Landscape Ontario and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association are happy to announce the first Retail Horticulturist test of the year will be held at Sheridan Nurseries in Georgetown on August 8 and 9.

The written test will be administered Aug. 8 and the hands-on testing will take place Aug. 9.

It is recommended individuals have around 2,000 hours of industry experience before attempting the exam to achieve success. At each station, a candidate is required to perform a specific task within an allotted period of time in front of a certified judge. Once all tasks are completed with a mark above 70 per cent, the candidate will be a Certified Landscape Retail Horticulturist and have proved they are at the top of the industry.

Retailers who have certified staff prove they meet industry standards of what a Canadian retailer should be able to offer in terms of service.

A retest opportunity will take place in the fall at the Landscape Ontario site in Milton.

Register by July 18 to take advantage of early bird pricing and save $100 off the regular price of $400 for members and $500 for non-members. A retail training manual is also available. Cost is $80 for members and $100 for non-members.

To register or to order manuals, visit landscapeindustrycertifiedtechnician.ca.

Inquiries about the retail certification can be directed to Colin Tyler Vince at 1-888-446-3499 (ext. 8625) or email colin@cnla-acpp.ca.