CLCA Announces Last Landscape Industry Certified Test for 2012!

Release Date: July 11th, 2012

The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to announce its upcoming Landscape Industry Certified Technician written and hands-on test dates for the rest of 2012 in the Petaluma area on Friday and Saturday, October 5-6 at Buckeye Ranch, 2425 Old Adobe Road, Petaluma, CA.

This test will be the last opportunity for landscape contractors to complete the hands-on and written test to become certified in 2012 in California. The deadline to register for the October test is August 31, 2012.

Landscape Industry Certified is an international designation of excellence for those who have taken their experience to the next level by studying, testing and passing requirements to become certified. Individuals who have become Landscape Industry Certified have proven they have the skills and experience needed to meet minimum job requirements and set themselves apart in the landscape industry. Landscape Industry Certified shows a commitment to best practices by both the landscape contractor and the company that hires him/her.

Certification applicants must pass both written exams and hands-on tests in order to become certified. For the hands-on test, the applicant rotates through timed hands-on problems, which are supervised by one or more judges. To pass the hands-on test, applicants are required to install or maintain sample landscape projects, which must meet required quality and safety standards. Also, after becoming certified, contractors are required to maintain certification by completing 24 continuing education units every two years.

There are a number of benefits for both the individual to become certified and for an employer to hire certified individuals. Certification creates career advancement opportunities, increases industry professionalism, and confirms an individual’s professional skills. It also benefits the employer by allowing companies to meet city and municipal mandates. Certification is a requirement for some employers and for some public works projects in California.

According to Dave Iribarne, Water Conservation Coordinator for the City of Petaluma and Landscape Industry Certified Technician, “Certification is a confirmation that a contractor has the skills to do the job. Hiring a company with certified contractors on our job, means our jobsite is going to be safer and our contractor will have the knowledge and skills to do a quality job. Certification is also a sign the company cares about its employees and the quality of the work it provides. For many of our industry RFPs and bids, Landscape Industry Certified is a requirement.”

The Landscape Industry Certified Technician program is conducted through PLANET and the hands-on exams are administered by state/regional/provincial association licensees and are offered once or twice a year. PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network, is an international association serving lawn care professionals, exterior maintenance contractors, installation/design/build professionals, and interiorscapers.

The California Landscape Contractors Association is helping to provide training and advancement opportunities for today’s green industry workforce including ongoing CEU workshops and webinars, CLCA’s Water Management Certification program and multiple training sessions at CLCA’s Landscape Industry Show.

This year’s show takes place February 13-14, 2013 at the Convention Center in Los Angeles. Landscape Industry Certification tests are given in both northern and southern California and additional certification training opportunities are given regularly throughout the state.

For more information about a test, training or a site tour, please contact Stephanie King at 916-830-2780 or stephanieking@clca.org.

For more information about certification or essential skills training opportunities please go to http://www.clca.us/certification Barbara Landrith Outreach Specialist California Landscape Contractors Association barbaralandrith@clca.org 1491 River Park Dr#100 Sacramento, Ca 95815 (916) 830-2780

www.clca.org