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Landscape Contractors Board
Licensing
Individual License
Business License
License Phases
Owner/Managing Employee
Exam Qualifications
FAQs RE: Licensing
FAQs RE: The Examination
General License Information
Individual License
State Seal
State Seal
TWO licenses are required to do landscaping work in Oregon:  the individual landscape construction professional license and the landscape contracting business license.  This contains information regarding the individual landscape construction professional license, which is normally the first step in licensing.   
 
What is a licensed landscape construction professional?
A landscape construction professional is an individual who has passed the competency examination and is licensed to provide services as an employee or owner of a licensed landscape contracting business.  These services include the planning and installing of  lawns, shrubs, vines, trees or nursery stock including the preparation of the property on which the plantings are to be installed, the construction and repair or ornamental water features, drainage systems and irrigation systems; and planning and installing fences, decks, arbors, driveways, walkways, patios, landscape edging and retaining walls.  A landscape construction professional also supervises unlicensed employees of licensed landscape contracting businesses.
 
The cost for a landscape construction professional license is:
$100 application fee (The Probationary license application fee is $75).
$95 initial license fee (This is the annual fee).
 
To download the application forms and other forms, click on "Forms" on the left menu bar.
 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  A licensed landscape construction professional whose phase of license is the basis of the landscape contracting business license must perform the following supervisory services:
  1. Review and initial the landscape plan and written contract for each job;
  2. Attend all on-site meetings and appear at any hearings that are a consequence of any claims filed against the landscape contracting business that relate to the landscape construction professional's phase of license; and
  3. Directly supervise all non-licensed employees employed by the landscape contracting business.
 
Business License
A landscape contracting businesss license is granted to an entity that meets the requirements (see below) of law to contract for landscape work in the State of Oregon.  This entity is considered "the contractor" and has the ability to enter into contracts with the public.  This license is required for all landscape contracting businesses even if the business is a sole proprietor.
 
TWO licenses are required to do landscaping work in Oregon:  the individual landscape construction professional license and the landscape contracting business license.  Each landscape contracting business  must employ at least one indivual landscape construction professional to supervise the activities of the business and directly supervise all unlicensed employees of the business that are performing landscape work for the business. The landscape contracting business may offer and/or perform those phases of  landscape work for which its employed landscape construction professionals are licensed.
 
Requirements for a Landscape Contracting Business License:
  • Application  Fee:  $150
  • License Fee: $260
  • Business name that is registered with the State Corporation Division including ABN's if applicable.  [the only exception to this requirement is a sole proprietorship that is named exactly in the name of the business owner, e.g. John P. Smith Landscaping owned by John P. Smith].
  • List of all owners including percentage of ownership. [Sole proprietorships can only have one owner in Oregon (non-community state)]
  • The list of licensed landscape construction professionals (including yourself if applicable) who will be supervising the activities of the landscape contracting business and will directly supervising any unlicensed employees of the business performing landscape work.
  • Managing employee If the owner is NOT a licensed landscape construction professional then the business must have a designated full time employee who is actively involved in the day to day operations of the business take a 16 hour course and pass an examination on the Laws, Rules and Business Practices for a landscape contracting business. 
  • Tax identification numbers such as: Employer Identification Number, State Identification Number, Corporate Registry Number, Federal Identification Number, etc.
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance  for a minimum of $100,000.
  •  Surety Bond (or other accepted surety).  3000 surety if performing projects $10,000 or less;  $10,000 surety if projects are more than $10,000 and less than $25,000 or if the business installs fences, decks, arbors, patios, driveways, walkways, retaining walls or landscape edging without performing other landscape work; $15,000 surety if the projects are more than $25,000 or the business is a probationary business.
  • Workers Compensation, if applicable.
  • Independent Contractor Verification stating the business meets the independent contractor requirements of ORS 670.600.
  • Licensing and litigation history which provides information about previous licenses and any outstanding orders, unpaid judgments or penalties in Oregon or other states.
  • Criminal Background indicating any felony convictions of the owners.
  • Employee Verification form which verifies the licensed landscape construction professional understands the supervisory requirements.
  • Signature
License Phases
LICENSE PHASES:  There are four license phases or "categories" you may apply for.
All Phase:  all areas of landscape contracting, including the installation of backflow assemblies.
Standard:  all areas of landscape contracting except irrigation and the installation of backflow assemblies
Irrigation, Plus Backflow:  irrigation and the installation of backflow assemblies
Probationary All Phase plus Backflow: all areas of landscape contracting, including the installation of backflow assemblies with a the maximum bond amount
 
