International Certification
Gives You The Edge!

2007 CLT Application
(Click to Download a PDF File)

2007 CLT Retake Application
(Download a PDF File)

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Certification is an important part of any landscape company. That’s why the Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) program deserves your attention. A Certified Landscape Technician is a landscape professional who has been certified through an internationally supported “hands-on” testing program administered by the Professional Landscape Network (PLANET) and licensed to state and provincial organizations. The Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) has teamed with the Ohio Landscape and Nursery Association (ONLA) and the Ohio State University's Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) to bring this program to Ohio.

Landscape contractor supervisors, foremen, and field technicians who are certified as CLTs are recognized as qualified professionals. This can mean better wages and enhanced profits as the public becomes more aware of the meaning of doing business with a certified professional. International certification gives companies a way of meeting increased consumer demand for professional landscaping.

The program sponsored by Ohio includes a “Common Elements” component, which is general in nature, and three specializations. In order to become a CLT, an individual must pass the “Common Elements” component and one or more of the three specializations:  Installation, Maintenance, or Irrigation.

The certification test for exterior technicians is a full-day event. The majority of the test is hands-on and performed in the field but there are some written problems. The applicant selects a specialty area (installation, maintenance, or irrigation) to augment the Common Core material. Each problem has a time limit set for its completion. The candidate is judged on work methods for adherence to best practices and safety ideals.

Every problem must be passed to earn the designation Certified Landscape Technician. Candidates may retest the problems needed at any state's test. Observers attend each test to assure the program is administered consistently across North America.

Photos courtesy of Oregon Landscape Contractors Association (OLCA), North Carolina Landscape Association (NCLA), Landscape Ontario and Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP).

Click on each test problem to get more information (you will be linked to the ALCA website)  then click the <BACK> icon to return to this page.

All candidates are tested on the Common Core problems:

First Aid and Safety
Plan Reading
Plant Identification
Sod Installation
Work Orders and Reports
Program Controller
Irrigation Identification
Lateral Repair and Head Adjustment
Truck and Trailer
Tree Planting and Staking/Guying
Chainsaw

All candidates choose one of these specialty modules to complete the requirements.

Installation
Plant Layout
Grading & Drainage
Instrument
Paver Installation
Rototiller
Tractor/Skid Steer

Maintenance
Written General Comprehension
Pruning
21" Mower
Intermediate Walk Behind Mower
Aerator
Edger & Trimmer
Riding Mower
Pesticides
Fertilizer
Power Blower

Irrigation
Irrigation General Comprehension
Irrigation Plan Reading
Lateral Installation
Mainline Installation
Valve Repair
Valve Wiring
Pipe Installation Equipment (Trencher)
Pipe Installation Equipment (Pipe Puller)

FOR MORE INFORMATION...
about the CLT program, to order study manuals, or to register for the exams, contact the Office of Continuing Education of The Ohio State ATI at (330) 264-3911