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Written: September 13, 2008
Field Exam: September 20, 2008
Location: Wayne County Community College District – Western Campus
9555 Haggerty Road, Belleville, MI 48111 map
What is the CLT Exam?
Common Core
Installation Module
Maintenance Module
Irrigation Module
Benefits of Being a CLT
Why Employ a CLT?
CLT Code of Ethics
Sponsorship
Click here to download an application for the CLT Exam
Click here to download CLT Prep Training Classes PDF
2007 CLT Hotel Information
For further information, please contact the MGIA Office at (248) 646-4992 or email tiffany@landscape.org.
What is the CLT Exam?
CERTIFICATION Means Business...
The Certified Landscape Technician Program (CLT) is recognized throughout the United States and Canada as the premier hands-on certification designed specifically for the landscape industry. A CLT is a landscape professional who has been certified through an international "hands-on" testing program developed by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and licensed to the MGIA to administer in the state of Michigan. Landscape contractors, supervisors, foremen and field technicians who are certified as CLTs are recognized internationally as qualified professionals. Not a substitute for pesticide licensing. The Certified Landscape Technician Program promotes not only professionalism but also education, training and a high standard of quality. These are principles the MGIA has always endorsed.
What is Certification?
The Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) exam is an international hands-on testing program administered by associations throughout the U.S. and Canada that seeks to recognize proficiency in the landscape workforce, upgrade the status of the landscape professional, and provide the public with a means of identifying qualified landscape professionals.
Who May Apply?
Anyone may apply for the CLT program; there are no eligibility requirements. It is recommended that candidates have significant field level work experience in the industry and have completed industry-related education courses, seminars or workshops.
Test Procedures
The certification exam is a full day event. The majority of the test is hands-on and performed in the field but there are some written problems. Testing begins with a written test for the Common Core elements. The applicant then selects a specialty area in either landscape installation, maintenance or irrigation to augment the Common Core material. After completing the written portion of the testing, applicants then begin a series of timed, hands-on field problems. The candidate is judged on work methods for adherence to the best practices and safety ideals. Most problems require candidates to install or maintain simple landscape projects. Each problem must be passed to earn the designation Certified Landscape Technician. Essentially, an applicant must pass all written and hands-on problems on the Common Core test plus all problems in one of the specialty areas.
Test Site and Dates
The Written Exam will be held on Saturday September 8th, 2007 at the MGIA Office. The CLT Field Exam will be administered on the ground of Wayne County Community College, Belleville Campus on Saturday September 22, 2007 with participation from Michigan State University and Wayne County Community College District. It is being developed as a collaboration among industry professionals primarily with donated resources.
Preparing for the Test - Study manuals are available to prepare for the CLT exam. Manuals are available in both English and Spanish and can be purchased from the MGIA.
Seminars - The MGIA sponsors several seminars throughout the year to help applicants prepare for the exam. Refer to the Landsculptor, visit www.landscape.org or call the office directly for current information.
Continuing Education Units
Continuing Education Units (CEUs/Points) are earned after the applicant becomes certified. He/she must accumulate 2 credits/points every year to stay certified. CEU credits/points may be obtained through MGIA seminars, college courses, CLT committee work and judging. Applicant must have 1 education point, and either an additional point in education or 1 in service. Please contact the MGIA for further information. Note: individuals are not required to take the test again in order to recertify. PLANET administers the recertification process and notifies CLTs of recertification deadlines and procedures
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Common Core
COMMON CORE
Applicants for all CLT specialties must pass all of the Common Core Tests. Applicant must take the CORE exam plus one specialty exam.