TO UPGRADE A LICENSE PHASE:  A landscape construction professional may add to the license phase they currently hold by taking and passing additional sections of the exam.  For more information, contact the LCB office at (503) 967-6291. 
 
Owner/Managing Employee
 
Business Owner/Managing Employee
If the owner is NOT a licensed landscape construction professional then the business must have a designated full time employee who is actively involved in the day to day operations of the business take a 16 hour course and pass an examination on the Laws, Rules and Business Practices for a landscape contracting business. 
 
Exam Qualifications
How can I qualify to take the exam?
 
To qualify for the exam you must meet at least one of the following requirements.  If you are qualifying by your experience with a landscape contracting business or in a landscape related field (rather than a degree or education) the experience must be within 10 years prior to the date of the application.
 
1.  Employed by a licensed landscape contracting business for a total of 2 years.
  • To document your employment with a licensed landscape contracting business, have your employer(s) complete the employer verification form.  This form must be submitted with your application.
 
2.   Submit documentation to verify two years of related landscaping experience (nursery work, landscape maintenance work, etc). 
  • To document experience in landscape related work, submit a completed landscape maintenance verification form documenting 5 customers/projects per year for a 2 year period or the employer verification form if you were an employee of a company performing landscape related work.   
 
3.  Have obtained Associates, Bachelors or Masters Degree in horticulture or related field which includes cooperative work experience (if no cooperative work experience, documentation showing 6 months of related landscape experience may substitute).
  • To verify a degree in horticulture or a related field, submit a copy of your transcripts.
 
4.  Hold a certificate in horticulture or other related field from an accredited school or college that requires a minimum of 72 credit hours, which includes cooperative work experience in landscaping (if no cooperative work experience, documentation showing 6 months of related landscape experience may substitute).
  • To verify this certificate, submit a copy of certificate and a copy of transcripts with your application.
 
5.  Hold a current certification with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as a Certified Arborist.
  • To verify you hold this certification, submit a copy of your certificate with your application.
 
6.  Successfully completed the Landscape Industry Certification program administered by OLCA or another entity licensed to the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).
  • To verify you have completed this program, submit a copy of your signed certificate with your application.
 
7.  Hold a current membership as a Certified Professional Member of APLD.
  • To verify you hold this certification, submit a copy of your certificate with your application.
 
8.  Hold a current Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester Certification or complete a Backflow Assembly Tester 5 day course approved by the Oregon Drinking Water Program.
  • To verify, submit a copy of certification or course completion with your application.
 
9.  Other landscaping related certified membership on an individual basis to be determined by the board.
  • If you have other experience that you feel would qualify you to take the exam, submit documentation and a letter of explanation.  You will be contacted if any further documentation is needed.
 
 
 
What if I don’t meet any of the qualifications the sit for the exam?
 
You may apply for a probationary license.  A probationary license means anyone is allowed to take the Landscape Construction Professional exam without meeting the qualifications.  The individual must pass all sections of the exam within one year of the first sitting of the exam.  
 
Once the exams are passed and a Probationary All Phase license is issued, the individual may:
  • Start his/her own landscape contracting business where the business will be required to carry a $15,000 bond and will only be allowed to perform landscape projects that do not exceed $15,000.
  • Work for an employee of a licensed landscape contracting business under the direct supervision of a non-probationary licensed construction professional.
  • Work for 24 months as an employee of a licensed landscape contracting business and be the phase basis of this business.  The business must carry a $15,000 bond and will only be allowed to perform landscape projects that do not exceed $15,000.
 
