgrass Professional of Cool Season Lawns (CTPCSL)
- Certified Ornamental Landscape Professional (COLP)
Certified Snow Professional (CSP)
Irrigation Certifications Programs – including:
- Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS)
- Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor (CGIA)
- Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC)
- Crtified Irrigation Designer (CID)
- Crtified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA)
- Certified Landscape Irrigation Manager (CLIM)
American Society of Landscape Architects – Licensure Information
(Contractors should notes that licensure is different from certification. Read more on ASLA's Web site for details.)
International Society of Arboriculture Programs – including:
- Certified Arborist
- Certified Aborist/Utility Specialist
- Certified Arboris/Municipal Specialist
- Certified Tree Workers/Climber Specialists
- Certified Master Arborist
Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS)
If you know of other green industry-related certifications that are not listed here, email them to Lauren Spiers at lspiers@gie.net so they can be added to the list.
