Testing
How to become a Landscape Industry Certified Technician
To become a Landscape Industry Certified Technician - Exterior, a candidate must pass all the problems within the written Common Core exam plus all the problems within one specialty: Softscape or Hardscape Installation or Turf or Ornamental Maintenance. Each exam is a combination of written and hands-on problems based on national industry standards plus safety-related issues.
Eligibility for testing
Anyone is eligible to take the exam, but it is recommended that applicants have one or more of the following:
- 4,000 hours of work in the landscape industry;
- 2,000 hours of work in the landscape industry, plus the successful completion of a two-year or four-year curriculum in the landscape field;
- 1,000 hours of work in the landscape industry, plus the successful completion of a two-year or four-year curriculum in the landscape field, plus the completion of an approved internship program.
Preparing for the Test
To allow sufficient time for study, apply for the exam well in advance of the test date. Each candidate is supplied with a copy of the exam booklet that contains the testing information. We highly recommend that candidates purchase the Landscape Industry Certified Technician Study Guides, as well as attend the LCA Training Sessions.
The testing process
The Landscape Industry Certified Technician — Exterior Test consists of both written and field problems and offers candidates the opportunity to become certified in Softscape Installation, Hardscape Installation, Turf Maintenance and/or Ornamental Maintenance.
The written test is given in late spring, prior to the field test. The field test is offered once a year in late July or early August. To be successful, a candidate must pass the written common core sections plus the field problems required for each category. Most problems require applicants to install or maintain sample landscape projects in timed periods.
Applicants must pass every problem in both the written and field tests in order to qualify for the Landscape Industry Certified Technician — Exterior designation. Those who do not pass may retake failed problems on the next available test date.
The study materials, written exam, and field testing are conducted in both English and Spanish.
Training and Testing Dates
Training Dates
- May 19, 2012
Written Training - June 16, 2012
Hands-on Training
Testing Dates
- June 7, 2012
Written Test - July 28, 2012
Hands-on Test
Contact LCA at lturner@mgmtsol.com for more information.
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