certifiedlandscapedesigner

How to Become a Certified Landscape Designer

Introduction

Landscape designer certification allows designers to convey their professional standing to future customers. This certification will demonstrate your high level of landscape designing skills to future clients. Different organizations have various requirements for certification including passing an industry exam, having four to seven years of experience, and successfully submitting your design portfolio to a panel of judges. If you become a certified landscape designer, you will need to apply for recertification every three years. Certification will help you stand out in this newly popularized field.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

0. Design Portfolio

Instructions

Step 1

Research what kinds of certifications you are eligible for based on the background that you already have in landscape design. Most certifications require that you have some kind of academic background. You will have an easier time securing certification if you have graduated from a two or four year horticulture program.

Step 2

Work at any landscape design job that you can get your hands on. Many certification organizations want to see that you have had between three and five years of practical experience. Other organizations will certify you without previous academic education if you have seven years of hands-on experience.

Step 3

Submit your work to a landscape design certification review panel. A submission includes three installed projects. Every project needs to have been documented with drawings and photographs. Don’t forget to write up a design intent statement and a plant list for each project as well.

Step 4

Apply for recertification. Recertification is necessary every three years. Members are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education credits in order to be recertified.

Tip

When preparing your portfolio, refrain from including very detailed drawings because every small mistake will detract from your overall score.

Warning

Be aware that certification is only granted a few times a year so don’t miss the deadlines.

Certified Landscape Designer: Certifying Excellence in Landscape Design

http://www.landscapeontario.com/attach/1142272296.CLD_Brochure_2005_low-res.pdf

Association of Professional Landscape Designers: Certification Outline

http://www.apld.com/consumers/certification.asp