Exam

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 testing options 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:

You are responsible for purchasing and bringing your own reference materials for the exams you are taking. You may purchase these references by completing a resource material order form or by contacting the office at 503-967-6291 x221.
No internet print outs or photocopies of the reference materials will be allowed.
You must have a webcam and microphone.
Your computer must meet the system requirements: PSI System Test
Please carefully read the Exam Resource Materials List
Review pictures of the Resource Materials to make sure you have the right edition.
Review instructional videos on the PSI website for tips on how to prepare for virtual testing

Study Materials for Traditional and Virtual Exams:

For a full list of recommended resource material for the traditional and virtual testing options choose either option to view: (English) (Spanish).

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

Irrigation
Backflow

List of Exams You Need to Take to Obtain Each license phase:

All Phase:

All six (6) exam sections

Standard Phase:

Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
Plants & Turf
Hardscaping
Design, Grading, and Drainage

Irrigation & Backflow Only:

Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
Irrigation
Backflow

Planting Only:

Laws, Rules and Business Practices exam or course (PSI or LCB)
Plants & Turf
Design, Grading, and Drainage

Arborist (ISA certified):

Most have ISA Certified Arborist Credential
Laws, Rules, and Business Practices

Modified:

Laws, Rules, and Business Practices

Probationary:

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

To learn more about NALP's Landscape Industry Certified Exterior Technician exam, study material, and fees, please visit Oregon Landscape Contractors Association (OLCA) or the NALP Website or call (800) 395-2522.

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).

You will need to pay the initial license fee, which is $170. This is an annual license fee.

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.

Quick Links

Candidate Bulletin-(Important PSI testing information)

Exam Resource Materials List

Resource Materials Pictures

Resource Material Order Form

Informational Videos for PSI Virtual Testing