| Individual License |
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Oregon law requires anyone in the State of Oregon who advertises, operates as, or uses the title of a landscape construction professional or landscape contractingbusiness, must be licensed with the Landscape Contractors Board (LCB).
A landscape construction professional plans and installs lawns, shrubs, vines, trees or nursery stock including the preparation of the property on which the vegetation is to be installed. A landscape contractor also constructs or repairs ornamental water features, drainage systems and irrigation systems, plans and/or installs fences, decks, arbors, patios, landscape edging, driveways, walkways or retaining walls.
There are two licenses required with the LCB:
A landscape construction professional license:
Must qualify to sit for a comprehensive exam and pay a $60 exam fee, $15 for the first section of the exam and $10 for each additonal section per exam sitting and a $75 license fee.
To download the application form and study guide, click on "Forms" on the left menu bar.
FAQ
What is a licensed landscape construction professional?
A landscape construction professional is a person who has a license (pursuant to the regulations as defined in ORS 671.520). A landscape construction professional plans and installs lawns, shrubs, vines, trees or nursery stock including the preparation of the property on which the plantings are to be installed. A landscape construction professional also constructs and repairs ornamental water features and drainage and irrigation systems, plans and installs fences, decks, arbors, driveways, walkways, patios, landscape edging and retaining walls. See ORS 671.520(2) for the full legal definition.
Do I need a license to do yard/landscape maintenance?
No, landscape maintenance is not presently a state regulated trade. However, you should check with your city or county for local requirements. Landscape maintenance is work performed on an existing landscape (mowing; pruning; edging; applying bark dust; trimming; planting of annuals, perennials and bulbs; and the general upkeep of an already installed project).
How do I know if I’m doing landscape maintenance or landscape contracting?
Maintenance involves the care of plants and the general upkeep of an already installed project. Landscape contracting is the preparation and/or installation of a project or any part of it.
Who needs to be licensed?
Any person or entity who operates as a landscape construction professional in the State of Oregon. This includes any business that advertises as a landscape contracting business or who uses the title “landscape construction professional” or "landscape contractor" or “landscape contracting business”.
What types of licenses are there?
There are three types of landscape construction professional's license:
- All Phase—all phases of landscaping including irrigation and backflow.
- Standard—does not include irrigation or backflow.
- Irrigation & Backflow only—irrigation and backflow only.
What if a landscape construction professional holds a license from another state?
Oregondoes not have reciprocity agreements with other states. However, you should submit a copy of your out-of-state license with your application. Your out-of-state license will not automatically qualify you for a license but it may qualify you to sit for the exam.
How much is the application and exam fee?
The initial application fee of $60 must be submitted with your license application and documentation of eligibility. The exam fee is based on which license you are applying for. The All Phase license exam fee is $75, the Standard license exam fee is $55 and the Irrigation license exam fee is $35. If you will be taking the exam at a DMV, there is an additional processing fee of $12. The exam fee and DMV fee must be paid prior to sending the exam to the DMV.
How long before I’ll know if I’m eligible to sit for the exam?
Applications are reviewed within 5 working days. The length of time before you’re notified of eligibility depends on the complexity of your application and how long it takes to verify all of your documentation of experience. You will be notified by mail when you are approved to take the exam.
What should I study for the exam?
The Laws & Rules will be sent to you when you have qualified to sit for the exam. The Study Guide is available on the web at www.lcb.state.or.us with a suggested resource list.
Can I get a sample exam or previous exam to study?
No, however, sample questions are included in the Study Guide 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, of the application fee there is a $20 processing charge that is nonrefundable to cover the cost of paperwork and time involved in the application review.
How often is the exam given?
The exam is given on an individual basis by appointment only.
Where is the exam given?
You may either schedule an appointment in the Salem office (taken on a computer), or you may schedule to take the exam at an Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office that we have contracted with to proctor the exam. A list is provided in the Study Guide.
What does the exam consist of?
There are seven sections to the exam: Laws and Rules, Generals A-D (which are Plants and Turf (A),General Construction(B), Grading and Drainage(C) and Estimating, Soil Science, Chemical and general Safety(D)), Irrigation, and LIBDI.
Which parts do I need to pass to receive which type of license?
You must pass the Laws and Rules section and Generals A-D if you wish to do all forms of landscaping except irrigation (Standard license). You must pass the Laws and Rules, Irrigation, and LIBDI sections if you wish to perform irrigation and backflow work only (Irrigation and LIBDI only license). You must pass all seven sections if you wish to do all phases of landscaping (All Phase license). You must obtain a passing score of 75% on each section.
How many questions are on the exam?
