Top 10 Landscape Technician Certifications

Certifications for landscape technicians demonstrate to employers that the technician has a certain level of skill and knowledge in their field. They can also show potential employers that the technician is serious about their career and committed to ongoing professional development. Certifications can also help landscape technicians stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, as they provide evidence of advanced skills and knowledge. Additionally, certifications may be required by some employers or states in order to work as a landscape technician, so having them can make it easier to find employment.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Landscape Technicians and explains how they can help to advance a landscape technician's career.

What are Landscape Technician Certifications?

Landscape technician certification is a designation awarded to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary to perform landscape maintenance tasks. It is typically obtained by taking an examination that covers a variety of topics related to landscape maintenance, such as irrigation systems, plant identification, soil analysis, pruning techniques, and pest control. This certification provides employers with assurance that their employees have a basic understanding of the technical aspects of landscape maintenance and are capable of performing their duties safely and efficiently.

Having this certification can be beneficial for both job seekers and employers. For job seekers, having this certification may provide them with an advantage when searching for jobs in the landscaping industry. Employers may also benefit from hiring technicians who possess this certification because it indicates that they have received formal training in the field and are capable of performing their duties effectively. Additionally, it may help employers save time during the hiring process as they can easily identify candidates who meet the minimum requirements for a position.

Pro Tip: Make sure to look into the specific requirements of your state when considering landscape technician certification. Each state has different rules and regulations surrounding the certification process, so make sure to research what is needed in order to become certified in your area.

Related: What does a Landscape Technician do?

Top 10 Landscape Technician Certifications

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

1. Professional Landscape Technician Certification (PLTC)

Professional Landscape Technician Certification (PLTC) is a certification program offered by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). It is designed to help landscape professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of landscape maintenance. The certification requires that applicants have a minimum of two years of experience in the industry, pass an exam, and complete continuing education requirements.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as turfgrass management, soil science, plant identification and selection, pest management, landscape design and installation, irrigation systems, safety regulations and business practices. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To obtain the PLTC certification, applicants must first register for the exam with PLANET. The registration fee is $150 and includes access to study materials. Applicants must then pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once certified, applicants must renew their certification every three years by completing 24 hours of continuing education courses related to landscape maintenance.

The cost for taking the PLTC exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $150-$200. Renewal fees are also required every three years and range from $50-$100 per renewal cycle.

2. Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)

A Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of landscape technology. The CLT program is administered by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the green industry.

The CLT certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as plant identification, soil science, turfgrass management, pest and disease control, and landscape design. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and practical exercises designed to test the knowledge and skills of applicants.

It typically takes between two and four months to complete the CLT program depending on how much time an individual can devote to studying for the exam. In order to apply for the certification, applicants must first become a member of PLANET and pay a one-time fee of $95. After becoming a member, applicants must register for the CLT exam online or by mail. The cost of taking the exam is $175 for members ($225 for non-members).

Once an applicant has passed the CLT exam, they will receive their official certificate from PLANET along with other benefits such as discounts on products and services related to landscaping technology.

3. Certified Landscape Professional (CLP)

Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and experience of landscape professionals. It is awarded by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), a leading trade association for green industry professionals.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in the landscape industry and pass an exam administered by PLANET. The exam covers topics such as plant identification and care, soil science, pest control, irrigation design and installation, hardscape construction, landscape design principles, business management practices, and safety.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. Applicants must first submit their application along with proof of their experience in the landscape industry. Then they must register for the exam and pay the fee of $150. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CLP certificate from PLANET.

The cost of obtaining CLP certification varies depending on how long it takes to complete the process; however, it typically costs around $200-$300 in total when taking into account registration fees and other related expenses.

4. Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician (CLMT)

Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician (CLMT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of landscape maintenance professionals. The certification is offered through the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and requires successful completion of an exam.

The CLMT exam consists of 150 questions covering topics such as plant identification, soil science, turfgrass management, pest management, irrigation systems and landscape design. It takes about three hours to complete the exam and applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field in order to be eligible for the certification.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $250 USD. Once approved, applicants are required to take the CLMT exam which is administered by Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CLMT certificate and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in landscape maintenance to potential employers or customers.

5. Certified Turfgrass Professional (CTP)

Certified Turfgrass Professional (CTP) is an internationally-recognized certification program for turfgrass professionals. This certification is designed to recognize and reward those who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of turfgrass management. The CTP program is administered by the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS).

To become a Certified Turfgrass Professional, applicants must have at least three years of experience in turfgrass management or related fields, such as agronomy, horticulture, or landscape design. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as soil science, plant physiology, pest control, and turfgrass selection and maintenance.

The CTP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $200 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CTP certificate from PGMS. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed with continuing education credits.

6. Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT)

Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) is a professional certification program offered by the Irrigation Association. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of irrigation. CITs are knowledgeable in the design, installation, maintenance, and management of irrigation systems.

To become a Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT), an individual must complete a minimum of 30 hours of approved training or coursework and pass an exam administered by the Irrigation Association. The exam consists of both multiple-choice questions and practical hands-on tasks related to irrigation system design, installation, maintenance, and management.

The cost for the CIT certification program varies depending on the type of training or coursework required. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the number of courses taken and other factors such as travel expenses.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CIT certification card which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, individuals must renew their certification by completing additional training or coursework and passing another exam administered by the Irrigation Association.

