Certificates and Certifications for Landscape Professionals
Depending on the type of work needed, there are a variety of qualifications to look for in a landscape professional. Many professional organizations offer specialized certification and training. The following are common examples.
- Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) training certificate – verify GI-BMP credentials
The GI-BMP training is overseen by the FFL program and teaches proper landscape maintenance practices to landscape professionals. GI-BMP training includes landscape management, irrigation, fertilization and pesticide application information. The GI-BMP certificate is required for those who seek a state limited commercial fertilizer applicator license, but it is beneficial for all landscape professionals. - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional (FFLCP) – certified professional list
The FFLCP certification introduces participants to the nine principles of the FFL program as well as Florida-Friendly design considerations and maintenance best management practices. These individuals are educated and trained to recognize and address common landscape issues by using environmentally sustainable landscape management practices that help preserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. - Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) certifications – verify FNGLA credentials
- Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) program is the industry standard for measuring horticulture knowledge on everything from plant and pest identification to landscape management.
- Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT) program measures the skills of practicing landscape installation technicians.
- Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician (FCLMT) program measures the skills of practicing landscape maintenance technicians. This certification relies heavily on Green Industries Best Management Practices.
- Certified Landscape Designer (FCLD) program offers a professional designation for practicing landscape designers.
- Certified Landscape Contractor (FCLC) program is the highest level of certification available to Florida's landscape installation professionals.
- Certified Landscape Irrigation Service Technician (FCLIST) program measures skills specific to landscape irrigation service technicians.
- Florida Water Star℠ Accredited Professional (FWS-AP) certification – verify FWS-AP certification through FNGLA
Accreditation for landscape and irrigation professionals. FWS-AP has two designations: landscape and irrigation. - Registered Landscape Architects (RLA) - License - verify license through Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Irrigation Association (IA) certification – verify IA certification
The Irrigation Association offers a number of certification programs for professionals specializing in turf, landscape and golf irrigation. - International Society of Arborists (ISA) certification – verify ISA certification
ISA Certified Arborists® are held to a code of ethics and are encouraged to follow industry standards.- ISA Florida Chapter Prescription Pruning Qualification (PPQ) - verify PPQ