Top 11 Landscape Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for landscape designers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge to potential employers. Employers often look for certifications as a way to verify that a designer has the necessary skills and experience to handle the job. Certification also helps distinguish between qualified and unqualified professionals, making it easier for employers to identify qualified candidates. Certifications can also give designers an edge over other applicants who may not have them, making them more attractive to potential employers. Finally, certifications can provide access to professional networks, conferences and other resources which can help designers stay up-to-date on industry trends and advancements.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Landscape Designers and explain how they can help advance a landscape designer's career.

What are Landscape Designer Certifications?

Landscape designer certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in designing outdoor spaces. This type of certification is typically offered by organizations such as the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) or the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD).

By obtaining landscape designer certification, individuals can demonstrate their understanding of design principles, construction methods, and horticultural practices. It also shows potential employers that they are knowledgeable about the latest trends in landscape design and can produce quality work. Certification also may provide access to job opportunities, resources for continuing education, and other benefits.

In addition to providing recognition for their expertise, certified landscape designers may be able to charge higher fees for their services due to the added value associated with their credentials. Certified professionals may also be better equipped to handle complex projects since they have demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in the field. Finally, certification demonstrates an individual's commitment to professional standards and ethics which can help them establish trust with clients.

Pro Tip: When considering landscape designer certification, research which type of certification is best suited to your professional goals. Different certifications have different requirements for experience and education, so make sure you understand the criteria for each before deciding which one is best for you.

Related: What does a Landscape Designer do?

Top 11 Landscape Designer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Landscape Designers today.

1. Certified Landscape Designer (CLD)

Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of landscape design. It is awarded by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in landscape design.

To become a Certified Landscape Designer, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in landscape design or related fields, as well as either an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a focus on landscape architecture or horticulture. Additionally, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by APLD.

The process for becoming a Certified Landscape Designer typically takes about 9-12 months to complete. The first step is to submit an application to APLD along with all required documents and fees. This includes proof of education and experience, as well as payment for the certification fee ($350). Once the application is approved, applicants will be sent information on how to register for the certification exam. The exam consists of four sections: Design Principles & Practices; Plant Identification & Selection; Construction Techniques & Materials; and Business Practices & Management. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CLD certificate and can begin using the designation professionally.

The total cost for becoming a Certified Landscape Designer varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges between $400-$500 USD including application fees, exam fees, and other associated costs such as study materials and travel expenses if applicable.

2. Certified Professional in Landscape Design (CPLD)

Certified Professional in Landscape Design (CPLD) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). The CPLD program is designed to recognize landscape designers who have demonstrated their knowledge, experience and commitment to the profession.

The CPLD certification requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the principles of landscape design, as well as their ability to apply them in a practical setting. To be eligible for the CPLD certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in landscape design, or a degree from an accredited college or university in landscape design, horticulture or related fields.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CPLD program. During this time, applicants are required to complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as plant identification, site assessment and analysis, design principles and practices, construction techniques and project management. Applicants must also submit a portfolio showcasing their work.

The cost of the CPLD program varies depending on the applicant’s educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000-$2,500 USD to become certified. This fee covers all course materials and exams required for certification.

To get started with the CPLD program, applicants must first fill out an application form which can be found on APLD's website. After submitting the application form with all necessary documents and fees, applicants will receive further instructions on how to proceed with their studies for certification.

3. Certified Landscape Architect (CLA)

Certified Landscape Architect (CLA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). It is designed to recognize landscape architects who have achieved a high level of professional accomplishment and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

The process for becoming a Certified Landscape Architect (CLA) involves completing an application, passing an exam, and meeting certain educational requirements. The application process includes submitting proof of education, experience, and references. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their design skills. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge in areas such as site analysis, design theory, construction methods, and plant material selection.

To become certified as a CLA, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in landscape architecture or its equivalent in related fields. They must also hold either a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 24 semester hours of coursework in landscape architecture or its equivalent in related fields.

The cost for the CLA certification process is $450 USD for ASLA members and $550 USD for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the application fee and exam fee.

Overall, it typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the entire process from start to finish depending on how quickly you can complete all the necessary paperwork and take the exam.

