The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) is a professional body for lawn care professionals, landscape management professionals (exterior maintenance contractors), design/build/installation professionals, and interior plantscapers. PLANET represents more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals, mainly in the United States.
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History
PLANET was formed 2005-01-01 via a merger of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA, founded 1961) and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA, founded 1979).
Certification program
PLANET offers a professional certification program that includes the CLT-I, CLT-E, CLP, COLP, and CTP examinations. The multiple choice tests consist of 300-400 questions taken over 4 hours. Some tests require field work. The tests cost $200 to $350.
Certified Landscape Professional
Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) tests the skill set needed to successfully run a business. Candidates are expected to be a landscape contractor business owner or manager. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to strong financial management, knowledge of the law and adherence to it, ethical marketing, integrity in dealing with employees, vendors and customers, responsibility to the community in which the do business, and a fundamental command of the operations and trade standards of their chosen industry.
Certified Ornamental Landscape Professional
Certified Ornamental Landscape Professional (COLP) tests for specialized knowledge of the technical aspects of care and maintenance of exterior landscape trees, and woody ornamental plants. Holder of the COLP mark must be able to identify and use plants in exterior locations. They are trained in the identification and treatment of plant disease and pest infestations, with emphasis on Integrated Pest Management, and safety in ensuring that all chemicals are applied according to EPA and OSHA Standards. In addition, COLP requires demonstrated proficiency in equipment safety, pruning and fertilization, plant physiology, and pathology.
Certified Landscape Technician-Exterior
Certified Landscape Technician-Exterior (CLT-E) tests for in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of the installation and maintenance of exterior Landscapes. The CLT-E is highly proficient in the identification and use of plants in exterior locations. They are trained in the identification and treatment of plant disease and pest infestations with emphasis on Integrated Pest Management and safety in ensuring that all chemicals are applied according to EPA and OSHA Standards. In addition the CLT-E has demonstrated proficiency in equipment safety, Plant layout, Grading and drainage, paver installation, with specialization certifications in Irrigation repair and Installation and Landscape maintenance.
Certified Landscape Technician-Interior
Certified Landscape Technician-Interior (CLT-I) is a two-part test that covers pesticides, plant identification, safety, watering/subirrigation, pruning, fertilization/nutrition, insects, diseases, and customer relations.
Certified Turfgrass Professional
Certified Turfgrass Professional (CTP) tests for knowledge of the technical aspects of the installation and maintenance of warm season turfgrass. The Certified Turfgrass Professional - Cool season Lawns (CTP-CSL) is a variant that applies to cool season turfgrass. Holders of the CTP can identify and treat turf disease, weed infestation and pest infestations with emphasis on Integrated Pest Management and safety in ensuring that appropriate chemicals are applied according to EPA and OSCA Standards. The CTP-CSL requires completion of the self-study course, Management of Cool Season Lawns.
