CLCA to host intense certification testing

SAN DIEGO – On Saturday, April 2, more than 100 San Diego and greater San Diego area landscapers will be convening on the grounds of Cuyamaca College to be rigorously tested on skills and techniques needed to efficiently maintain and install a visually appealing landscape.

Hosted by the California Landscape Contractors Association San Diego chapter, this internationally recognized landscape industry certified technician program takes landscapers through “real life” scenarios so that they can demonstrate their professionalism and ability to get the job done right the first time.

"What is unique about the program is that it is a hands-on exam, as opposed to just a written test. And it's tough,” said Charles Nunley, a founding member of the certification committee that created the test. “But in spite of its toughness, it's still a basic test that determines whether a landscape technician has a well-rounded knowledge of the industry. Prior to certification there was no way to measure that."

Landscape professionals that have demonstrated their expertise and competency through the rigorous written and hands-on testing through the program can greatly benefit the consumer. Landscape industry certified technicians have the skills to create a visually appealing landscape that makes a property more valuable. Skilled workers are better able to identify and fix minor problems, like a small water leak, before they become catastrophes. Each test candidate selects a specialty area to be tested on (softscape installation, hardscape installation, turf maintenance, ornamental maintenance or irrigation) and is judged on work methods, adherence to best practices and safety ideals.