FNGLA Certified Landscape Contractor (FCLC)

What is it?

FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Contractor (FCLC) program is the only standard for measuring the knowledge of practicing landscape contractors in Florida. The program was designed to promote professionalism and raise the standards of Florida’s landscape industry. FCLC also provides a way for government agencies, landscape architects, companies and individuals to choose qualified professionals in a state that does not require licensing of landscape contractors. In fact, FCLC has been included in the specifications of agencies, requiring that anyone bidding on particular jobs hold FNGLA’s FCLC designation.

FNGLA’s FCLC program is designed for owners, managers and supervisors of landscape contracting, landscape management or design build firms, as well as government agencies, parks departments and developers. Those qualified to sit for the FCLC exam must have a minimum of three years’ experience in the horticulture/landscape industry with one of those years in Florida.

The FCLC exam requires that applicants first complete both the FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) written exam and the FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT) field exam before sitting for the FCLC written exam.

FNGLA’s landscape certifications are designed to measure an individual’s skills and knowledge and therefore draw from the professional’s experience.  Training classes are available to assist the test applicant in preparing for the exam.

Click Here  for Schedule of training and other horticulture education opportunities.

The following manuals are suggested for the three elements of the FNGLA Certified Landscape Contractor (FCLC) exam:

1. The FCHP Manual provides information on such things as plant identification, plant use, water conservation, pest identification, turf care and fertilization.  This is utilized when taking the FCHP written exams.
2. The Landscape Manual covers the landscape process from landscape laws to landscape installation and job completion.  This is utilized when taking the FCLT field exams.
3. The “Landscape Estimating and Contract Administration” textbook provides an in-depth look at contracts, bidding, accounting and liens.  This is utilized when taking the FCLC written exams, the final portion of the FCLC examination process.

Order FNGLA’s Certification Manuals here.

Click to:
Order Manual Online

Or download and print:
Order Form (PDF)

The FCLC written exam can be taken at the FNGLA office upon successful completion of both the FCHP written exam and the FCLT field exam.  Please see the FCHP page for more information on this exam and the FCLT page for more information, dates and locations for this exam.

Register by mail through the FNGLA office.
Download the FCLC/FCLD Exam Application Form
PDF

Exam Sections
FNGLA Certified Landscape Contractor (FCLC) is the highest level of certification available to Florida’s landscape installation professionals.  In order to sit for the written exam to complete the FCLC certification, applicants must have first successfully earned the FCHP designation as well as the FCLT designation.  The FCLC written exam tests applicants’ knowledge and skills in two major areas:  Business Management and Project Management.
Exams will cover principles of contracts, insurance, lien laws, sales & marketing, accounting, estimating & bidding, subcontractors, purchasing, codes & ordinances, fertilization, irrigation and best management practices.

Exam Fees
2008-09 exam fee for the FCLC written exam is $125 for FNGLA members and $175 for non-members. This fee does not cover the FCHP written exam or the FCLT field exam, which are both pre-requisites for the FCLC exam.  The exam fee is good for one exam attempt only.  Any exam section that is not completed successfully may be retaken, once the applicant applies for a retest and pays a retest fee. The cost per section for a retest is $25 for FNGLA members and $40 for non-members.
Manuals and training sessions require an additional fee.

For complete information on FNGLA’s certification exam fees, see
Exam Structures & Fees

FNGLA’s FCLC certification is valid for a three-year period. During that time, FCLCs are required to earn 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in order to renew. If you hold more than one certification, these CEUs will apply to all certifications you hold.
In the absence of the required number of CEUs, the certified professional will be required to retake the exam. Renewal is $50 for FNGLA members and $75 for non-members for the three-year certification period.

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