4. Certified Landscape Management Professional (CLMP)

Certified Landscape Management Professional (CLMP) is a certification program developed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) to recognize and promote professional excellence in the landscape management industry. The CLMP certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques needed to effectively manage a landscape business.

The CLMP program consists of four courses: Business Management, Plant Science, Design & Construction, and Maintenance & Operations. Each course requires approximately 45 hours of study time and must be completed within 12 months. Upon successful completion of all four courses, individuals are eligible to sit for the CLMP exam.

To obtain the CLMP certification, candidates must pass an online exam administered by NALP. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering the four course topics and lasts 2.5 hours. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive their CLMP certificate.

The cost for obtaining the CLMP certification is $795 USD which includes all course materials, access to online resources, and registration for the exam.

5. Sustainable Landscape Professional (SLP)

Sustainable Landscape Professional (SLP) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and maintain sustainable landscapes. The SLP program is administered by the Sustainable Landscapes Alliance, an organization that promotes sustainable landscape practices.

The SLP certification consists of four courses: Sustainable Landscape Design, Sustainable Landscape Management, Sustainable Plant Selection, and Sustainable Soil Management. Each course is offered online or in-person and takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Upon completion of all four courses, participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the SLP certification program varies depending on whether you are taking the courses online or in-person. Online courses range from $100-$200 per course while in-person courses typically cost around $400 per course.

Overall, the SLP certification program provides professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and maintain sustainable landscapes. It is a great way for professionals to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and increase their credibility within the industry.

6. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of green building principles and practices. It is offered through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the first step to becoming a LEED Professional.

The LEED Green Associate credential typically takes about 8-12 weeks to obtain, depending on the individual's prior knowledge and experience in green building concepts. The process includes studying for and taking the LEED Green Associate exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, materials selection, and more.

To get started, individuals must first register for the exam with USGBC by creating an account on their website. After registering for the exam, individuals can purchase study materials from USGBC or other sources to help them prepare for the test. Once they have studied enough to feel comfortable taking the exam, they can schedule it at any Prometric testing center in their area.

The cost of obtaining a LEED Green Associate credential varies depending on where you take the exam and whether or not you purchase additional study materials from USGBC or other sources. The cost of taking the exam itself is $200 USD; however, if you purchase additional study materials from USGBC, this cost may increase significantly.

7. Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT)

A Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become successful horticultural professionals. The CHT program is offered by the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS).

The CHT program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II and Level III. Each level requires the completion of specific courses and exams. Level I is designed for those who are just beginning their horticulture career, while Levels II and III are designed for more experienced professionals.

In order to obtain a CHT certification, individuals must complete all three levels of the program within five years. Once all requirements have been met, individuals will receive their CHT certificate from ASHS.

The cost of obtaining a CHT certification varies depending on the level being pursued. The cost of Level I is $250; Level II is $400; and Level III is $600. All fees must be paid in full prior to taking any exams or completing any coursework.

In addition to the cost of obtaining a CHT certification, individuals may also need to purchase textbooks or other materials related to the coursework they are taking in order to successfully complete the program.

8. Rainwater Harvesting Certification

Rainwater Harvesting Certification is an official recognition of a rainwater harvesting system's performance and safety standards. It is awarded by the Rainwater Harvesting Certification Institute (RHCI), which is an independent, third-party organization that evaluates and certifies rainwater harvesting systems.

To get certified, a rainwater harvesting system must meet certain criteria established by the RHCI. This includes requirements for design, construction, operation, maintenance, and water quality. The certification process typically takes around two to three months to complete.

The first step in getting certified is to submit an application to the RHCI. This application includes detailed information about the system’s design and components as well as its intended use. Once the application is approved, a team of experts from the RHCI will inspect the system to make sure it meets all of their standards. If any deficiencies are found during this inspection, they must be corrected before certification can be granted.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the size and complexity of the system being evaluated. Generally speaking, certification fees range from $500-$2,000 USD per system. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with making corrections or modifications if needed in order to meet certification criteria.

9. Certified Arborist

A Certified Arborist is a professional who has achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing an extensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) administers the certification program.