The number of questions varies from 45 to 100 per section. The All Phase exam (all seven sections) has a total of 425 questions.
How will I find out the results?
You will be notified by mail within 5 working days after receipt from the DMV unless you take the exam at the Salem office on the touch screen computer system which gives you immediate results.
After I pass the exam, what are my fees?
The initial license fee is $75 and the renewal fee each year is $75. Your license will show an expiration date and your renewal form and fee must be postmarked on or before that date each year. A late penalty fee of $25 is charged if you renew after that expiration date.
Once I pass the exam, can I start working?
No, passing the exam allows you to become a licensed landscape construction professional. However, to begin work, you must be employed by (or be an owner of) a licensed landscape contracting business (see business license application packet).
If I do not pass, is the fee refunded?
No.
If I fail, can I take the exam again?
You may take the exam as many times as you want. However, you must wait two weeks between each attempt or review of the exam.
Is there a fee to retake the exam?
The fee to retake the exam is $15 for the first section and $10 for each additional section per sitting.
Can I review the results of exam questions if I fail?
Information about reviewing will be given to you when you receive your exam results. If the exam is taken in Salem you can review immediately. Reviews can only be done in the Salem office within 30 days of taking the exam. Once you review you must wait two weeks before retaking the exam. You may only review the questions you missed.
What about backflow, the landscape irrigation backflow-prevention device installer’s license?
It is no longer necessary for licensed landscape construction professionals to obtain a special plumbing license from the State Plumbing Board to install backflow prevention assemblies for irrigation systems and water features. Your Irrigation and backflow license will include tapping into potable water supply lines and installing backflow prevention assemblies for irrigation and water features only. You are required to pass the backflow section, the irrigation section and the Laws and Rules to obtain the Irrigation and backflow license.
How about low-voltage electrical installations?
Licensed landscape construction professionals are authorized to install low-voltage landscape irrigation control wiring and outdoor landscape lighting without an electrical license for one and two family residential dwellings. Low-voltage is defined as not exceeding 300 volt amperes. This limits the authorization for outdoor landscape lighting to systems with transformers of 300 watts or less.
What other licenses do I need?
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.
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| General License Information |
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WHO MUST BE LICENSED?
Oregon’s Landscape Contractor Licensing Law, ORS 671.510-710, requires anyone who wants to call themselves a landscape construction professional to have a valid landscape construction professional license. The law states “no person shall use the title of a landscape construction professional, landscape gardener 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 unless the person has a valid landscape constructon professional license issued pursuant to ORS 671.560.”
A landscape construction professional cannot offer landscape contracting services unless 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 boar by rule.
LICENSE CATEGORIES: There are three license 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
CHANGE TO LICENSE CATEGORIES: A landscape construction professional may add to the license category they currently hold by taking and passing additional sections of the exam. For more information, contact the LCB office at (503) 378-5909 ext. 221.
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:
- Review and initial the landscape plan and written contract for each job;
- Attend all on-site meetings and appear at any hearings that are a consequence of any claims filed against the landscape contracting business that relat to the landscape construction professional's phase of license; and
- Directly supervise all non-licensed employees employed by the landscape contracting business.
FEE: $75.00
The annual fee for the landscape construction professional license is currently $75. We accept 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 Contrcting Business License: If you are not employed by a landscape contracting business or wish to operate your own business, you must apply for a landscapie contracting business license with the LCB.
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| Exam Qualifications |
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How can I qualify to take the licensing exam?
To qualify to sit for the exam your experience must be within 10 years of the date of application and you must meet one of the following requirements:
1. Employed by a licensed landscape contracting business(es) for two years (total of 24 months).
2. Self-employed as, or worked for, a landscape maintenance business for four years (total of 48 months).
3. Employed by a licensed landscape contracting business(es) for one year (12 months) and worked as a landscape maintenance business for two years (24 months).
4. Employed by a licensed landscape contracting business(es) for one year (12 months) and have one year of education in the landscape or related field (total of 36 credit hours).
5. Self-employed or worked for a landscape maintenance business for two years (24 months) and have one year of education in the landscape or related field (36 credit hours).
6. Have completed the Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) program administered by OLCA or another entity licensed to the Professional Landscape Network.
7. Have obtained Associates, Bachelors or Masters Degree in horticulture or related field which includes cooperative work experience.
8. Hold a current certification with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as a Certified Arborist and be licensed with the Construction Contractor Board (CCB).
9. 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.
To verify your employment with a licensed landscape contracting business, please have your employer(s) complete the Employer Verification Statement. This form must be submitted with your exam and license application. (NOTE: out-of-state landscape maintenance and private business employers can also use this form.)