1.02 First Aid and Safety (written)
1.03 Plan Reading (written)
1.04 Plant Sensitivity (written)
1.05 Plant Identification
1.06 Grading and Sod Installation
1.07 Work Orders and Reports
1.08 Program Controller (Irrigation Systems)
1.09 Irrigation identification (Irrigation Systems)
1.10 Lateral Repair and Head Adjustment (Irrigation Systems)
1.11 Trucks and Trailers
1.12 Tree Planting, Staking and Guying
1.14 Chainsaw
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Installation Module
This exam shows an individual has the skills to take a landscape blueprint and implement the design in the field. Applicants must pass both the Common Core tests and the following installation module tests:
2.01 Plant Layout
2.02 Grading and Drainage
2.03 Instrument (Surveying)
2.04 Paver Installation
2.05 Rototiller
2.06 Skid Steer
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Maintenance Module
This exam shows an individual has the skills to maintain a landscape project in a professional manner. Applicants must pass both the common Core tests and the following maintenance module tests:
3.01 Written General Comprehension
3.02 Pruning
3.03 21" Mower
3.04 36" Mower
3.05 Aerator
3.06 Edger/Trimmer
3.07 Riding Mower
3.08 Pesticides
3.09 Fertilizer
3.10 Power Blower
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Irrigation Module
This exam shows an individual has the skills to install and maintain an irrigation project. Applicants must pass both the Common Core tests and the following irrigation module tests:
4.01 Irrigation General Comprehension
4.02 Irrigation Plan Reading
4.03 Lateral Installation
4.04 Mainline Installation
4.05 Valve Repair
4.06 Valve Wiring
4.07A Pipe Installation Equipment (Trencher)
4.07B Pipe Installation Equipment (Pipe Puller)
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Benefits of Being a CLT
• Certification indicates professionalism.
• Increased credibility, respect and recognition in the industry.
• International Recognition of your skills; portability across United States and recognized in Canada.
• Increases and validates landscape skills at an international level
• The satisfaction of achieving recognition of your skills at an international level.
• Builds confidence in dealing with colleagues and the public.
• Recognizes your ability in practical skills and not only formal education.
• One of the highest industry skill recognition programs.
• The program is supported by educational institutions and apprenticeships.
• Crests for personal identification of CLT status.
• Creates opportunities for career advancement in the industry.
• Establishes credibility when looking for a future position.
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Why employ a CLT?
• Standardizes the level of professionalism in our trade across the United States and Canada.
• Increased marketing advantages
• Helps give your firm an advertising advantage over non certified firm/staff with the public.
• Recognized by governments, architects, and contractors.
• Pressures unskilled and entry level tradespeople toward education and training.
• Informs the public that the industry is professional and qualified.
• Gives the public a criteria of selecting professional and quality services.
• Establishes a level playing field of professionals in the trade.
• North American program supported by industry.
• Establishes a standards level when recruiting personnel.
• An industry skills benchmark for employees to achieve,
• Crests, sweaters, and truck decals for differentiation from non participating members.
Having CLTs on the job indicates to your customers that you are committed to a higher standard of workmanship and professionalism. International certification gives companies a way of meeting increased consumer demand for professional landscaping.
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CLT Code of Ethics
To provide and implement the methods to test and certify landscape technicians in all areas of landscape contracting, in order to establish, maintain and continually improve the level of professionalism of the landscape industry through its workforce.
Being Certified, CLTs strive to adhere to the following principles:
1. To practice honesty and professionalism at all times, realizing their first and foremost responsibility is to their employer and customer.
2. To foster a high standard of professionalism that will promote the effort to improve the human environment in a manner that will bring honor and dignity to the landscape profession.
3. To encourage and foster a spirit of cooperation and harmony among all others in the landscape industry, realizing that my certification can in no way serve as a substitute for proper licensing.
4. To conduct my activities in a manner that will support human rights of all mankind, and not discriminate against anyone regardless of sex, race, creed, or national origin.
5. To strive to improve their skills and knowledge, realizing that by encouraging education and research relating to the landscape industry, they are developing and improving the physical environment for the betterment of all mankind.
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Sponsorship
How can your company make a difference? Be a certification sponsor.
The exam takes a vast amount of equipment, supplies, and manpower, and every year the committee is challenged to provide everything needed. Sponsorship identifies your company as a supporter of Michigan’s landscape industry. Help MGIA continue to provide a quality exam by becoming a certification sponsor.
SPONSORSHIP REWARDS:
• Recognition at the test site on the Sponsorship banner
• Recognition in the November issue of the Landsculptor
Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorships are available. Call the MGIA at (248) 646-4992 for specific sponsorship opportunities.
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