Getting Started:
To get started, submit an application to the LCB to take the exam. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with information regarding testing materials and next steps. The email will include your candidate ID number that you use to register with PSI to take the traditional or virtual exam.
If your application is not approved, you will receive a letter requesting further documentation.
Please take time to read how to become licensed. This provides you with a step by step licensing process.
Testing Options
There are 3 options for testing: Traditional, Virtual, and NALP Exterior Technician Exam.
All exams are available in English and Spanish.
Traditional and Virtual Options:
The traditional and virtual testing options are provided by PSI. Contact PSI to schedule your exam appointment at: 800-733-9267 or online at www.psiexams.com.
Traditional Testing Option:
All reference material will be provided to you at the test site; you cannot use your own material.
Virtual Testing Option:
Beginning August 6, 2024, PSI will begin to offer the LCB examinations online (virtual). If you choose to test virtually:
Study Materials for Traditional and Virtual Exams:
Some of the study materials may be purchased from the LCB office, but here are materials you can download (remember: downloads are not allowed for the virtual testing option):
To order the Resource Material use an order form in either English or Spanish
Candidate Information Bulletin for Traditional or Virtual Exams:
The Candidate Information Bulletin contains helpful information on PSI's policies and procedures. It contains a breakdown of each section of the exam, including subcategories, number of questions, time limit and study material. The bulletin also has information regarding:
- How to schedule an exam with PSI
- Test site locations
- cost of exams
- What to expect at your appointment
- What ID is required for your appointment
- How to make special arrangements for your appointment, if needed
- Cancelation and late policy
- Sample exam questions
Candidate Information Bulletin - English
Candidate Information Bulletin - Spanish Boletin Informativo Para Candidatos
Exam Section You Need to Take for the Traditional or Virtual Exams
There are 6 (six) exam sections:
- Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
- Plants & Turf
- Hardscaping
- Design, Grading, and Drainage
List of Exams You Need to Take to Obtain Each license phase:
- All six (6) exam sections
- Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
- Plants & Turf
- Hardscaping
- Design, Grading, and Drainage
Irrigation & Backflow Only:
- Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
- Irrigation
- Backflow
- Laws, Rules and Business Practices exam or course (PSI or LCB)
- Plants & Turf
- Design, Grading, and Drainage
Arborist (ISA certified):
- Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
- Must pass all six (6) sections within one year of application date
NALP Exterior Technician Exam Option:
The Board accepts the National Association of Landscape Professional's (NALP) Exterior Technician Certification in lieu of several sections of the LCB's traditional or virtual exam.
The Exterior Technician exam sections accepted by the LCB are:
- Hardscape Installation
- Softscape Installation
- Irrigation
- Common Core
You may obtain up to 3 phases of license through this testing option:
- Planting,
- Standard, and
- Irrigation
If you pass one section of the Exterior Technician exam, you may take a business course offered by the LCB in lieu of the LCB's current Laws, Rules & Business Practices Exam.
What do you need to take to obtain each license phase:
Planting Phase:
- Laws, Rules and Business Practices exam or course (PSI Exam or LCB Class)
- Common Core (NALP)
- Softscape Installation (NALP)
Standard Phase:
- Laws, Rules and Business Practices exam or course (PSI Exam or LCB Class)
- Common Core (NALP)
- Softscape Installation (NALP)
- Hardscape Installation (NALP)
Irrigation Phase:
- Laws, Rules and Business Practices exam or course (PSI Exam or LCB Class)
- Common Core (NALP)
- Irrigation (NALP)
- Backflow Exam (PSI)
Study Materials - OLCA/ NALP has study materials available to purchase for the Exterior Technician exam. The LCB provides a listing of recommended resource materials for the exams through PSI: (English) (Spanish)
No. Passing the exam allows you to become a licensed landscape construction professional. However, to begin work, you must be employed by or own a licensed landscape contracting business (see business license application packet).
Besides a landscape construction professional license, you also need a landscape contracting business license and possibly a local business license if you plan to start your own business.