Landscape Certifications
Photograph by Mike O’Hara
Certifications for Landscapers
The Landscape Industry Certified Manager (Formerly CLP)
This designation is awarded those landscape business owners and professionals who pass a six-hour written exam that covers all aspects of working in the landscape industry. The exam is divided into five sections: Business; Risk, Law and Contracts; Human Resources and Health / Safety; Interior or Exterior Production / Operation and Horticulture; and Sales, Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations.
This written exam is offered annually at the LICH Conference or at the annual NALP (formnerly PLANET) Conference. Registration must be made through NALP.
Self study material and ordering information can be found on the LIC-Manager Page
The Landscape Industry Certified Technician: Exterior
This is a national testing program administered by the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii Foundation (LICH-F) under a licensing agreement with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), formerly PLANET.
LICT Test 2020
As you might know by now, the LICT Test this year will be a Computer only test that will continue to include the Written Tests as they have been given. Also included will be elements of the Field / Hands-on Test as previously been given but in a new form involving videos, photos, and multiple-choice questions. The PLANET Training Manuals that have been used as study material in our classes state wide will be the study guide for the 2020 LICT Test. Ornamental Maintenance, Turf Maintenance, Irrigation, and Softscape Installation will be the modules offered as in the past.
The LICT test is available right now at the NALP web site; https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/LP/LP/Certification/Enrollment/Certification_Enrollment.aspx
BUT you may want to study and take classes before registering for the Test! Also, LICH will be adding the computer only test to our Employment Training Fund Matrix. That means the Workforce Development Division will be able to pay half of the $545.00 Test Fee and half the $140.00 Retake Fee. This process will take a month or so to become available. Be patient; we will be in touch when ETF is available for the test.
If you are planning to apply for ETF for the upcoming classes, or the test, you will need to have ready a Federal ID# and a Department of Labor #-both required.
Classes that are now qualified for ETF funding: Kona LMT Classes (all or individual classes); Irrigation School (Lynnett Tohara, instructor); Maui LICT Training; Oahu LICT Training Program. Class dates to be announced soon.
The Landscape Industry Certified Technician: Interior
This is a written test which has the same benefits and goals as the LICT-Exterior, but meeting the needs of the interior plant professional.
LICH will continue to expand and promote certification within the industry so that landscapers are validated for their expertise and the public is made increasingly aware of the value of a professional landscaper.
This written exam is offered annually at the LICH Conference. Registration must be made through NALP.
Self study materials are available from NALP. Local training classes can be offered if there is enough interest.
Arboriculture Certification
The tree care profession has experienced rapid growth over the past decade and there is a significant amount of knowledge required to perform at the highest level. ISA credentials help consumers identify qualified, knowledgeable tree care professionals.
Earning a credential is a voluntary activity, but it demonstrates that you have the proper knowledge and skills, as well as a high level of dedication to your profession and your community. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists understand the importance of continued education and how it helps to make the world be a better place, one tree at a time.
The Aloha Arborist Association offers self-study programs and study groups to prepare one for the ISA Arborist Certification Exam. Visit the Aloha Arborist Association website and the ISA website for additional information.
Pesticide Certification
Pesticide Applicator Test
You need to be certified only if you use Restricted-Use Pesticides, those that have a greater chance of impacting the environment or human health. A dealer will not sell you a Restricted-Use Pesticide unless you are certified. To find out if a pesticide is restricted, contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Pesticides Branch (HDOA).
There are two types of certified applicators: Private Applicators and Commercial Applicators. Private Applicators are those who are involved in agricultural production (farming) on land operated by themselves or their employer. Commercial Applicators make up the rest. There are 11 categories of Commercial Applicators ranging from Agricultural Plant Pest Control, Ornamental and Turf Pest Control, Termite Pest Control, and Demonstration and Research Pest Control. For your appropriate category, contact the HDOA’s Pesticides Branch.
To become certified, you must pass a written examination(s). Certifications are good for five years. To arrange for testing, visit the HDOA’s Pesticides Branch website.
Pesticide Applicator Training
Pesticide Applicator Training is provided on all islands through the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources through the Extension Pesticides Programs at the Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. For more information visit their website.
Landscape Architect Licensure
Hawaii has a title and practice law meaning to use the title “Landscape Architect” or to practice the craft of landscape architecture requires a license in good standing. In Hawaii, the CLARB exam (L.A.R.E.) is administered only on Oahu. All candidates must submit state application form to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing and receive board approval in order to sit for any section(s) of the examination including the Hawaii State Exam.
The Hawaii State Exam is given with the CLARB exam. Filing deadline is March 10th and September 10th. The Hawaii State Exam is also offered monthly following the ‘Miscellaneous exam’ schedule found online.
For information on the State of Hawaii supplemental licensure examination visit the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing website.