What is GCLP?

The Georgia Certified Landscape Professional (GCLP) program is a voluntary testing program that acknowledges those in the landscape profession who have mastered a thorough knowledge and understanding of job skills required to be successful in the industry. 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 300+ 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 GCLP program was developed and endorsed by the Georgia Green Industry Association, the Georgia Turfgrass Association, the Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association and 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. 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 power equipment.

The written and hands-on exams are offered at least twice a year. The written components are given at the annual conference of the Georgia Green Industry Association in January and at the Southern Nurserymen's Convention in Atlanta in August. The hands-on components are given spring and fall at the Research and Education Gardens in Griffin.

15 hours of Continuing Education Units are required every three years to remain certified.

For information about testing dates and locations and testing fees, contact Susan Thornhill with the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture at 770-233-6107; e-mail sthorn@griffin.uga.edu