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There's a certified landscape contractor program in Georgia but it's voluntary. You don't have to take any test in order to operate as a landscaper. Here's what's involved in the test:
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:
A multiple-choice test based on the study manual.
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.
A test on common insect, disease and environmental problems. Participants must identify 25 samples (photos or actual specimens).
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:
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.
Tree Planting and Staking: The participant must plant a tree according to specifications provided and show how to install a staking system.
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.
Pruning: The participant will show where and how to make pruning cuts and how to prune selected trees and shrubs.
Sod Installation: The participant must demonstrate the correct technique for laying sod in a given area.
Job Evaluation - Installation: The participant will evaluate a recently installed landscape and identify five acceptable and five unacceptable conditions.
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.
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.
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 portion 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 Plant 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
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