Horticulture II – Landscape UNIT A EMPLOYABILITY AND BUSINESS SKILLS

Objective 1.02 RECOGNIZE PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS AVAILABLE TO THOSE EMPLOYED IN THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY

Professional Organizations  NCNLA – North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association (North Carolina Association of Nurserymen and North Carolina Landscape and Grounds Management Association merged in 2006 to form NCNLA)  Mission – the NCNLA mission is to be a flexible, knowledgeable, responsive, environmentally conscious organization providing the nursery industry with leadership, technological and business advancement opportunities and information services  Goals – benefit its members’ economic, professional, and personal growth

Professional Organizations  TCNC – Turfgrass Council of North Carolina  Mission – The TCNC is committed to the advancement of the turfgrass industry in North Carolina  Goals – promote education and research for turfgrass programs in NC

Professional Organizations  ASLA – American Society of Landscape Architects  Mission – The ASLA works to increase the public’s awareness of and appreciation for the profession of landscape architects  Goals – Promotes continuous learning experiences which improve and increase skills through publications, activities, and online information

Benefits of Professional Organizations  Allows professionals the opportunity to network, learn, and communicate with other individuals that are in the same profession  Provide trade shows and journals to update members on new methods, products, and technology for their profession  Use membership dues to finance commodity advertisement, trade journals, and educational programs for members

Professional Certifications  CPP – Certified Plant Professional  To become a CPP, the applicant must:  Pass the written test ( 70 or above)  Pass the plant identification test ( 70 or above)  Document 12 months of experience in plant production or sales

Profession Certifications  CTP – Certified Turfgrass Professional  To become a CTP the applicant must:  Be a member of the NC Turfgrass Council  Pass a written knowledge exam  Document employment in the turf industry for 24 months

Professional Certifications  CLT – Certified Landscape Technician  To become a CLT, the applicant must:  Successfully complete and pass the Installation Core Test  Demonstrate skills necessary to take a landscape blueprint and implement the design in the field  Complete and pass the Maintenance Core Test which shows a person has the skills to maintain a landscape project in a professional manner  Pass Plant Identification Test