The Alabama Certified Landscape Professional Program (ALCLP), based on the program developed in Georgia by the Georgia Green Industry Association and the University of Georgia, offers landscape professionals the opportunity to be recognized as the "best in their field" by mastering the Alabama Certified Landscape Professional test. Successfully used in Georgia since 1993, the program here is in its infancy, and marketing materials for those who pass the program are being developed to help you announce your achievement to your client base.

All landscapers in the State of Alabama are required to have two licenses- the SLP, or Setting of Landscape Plants, and the OTPC, or Ornamental Turf and Pest Control. Successfully testing for these two licenses illustrates a basic proficiency in the field. The ALCLP, administered as a joint project of the Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, is a voluntary testing program that acknowledges those in the landscape profession who are willing to test their skills at the next level: to show to themselves, their colleagues and their customers that they have a thorough knowledge and understanding of job skills required to be successful in the industry.

All state plant setters and design tests are still required to be in the profession. The ALCLP exam cannot be taken in lieu of the Alabama state-required licensing exams.

The test consists of four written components and nine outdoor hands-on components and requires two days to complete. Students who enroll to take the test are provided a 200+ page study manual, instructions on how to study and prepare for the exam, and access to a WEB Study Site developed by the University of Georgia.

The four written components of the test include:

1. A multiple-choice test based on the study manual.
2. A plan reading skill test that requires participants to read and interpret a landscape plan, to answer questions pertaining to the plan, and to make calculations, such as square foot areas, plant quantities per area, etc.
3. A test on common insect, disease and environmental problems. Participants must identify 25 samples (photos or actual specimens).
4. A plant identification test that requires participants to identify fifty plant samples from a list of over 270 provided. Actual samples of trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, herbaceous perennials, annuals, weeds and turfgrasses will be placed on tables for ID.

The nine outdoor hands-on components include:

1. Plan Lay-out: The participant will be given a planting plan and will be required to arrange containerized plants within a given are according to the plan.
2. Tree Planting and Staking: The participant must plant a tree according to specifications provided and show how to install a staking system.
3. Grading and Drainage: The participant must read a topographical map and demonstrate how to contour the grade of a site in a 10 ft. x 10 ft. sand box.
4. Pruning: The participant will show where and how to make pruning cuts and how to prune selected trees and shrubs.
5. Sod Installation: The participant must demonstrate the correct technique for laying sod in a given area.
6. Job Evaluation - Installation: The participant will evaluate a recently installed landscape and identify five acceptable and five unacceptable conditions.
7. Job Evaluation - Maintenance: The participant will evaluate a section of landscape and list five acceptable and five unacceptable practices previously performed by a maintenance crew.
8. Pesticide Application: The participant will demonstrate how to mix and apply pesticides properly and will discuss appropriate clothing to wear during pesticide application. He/she must also be prepared to discuss handling and disposal techniques.
9. Equipment Operation: The participant will discuss routine maintenance practices and proper operation of several power equipment items (mowers, weedeaters, edgers, etc.).

The written and hands-on portions of the exam are scored separately. Certification is based on a cumulative point score. Each component must be passed with a 70 percent score. Participants who previously passed the Certified Nursery Professional exam are exempt from the Plant ID portion of the test.

Written test:

100 points

Plant Take-Off and Plant Selection:

25 points

Pest and Problem ID:

25 points

Plant ID:

50 points

Hands-on Components:

10 points each

The written and hands-on exams are each given at least two times each year. The written components are given at the Gulf State Horticultural Expo in January/February and at the Southern Nurserymen's Convention in Atlanta in August. The hands-on components are given spring and fall, currently at Auburn, but soon expanding to other locations in the state.

For information about testing dates and locations and testing fees, contact the ALNLA office at 334-821-5148.

• Voluntary: This is an industry-supported program, entirely voluntary, designed to offer recognition and education for industry professionals.
• Contacts: Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association (334-821-5148, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Dr. Glenn Fain Auburn University (334-844-5484, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).
• Study Materials: the study manual may be purchased through ALNLA (above) and on the website (www.ag.auburn.edu/landscape). The website offers pictures of all the plant materials and pest identification samples required for the test. There is a video tape that gives a visual overview of the practical exam that can be requested from ALNLA or Ken Tilt.
• Cost: The cost of the program is $100 for members of ALNLA and $150 for non-members. This includes your manual and the cost of the two tests.
• Testing: You are required to make a 70 percent score or above on several tests. There is a one day written test that includes 100 questions, a plant identification exam with 50 plant samples to ID and 25 pest specimens to recognize. There is also an architectural landscape plan take-off exam with 25 questions. A separate day has a practical exam requiring applicants to show their knowledge of planting, pruning, grading (no equipment required) reading architectural plans, operating and maintaining machinery, laying sod and application and safety of using chemicals. Regional Horticulture Extension Agents will soon be able to monitor written exams in 6 regional areas of the state to make the testing opportunities more frequent and convenient.
• Continuing Education: Part of being a professional is constantly striving to keep up with the latest information and technology in the field. Requirements are being formulated for earning points towards continued certification by attending educational programs or doing home study assignments each year.
• The ALCLP member will receive public recognition and promotion for their achievement. This is a University-aided, industry-managed, voluntary program. Individuals completing the program will be asked to help in testing and teaching when time is available. The standards are set and maintained by the industry.

The program is new and still evolving in Alabama but has been very successful in Georgia. Please call or email for more information. We want to help you achieve recognition for a new standard of excellence.