After a period of 24 months meeting one of these requirements, the licensee may request the probationary status be removed.
FAQs RE: Licensing
What is a licensed landscape construction professional?
A landscape construction professional is an individual who plans and installs lawns, trees, shrubs, vines or nursery stock including the preparation of the property on which the plantings are be installed.  A landscape construction professional also constructs and repairs ornamental water features, drainage systems and irrigation systems; plans and installs fences, decks, arbors driveways, walkways, patios, landscape edging and retaining walls.  This individual must be licensed pursuant to ORS 671.530 and be an owner or employee of a licensed landscape contracting business before this person can perform landscaping work in Oregon.
 
Do I need a license to do yard/landscape maintenance?
No, landscape maintenance is currently not a state regulated industry.  However, you should check with your city or county for local licensing requirements.  Landscape maintenance is work performed in the upkeep of existing landscape projects and includes work such as mowing, pruning, edging, applying bark dust, trimming.
 
How do I know if I'm doing landscape maintenance or landscape contracting?
Landscape maintenance involves the care of plants and the general upkeep of an already installed project.  Landscaping work is the preparation, construction and/or installation of the landscape project or any part of it.   
 
Who needs to  be licensed?
Any individual who performs the work as listed above in "What is a licensed landscape construction professional" and any business that advertises, bids or contracts to perform landscaping work in Oregon.  The individual needs to own or be employed by a licensed landscape contracting business before the individual can perform landscaping work in Oregon.
 
What is a probationary landscape construction professional license and its limitations?
An individual who did not meet the education and experience requirements to qualify to sit for the LCB exam.  This individual sat for the All phase plus backflow exam and passed all the sections of the exam within one year of the first sitting of the exam.  The individual then received a probationary license where the individual will be subject to 24 months of probation.  After this 24 months period, the probation can be removed.
 
What if a landscape construction professional holds a license from another state?
Oregon does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.  However, by providing this information with your application, it may qualify you to take the examination since it can provide proof of experience in the landscape industry to the Board.
 
How much is the application fee for the landscape construction professional license?
The application fee for the individual landscape construction professional is $100.  This fee must accompany the application and documentation of your qualifications for sitting for the exam. 
  
After I pass the sections I am required to pass for my license what are my fees?
The initial landscape construction professional license fee is $95 and the renewal fee is $95 each year.  Your individual landscape construction professional license will show an expiration date and the renewal form and renewal fee must be postmarked on or before that date each year.  A late fee of $35 is charged as a penalty if you renew after the expiration date of the license.
 
Once I obtain my individual license can I start working?
No!  Passing the exam and obtaining an individual landscape construction professional license does not allow you work. You must own or be employed by a licensed landscape contracting business before you can operate as a landscape construction professional in Oregon.  [See the business application packet]
 
What is the backflow portion of the Landscape Construction Professional license and what does it include?
A licensed landscape construction professional that owns or is employed by a licensed landscape contracting business and holds an individual license that includes backflow may install a backflow assembly on a potable water supply for irrigation systems or water features.  This ability is provided as an exemption from the plumbing laws in the state of Oregon and is only provided to those individual landscape construction professionals that have the backflow portion of the license and own or are employed by a properly licensed landscape  contracting business.  The exemption does not apply to unlicensed employees.
 
A landscape construction professional that owns or is employed by a licensed landscape contracting business and holds an individual license that includes backflow and who also holds the tester certification from the Oregon Health Department may repair backflow assemblies installed for irrigation systems or water features only.
 
How about low-voltage wire installations?
Licensed Landscape Contracting Businesses may install low voltage outdoor lighting and irrigation control wiring without having an electrician's license for a Class II or Class III system that does not exceed 30 volts and 750 volt-amperes.  All employees of the landscape contracting business must carry an identification card (found on the LCB website) when they are performing this type of electrical work.
 