It typically takes two to three years to become certified, depending on the individual's experience and background. To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in arboriculture or a related field, pass an exam, and submit references from employers or clients.

The exam consists of two parts: a written component and a practical component. The written component tests knowledge in areas such as tree biology, soil science, pruning techniques, pest management, safety practices, and urban forestry. The practical component tests skills such as climbing trees and using equipment safely.

The cost for certification varies depending on whether you are already an ISA member or not. For non-members it costs $300 USD for both parts of the exam; for members it costs $200 USD for both parts.

10. Irrigation Association Certification

The Irrigation Association Certification Program is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals in the irrigation industry. It is designed to help ensure that those who work in the field are qualified and competent to perform their duties.

It typically takes about six months to complete the process of getting certified. The first step is to submit an application for certification, which includes providing proof of education and experience in the field. Once your application is approved, you will be asked to take an exam that tests your knowledge of irrigation systems, components and installation techniques. After passing this exam, you will receive your certification from the Irrigation Association.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. Online exams typically cost around $200 while in-person exams can range from $300 to $500 depending on location and other factors.

Once certified, it is important to maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses every two years. This helps keep you up-to-date on new technology and best practices within the industry.

11. Permaculture Design Certificate

Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) is a comprehensive and intensive course that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to design and implement sustainable human settlements. The PDC includes a 72-hour curriculum of lectures, hands-on activities, and group projects focused on permaculture principles, ethics, design methodology, and implementation strategies. It is typically taught over two weeks or four weekends.

To get the Permaculture Design Certificate, you must complete the full 72-hour course with an approved instructor. You will need to attend all classes and complete all assignments in order to receive your certificate. Most courses require a fee for tuition which can range from $500-$1500 depending on the location and length of the course.

The Permaculture Design Certificate is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates your knowledge of permaculture principles and practices. It is beneficial for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, land stewardship, green building, or environmental education.

Do You Really Need a Landscape Designer Certificate?

Yes, a landscape designer certificate is beneficial for many reasons. Having a certificate proves to potential clients and employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful landscape designer. This certification also shows that you have taken the time to learn the trade and are dedicated to your profession.

Landscape design is a specialized field, and having a certificate will help make you stand out from other applicants or designers who may not have taken the time to become certified. Having a certificate can also open up opportunities for advancement or higher paying jobs in this field. It also shows employers that you understand the principles of landscape design and can work with clients to develop creative solutions for their needs.

In addition, having a certificate demonstrates your commitment to continuing education in this field. Landscape design is constantly evolving, so it’s important for designers to stay on top of new trends and techniques in order to remain competitive in this industry. Having a certificate will show employers that you are willing to continue learning about this field and utilize new ideas when creating designs.

Overall, having a landscape designer certificate is beneficial for both career advancement and staying competitive in this field. It shows potential employers and clients that you have taken the time to learn the trade and are committed to continuing your education in landscape design. A certificate also demonstrates your dedication to providing quality services as well as creative solutions for client needs.

Related: Landscape Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Landscape Designer Certifications

Q1. What is a landscape designer certification?

A1. A landscape designer certification is a professional credential awarded to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of landscape design. It typically includes education, training, and experience in the areas of horticulture, design principles, and construction techniques related to landscaping projects.

Q2. How do I become certified as a landscape designer?

A2. The requirements for becoming certified as a landscape designer vary by state or region but often include completing coursework or an apprenticeship program; passing a qualifying exam; having sufficient work experience; and meeting any additional requirements established by the certifying organization.

Q3. Are there different types of landscape designer certifications?

A3. Yes, there are several different types of landscape designer certifications available such as Certified Landscape Designer (CLD), Certified Professional Landscape Designer (CPLD), and Certified Landscape Architect (CLA).

Q4. What are the benefits of being certified as a landscape designer?

A4. Benefits of becoming certified as a landscape designer include increased credibility among clients, higher job opportunities, potential salary increases, access to specialized resources and materials for projects, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, and more recognition within the industry.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified as a landscape designer?

A5. The amount of time it takes to become certified as a landscape designer varies depending on the individual's background knowledge, experience level, and type of certification being pursued but can generally range from 6 months to 2 years or more for some certifications.