The Landscape Industry Certified distinction is awarded by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Certified pros are required to maintain their designations by reporting 24 continuing education units every two years.

There are several different areas of certification. Contractors should choose the specialty endorsement that best suits their needs. A Landscape Industry Certified Manager is designed for landscape business owners or managers or those on the fast track to management. Landscape Industry Certified Exterior Technician is designed for exterior technicians in installation, turf or ornamental maintenance or irrigation. Landscape Industry Certified Interior Technician is geared toward interiorscape technicians. Landscape Industry Certified Horticulture Technician is a designation for those looking to expand their knowledge of landscape plant life. Landscape Industry Certified Lawn Care Manager is designed for professionals wanting a foundation in warm- and cool-season turfgrass establishment, growth, maintenance and customer relations. Landscape Industry Certified Lawn Care Technician – National is designed for lawn care practitioners looking to underscore their commitment to best practices. Landscape Industry Certified Lawn Care Technician is designed for lawn care professionals focusing on cool-season lawns.

Follow these steps to become Landscape Industry Certified.

Step 1

Select a designation that best meets your or your employees’ needs and job responsibilities and register online for the exam. And study! All exams are self-study; materials are available for purchase online through the NALP bookstore.

Step 2

After you’ve studied, it’s time to take the test. The NALP uses ProctorU, an online proctoring service. Students have three years after registering to test for most exams.

Step 3

Once you’ve passed your exam, look for a congratulatory packet that includes guidelines for maintaining your certification. You must obtain 24 continuing education units every two years.

Download a PDF version of this page from the October issue to use as a training tool now. 

Source: National Association of Landscape Professionals
Illustrations: David Preiss