What other licenses do I need?
In order to perform landscape work in Oregon you are required by the State to have two licenses:  a landscape contracting business license and the business must either be owned by or employ a licensed landscape construction professional.  On top of that you will need to contact your local city or county to see if there are additional requirements to operate in the city or county the business desires to work in.
 
What about renewal of the Landscape Construction Professional License?
The landscape construction professional license needs to be renewed every year on the anniversary date of the issuance of the license.  The licensee must fill out, sign and return the renewal form and submit the required fee.   However, as of January 1, 2009 every licensed landscape construction professional must obtain Continued Education Hours (CEH) to renew their license.  This requirement will first affect those individuals that renew in 2010 that have an individual landscape construction professional license number that is an even number.  Odd numbered licensees will be affected in 2011.   See the continued education info section on our website for further information about the requirements and the courses that have been preapproved.
 
What do I do to make a landscape construction professional license or a landscape contracting business license "inactive"?
A landscape construction professional (LCP) license and a landscape contracting business may be changed to "inactive status" by requesting this change on the forms provided under the "forms" link on the LCB website.  Though the CEH requirments are suspended during inactive status for the LCP license the annual license fee must be paid to maintain the inactive status.  If a change to active status is requested the CEH requirement for the previous two years must be met. 
For the landscape contracting business in inactive staus the bonding and insurance requirments do not need to be continued until active status is requested.  The annual license fee is required each year to maintain the inactive status.
FAQs RE: The Examination
How long before I will know if I am eligible to sit for the exam?**
Applications are reviewed usually within 5 working days.  The length of time before you are notified of eligibility to sit for the exam depends on the complexity of the application and the amount of time it takes to verify the documentation of your experience and education.  You will be notified by mail when you are approved to sit for the exam.
** Note:  if you apply for the probationary landscape construction professional license then the process time is minimal since there is no experience or educational requirement.
 
What should I study for the exam?
A Candidate Information Bulletin will be provided to you or can be downloaded from the website: click here which will provide you with detailed information about the composition of the different sections of the exam, sample questions and resource material for you to study.
 
Can I get a previous exam to study?
No, but sample questions are in the Candidate Information Bulletin material.
 
What if I change my mind and decide not to take the exam?  Can I get a refund?
The exam fee will be refunded if prepaid, however the application fee is non-refundable.
 
How often is the exam given?
The exam is given on an individual basis, by appointment only with PSI.
 
Where is the exam given?
The LCB engaged PSI (an examination administration company) to administer and proctor the exam at 7 locations throughout Oregon:  Baker City, Bend, Eugene, Medford, Portland, Wilsonville,  & Salem. Contact: www.psiexams.com
 
What does the exam consist of?
There are seven sections of the exam: {1} Laws & Rules, {2-5}General A-D [four sections which include (A) Plants & Turf; (B) Construction; (C) Grading & Drainage; and (D)Safety, Estimating; Designing; Soil Science & Chemicals]; {6} Irrigation and {7}Backflow.
  
Which sections do I need to pass to obtain a certain type of license?
All licensees must pass the Laws, Rules and Business Practice Section of the exam and then pass:  sections General A-D to obtain the Standard License;  Sections Irrigation and Backflow for the Irrigation only plus Backflow License; or sections General A-D and Irrigation and Backflow for the  All Phase plus Backflow License. 
 
How many questions are on the exam?
The number of questions in each section varies from 45 to 100 questions.  The total exam will have up to 450 questions.
 
Is the examination timed?
Laws, Rules and Business Practice is a 3 hour exam (you will be provided a copy of the Laws, Rules and Owner/Managing Employee Manual to use during the exam);  General A -D are 1 hour exams (closed book); Irrigation  is a 2 hour exam (closed book); and Backflow is an 1 hour exam (closed book). 
 
