June 15, 2015
Those taking part in this year’s Landscape Industry Certified exams will only require one day instead of the traditional two for practical and written tests.

With the the first test scheduled on July 23, at Landscape Ontario’s home office, the exterior hands-on test will take place in the morning, with the written portion taking place in the afternoon.

“We received a number of concerns about having two days to complete the tests, so we worked out a method to compress it into one day,” said CNLA Certification and Commodities Coordinator Claudia Santos.

She added, “A company that has certified employees on staff, means they have made significant commitment to education, safety, craftsmanship and customer service. All individuals must first prove their knowledge and skills through a serious of written and hands-on tests.”

Although the tests have been shortened to one day, it still requires all those who pass each section of the exam to reach a high level of excellence to achieve the designation of Landscape Industry Certified.  

It is recommended that individual thinking of testing themselves should have a minimum of 2,000 hours (one year) of experience before taking the exam.

At each station, those taking the test are required to perform specific tasks within a specified period of time in the presence of a qualified industry judge. Depending on the industry sector, up to 11 stations must be completed successfully. Skills testing include chainsaw, leaf blower operation, pruning, tree planting, plant and pest identification, and sod and paver installation. A minimum grade of 70 per cent is required on each of the written and hands-on exam problems before certification status can be obtained.

Following the July tests, the next opportunity to take the exam is on Sept. 25 at Kemptville College, followed by tests at Ridgetown College on Oct. 1, and Landscape Ontario home office on Oct. 29. Written tests only will take place at Thrive on Sept. 17, St. Clair College on Nov. 12, Fanshawe College on Dec. 3 and at Congress on Jan. 14.

Although attendance for the orientation is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to any new candidates. The orientation will answer questions regarding the testing process. Scheduled orientation days are July 9 at LO home office, Sept. 11 at Kemptville and Sept. 17 at Ridgetown, and Oct. 15 at Landscape Ontario home office.

Judges are also needed for test days. Anyone interested in becoming involved, may contact Claudia Santos at claudia@cnla-acpp.ca.

To register for Landscape Industry Certified exam, go to http://gfl.me/h1sA.

Study manual order forms are available at http://gfl.me/h1sO.


 

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