7. Certified Arborist Technician (CAT)

Certified Arborist Technician (CAT) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The CAT program provides arborists with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in tree care, as well as gain recognition for their expertise.

The CAT program consists of two parts: the written exam and the practical field exam. The written exam covers topics such as tree identification, pruning techniques, tree health assessment, planting techniques, and safety. The practical field exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to properly prune trees, diagnose tree problems, and identify trees.

To become a Certified Arborist Technician, you must first complete an approved training program in arboriculture or horticulture. These programs typically take one to two years to complete. Once you have completed your training program, you can then apply to take the CAT exams.

The cost of taking the CAT exams varies depending on where you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 for both parts of the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams at certain locations.

8. Certified Pesticide Applicator Technician (CPAT)

Certified Pesticide Applicator Technician (CPAT) is a certification that allows individuals to apply pesticides and other related materials to control pests, weeds, and other plant diseases. To obtain the CPAT certification, an individual must complete a training program approved by the state in which they plan to work. The training program typically takes between 10-20 hours, depending on the state regulations.

In order to get certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by their respective state. The exam covers topics such as pesticide safety, application techniques, pest identification and management strategies. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CPAT certification card from their state's Department of Agriculture or Environmental Protection Agency.

The cost of obtaining a CPAT certification varies from state to state but typically ranges from $50-$100 for the training program and exam fee. Additional fees may be required for recertification every three years.

9. Certified Plant Health Care Professional (CPHCP)

Certified Plant Health Care Professional (CPHCP) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). It is designed to provide professional arborists with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly diagnose, treat, and manage plant health care issues. The CPHCP certification is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as plant pathology, entomology, soil science, pest management, tree physiology, nutrition, and more.

The CPHCP certification requires a minimum of 40 hours of instruction in the classroom or online. This can be completed through an ISA-approved training provider or by attending an ISA conference. After completing the required coursework, applicants must pass an exam to become certified. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at an approved testing center.

The cost of the CPHCP certification varies depending on the training provider chosen. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 for all materials and fees associated with the program.

Once certified, individuals are eligible for membership in ISA and may use the designation “Certified Plant Health Care Professional” after their name. They will also receive access to exclusive resources such as webinars and continuing education courses related to plant health care topics.

10. Sustainable Landscapes Certification Program (SLCCP)

The Sustainable Landscapes Certification Program (SLCCP) is a voluntary certification program for landscaping professionals that focuses on environmental stewardship and sustainability. The program was created to recognize and reward those who demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices in their work.

The SLCCP is designed to help landscapers improve the environmental performance of their business by providing them with education, tools, and resources needed to make informed decisions about land use. It also provides recognition for those who are actively working towards sustainability goals in their business operations.

To become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive training program which covers topics such as soil health, water conservation, plant selection, pest management, and more. The program typically takes between three and six months to complete depending on the individual’s experience level.

Applicants must also pass an exam in order to receive certification. The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of course chosen and other factors such as location. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,500 USD per person.

Once certified, professionals are given access to exclusive discounts on products and services related to sustainable landscaping as well as networking opportunities with other certified professionals. They may also be eligible for additional certifications or awards from organizations such as the US Green Building Council or the Sustainable Sites Initiative.

Do You Really Need a Landscape Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and career aspirations. A Landscape Technician Certificate can be a valuable asset for those hoping to pursue a career in the landscaping industry. It may provide you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to advance in the field and increase your earning potential.

The certificate program typically consists of courses that cover topics such as landscape design, plant identification, soil science, pest management, irrigation systems, turf management and more. These courses can provide you with a better understanding of how to create beautiful outdoor spaces while also ensuring that they remain healthy and safe for years to come. In addition, many programs offer hands-on training or internships that allow students to gain practical experience in the field.

Having a Landscape Technician Certificate may make you more attractive to employers since it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and commitment than someone without the certification. Furthermore, it is often required by employers in order for an applicant to even be considered for certain positions.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Landscape Technician Certificate will depend on what type of job you are looking for and what kind of experience you already have in the field. If you are just starting out or if you are looking for a way to expand your current skill set then obtaining a certificate could prove very beneficial. However, if you already have plenty of experience under your belt then it may not be necessary.

Related: Landscape Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Landscape Technician Certifications

1. What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Landscape Technician?

Answer: To become a landscape technician, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an approved certification program. You also may need to pass an exam or obtain licensing from your state in order to practice professionally.

2. How Long Does it Take to Become a Certified Landscape Technician?

Answer: The length of time required to become a certified landscape technician varies depending on the specific certification program chosen, but most programs can be completed in six months or less.

3. What is the Cost of Obtaining Certification as a Landscape Technician?

Answer: The cost of obtaining certification as a landscape technician depends on the specific program chosen and can range from $250-$1,000, including tuition and materials.

4. What Types of Jobs Can I Get with a Landscape Technician Certification?

Answer: With a landscape technician certification, you can pursue many career opportunities such as landscaper, groundskeeper, arborist, turf manager, irrigation specialist and more.

5. What are the Benefits of Being Certified as a Landscape Technician?

Answer: Some key benefits include increased job security and potential salary growth due to higher levels of expertise; improved credibility with employers; access to exclusive job opportunities; and recognition within the industry as an expert in your field.