How will I find out my results?
The  exam is administered by PSI on computers which will give you immediate results.
 
After I pass the sections I am required to pass for my license what are my fees?
The initial landscape construction professional license fee is $95 and the renewal fee is $95 each year.  Your individual landscape construction professional license will show an expiration date and the renewal form and renewal fee must be postmarked on or before that date each year.  A late fee of $35 is charged as a penalty if you renew after the expiration date of the license.
 
Once I obtain my individual license can I start working?
No!  Passing the exam and obtaining an individual landscape construction professional license does not allow you work. You must own or be employed by a licensed landscape contracting business before you can operate as a landscape construction professional in Oregon.  [See the business application packet]
 
If I miss my appointment or do not pass sections of the exam is the fee refunded?
No!
 
If I fail, can I take the exam again?
You may continue to take sections of the exam but must wait two weeks between each attempt (sitting of the exam) or review of the exam.
 
Is there a fee to retake the exam?
The fee is the same for all exams, initial or retake.   The fees for the exam are set by PSI and need to be paid to PSI.  Please check: www.psiexams.com
 
Can I review the questions that I missed if I fail a section of the exam?
Your review of the test will be immediately upon completion of the exam.  Once you review the results you must wait two weeks to sit for any section of the exam again.
General License Information
WHO MUST BE LICENSED?
Oregon’s Landscape Contractor Licensing Law, ORS 671.510-760, requires anyone who wants to call themselves a landscape construction professional or a landscape contracting business to have a valid landscape construction professional license or landscape contracting business.  The law states no person shall use the title of a landscape construction professional, landscape gardener, landscape contracting business or landscaper, or any title, sign, card or other device indicating, or tending to indicate, advertise or represent in any manner that the person is a landscape contractor or landscape contracting business unless the person has a valid license.
 
A landscape construction professional cannot offer landscape contracting services unless the individual is an owner or in the employ of a licensed landscape contracting business.  If the landscape construction professional is the sole proprietor, the landscape construction professional must also obtain a license as a landscape contracting business.
 
THE LAW
ORS 671.520 states
“(1) “Landscape construction professional” means any person who for compensation or with the intent to be compensated arranges, undertakes, offers or contracts to undertake, or submits a bid to perform activities requiring the art, ability, experience, knowledge, science and skill to:
(a) Plan and install lawns, shrubs, vines, trees or nursery stock;
(b) Prepare property on which lawns, shrubs, vines, trees or nursery is to be installed.
(c) Construct or repair ornamental water features, drainage systems or irrigation systems; or
(d) Plan and install fences, decks, arbors, patios, landscape edging, driveways ,walkways or retaining walls.
(2) “Landscape contracting business” means any business that for compensation or with the intent to be compensated arranges for or submits a bid or otherwise offers or contracts to provide the services of a landscape construction professional.
(3) “Licensee” means a person or business that is licensed under ORS 671.510 to 671.710 as a landscape construction professional or landscape contracting business.
(4) “Nursery stock” means nursery stock:
(a) as defined by ORS 571.005 other than stock grown for commercial resale or reforestation; or
(b) As defined by the State Landscape Contractors board by rule.
(5) “Ornamental water features” means fountains, ponds, waterfalls, man-made streams and other decorative water-related constructions as identified by the board by rule.
 
 FEES: 
The annual fee for the landscape construction professional license is currently $95. 
 
The annual fee for the landscape contracting business license is currently $260.
 
The LCB accepts checks, money orders, Visa or MasterCard.  Make checks payable to the Landscape Contractors Board.
 
ONCE I BECOME LICENSED, WHAT OTHER LICENSES OR PERMITS DO I NEED?
Landscape Contracting Business License:  If you are not employed by a licensed landscape contracting business or wish to operate your own business, you must apply for a landscape contracting business license with the LCB before you can perform landscaping work in Oregon.
 
You may need a city business license.  Check with the city in which you wish to perform landscape contracting work.
 
 

Page updated: January 04, 2012