Learn What's Needed to Pass the Landscaping Contractor Exam

Landscaping contractors install trees, vines, shrubs and other types of nursery products. The workers also repair greenery, design lawns with water ornaments and put in fences, arbors and decks. According to Oregon's Landscape Contractor Board and in other states, as a contractor you must be licensed as an owner or as an employee before you can begin to perform landscaping work in the state.

Instructions

1. Meet eligibility qualifications. These include being employed by a licensed contractor for a minimum of two years, but you will also meet requirements if you are self-employed in the industry for four years or have worked for a licensed contractor for one year in addition to working as a landscaper for a maintenance company for a minimum of two years. Keep in mind that if you have a valid bachelor's or master's degree in horticulture or have been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as an arborist you will also be eligible to take the exam (see Resources section). Visit the state department of motor vehicles (see resources). Obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) if you do not already have one.

2. Review the study guide (see Resources section). Read current state laws and policies regarding landscaping contractors. Familiarize yourself with the state's consumer laws including door-to-door solicitation, false advertisement and stated benefits and qualities of services. Study the hazard communication process. Understand how to read chemical warning labels. Familiarize yourself with customer legal claims, expense types, shipping permits and invoices. Review the sample questions provided at the end of the study guide.

3. Study material noted at the end of the study guide, such as Steven Cohan's 2006 book "Business Principles of Landscape Contracting," and create an account with the Professional Landscape Network (PLANET) (see Resources section). Read through listed study manuals including the landscape training manuals for technicians and safe truck and trailer operation.

4. Cover each of the seven sections in the exam while reading study materials. Make sure that you thoroughly review: Laws, Rule and Business Practices; Plants and Turf; Construction; Grading, Drainage and Safety; Estimating, Soil Science and Chemicals; Irrigation; and Backflow.

5. Meet time requirements. Finish the entire examination in six hours. Keep in mind that for the Laws, Rule and Business Practices section of the test you will be given a manual to reference as you respond to the questions. Note that this portion of the test lasts two hours. Keep in mind that the other sections of the examination are all closed book. Answer all 450 questions on the test within the six hour time frame online through the certified PSI test administrator site.

Tips & Warnings

• This article mainly comes from Oregon's landscaping contractor's exam; your state's requirements may vary.

Resources

• ISA Certifications
• Oregon's Exam Study Guide & Manual
• Oregon Commercial Driver's License
• Business Principles of Landscape Contracting Book
• PLANET