The Professional Landcare Network’s (PLANET) certification program is part of the Breakfast With Champions table topic lineup during this year’s Green Industry Conference. GIC is being held October 24-26 in conjunction with the GIE+EXPO and Hardscape North America (HNA) in Louisville, KY.
A “Marketing Your Expertise” roundtable, facilitated by PLANET’s International Certification Council (ICC) Chair Michael Becker, Landscape Industry Certified Manager, is among the many business-building subjects offered at the popular Breakfast With Champions event, which begins at 7:30 a.m., Thursday (October 25) and Friday (October 26) at the Louisville Marriott Downtown.
“Certification is a year-round endeavor,” says Becker, owner of Estate Gardeners Inc. in Elkhorn, NE. “You can jump in anytime to register and study for exams, but GIC is a great place to start your quest to earn your certification or the perfect end point if you’re ready to take one of the exams available during the conference. And, if you’re like me and are already Landscape Industry Certified, you’ll attend sessions during GIC and earn CEUs toward your recertification.”
Here’s a rundown of additional certification opportunities during GIC.
Take a quick exam tour. Learn about the Landscape Industry Certified Manager exam with Phil Allen, Ph.D., Landscape Industry Certified Manager. The Manager Exam Mini-Prep Session runs from 3 to 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, at the Kentucky Expo Center.
Test and save. Save 25% individually or 50% for groups of four or more on select, full exam registrations taken during the conference on Friday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kentucky Expo Center. Select exams include the Landscape Industry Certified Manager (formerly CLP), Interior Technician (formerly CLT-I), Horticultural Technician (formerly COLP), Lawn Care Technician-National (NEW exam), and Lawn Care Technician (formerly CTP-CSL).
Enter to win. Stop by PLANET booth #3134 or the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education booth #4037 at the GIE+EXPO for a chance to win a free Landscape Industry Certified Manager or Lawn Care Manager (formerly CTP) registration. PSI computer testing fees, if applicable, are separate. Winners will be announced post-show.
And, while you’re at the PLANET booth, ask for a magnetic bumper sticker—available one per active Landscape Industry Certified individual while limited supplies last.
Check out the bookstore. PLANET booth #3134 and the satellite bookstore at the Kentucky Expo Center will have recommended study materials for certification exams to view and order. Publications are also available at LandcareNetworkStore.org.
The latest recommended certification materials include the “Interior Plantscaping Reference & Study Manual,” which comes bundled with the “Guide to Interior Landscape Specifications,” as well as training videos as part of the “Landscape Training Manuals for Technicians.” Take a tour of these videos and accompanying manuals at Landscapetechnician.net.
Take away CEUs. To maintain your Landscape Industry Certified status, you must recertify every two years with 24 CEUs. GIC is approved for PLANET recertification at 1 CEU per hour of instruction attended or a maximum of 12.5 CEUs for attending the full GIC. Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and HNA educational sessions also qualify toward PLANET recertification.