To verify an Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degree you will need to submit a certified copy of your transcripts.
To verify one year of education in the landscape field, you will need to submit a certified copy of your college transcripts showing at least 36 credit hours of classes relating to landscape.
To verify your CLT, you need to submit a copy of your signed certificate.
To verify experience gained in landscape maintenance* work, you will need to complete the Landscape Maintenance Project Description form (page 11). You may photocopy this form as many times as you need. These forms must be submitted with your application.
a) To show four years of maintenance* work you will need to submit six Landscape Maintenance Project Descriptions per year for a total of 24 in a 48 month period.
b) To show two years of maintenance* work you will need to submit six Landscape Maintenance Project Descriptions per year for a total of 12 in a 24 month period.
*Landscape maintenance means work done on an already existing landscape (mowing; pruning (up to 15’); edging; applying bark dust; trimming; planting of annuals, perennials and bulbs; and general upkeep.)
It is important that you fill out the Landscape Maintenance Project Descriptions completely and legibly. The form must list the full name of the customer, address, city, state, and zip code or it will be returned to you for completion. You need to have the customer sign, date and insert their telephone number for our verification process.
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| Landscape Business License |
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How can I qualify to take the licensing exam?
To qualify to sit for the exam your experience must be within 10 years of the date of application and you must meet one of the following requirements:
1. Employed by a licensed landscape contracting business(es) for two years (total of 24 months).
2. Self-employed as, or worked for, a landscape maintenance business for four years (total of 48 months).
3. Employed by a licensed landscape contracting business(es) for one year (12 months) and worked as a landscape maintenance business for two years (24 months).
4. Employed by a licensed landscape contracting business(es) for one year (12 months) and have one year of education in the landscape or related field (total of 36 credit hours).
5. Self-employed or worked for a landscape maintenance business for two years (24 months) and have one year of education in the landscape or related field (36 credit hours).
6. Have completed the Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) program administered by OLCA or another entity licensed to the Professional Landscape Network.
7. Have obtained Associates, Bachelors or Masters Degree in horticulture or related field which includes cooperative work experience.
8. Hold a current certification with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as a Certified Arborist and be licensed with the Construction Contractor Board (CCB).
9. 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.
To verify your employment with a licensed landscape contracting business, please have your employer(s) complete the Employer Verification Statement. This form must be submitted with your exam and license application. (NOTE: out-of-state landscape maintenance and private business employers can also use this form.)
To verify an Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degree you will need to submit a certified copy of your transcripts.
To verify one year of education in the landscape field, you will need to submit a certified copy of your college transcripts showing at least 36 credit hours of classes relating to landscape.
To verify your CLT, you need to submit a copy of your signed certificate.
To verify experience gained in landscape maintenance* work, you will need to complete the Landscape Maintenance Project Description form (page 11). You may photocopy this form as many times as you need. These forms must be submitted with your application.
a) To show four years of maintenance* work you will need to submit six Landscape Maintenance Project Descriptions per year for a total of 24 in a 48 month period.
b) To show two years of maintenance* work you will need to submit six Landscape Maintenance Project Descriptions per year for a total of 12 in a 24 month period.
*Landscape maintenance means work done on an already existing landscape (mowing; pruning (up to 15’); edging; applying bark dust; trimming; planting of annuals, perennials and bulbs; and general upkeep.)
It is important that you fill out the Landscape Maintenance Project Descriptions completely and legibly. The form must list the full name of the customer, address, city, state, and zip code or it will be returned to you for completion. You need to have the customer sign, date and insert their telephone number for our verification process.
Bond Information
Landscape contracting businesses must post a security bond. As of January 1, 2006 the bonding amounts have changed based upon the charges per landscape job as follows:
Job charges up to, but not exceeding $10,000 $3,000
Job charges over $10,000, but less than $25,000 $10,000
Job charges over $25,000 $15,000
Fences, decks, arbors, patios, landscapng edging,
driveways, walkways or retaining walls constructed,
not in conjunction with other landscapig work $10,000
The bond amount for each landscape contracting business is listed on the board's website under "verify a license".
Insurance
Landscape contracting businesses must have at minimum of $100,000 in public liability, personal injury andproperty damage insurance. The insurance amount for each landsape contracting business is listed on the board's website under "verify a license".
Employ a Landscape Construction Professional
Each landscape contracting business must employ at least one person that holds the landscape construction professional license to supervise the landscaping work that is done on a project. This person has passed a comprehensive examination and has experience in the landscaping industry for at least two years.
A landscape contracting business may only perform those phases of landscape contracting for which its employed landscape contractors are licensed.
The phase of licensing for each landsape contracting business is listed on the board's website under "verify a license".
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