Get Started
To take the exam, first submit an application to the Landscape Contractors Board (LCB). After your application is approved. You will receive an email with testing materials, next steps, and your candidate ID number. Exams are administered by PSI, a third-party testing provider that manages exam scheduling, locations, and online testing. You will use your candidate ID number to register with PSI for a traditional or virtual exam.
If your application is not approved, you will receive a letter requesting additional documentation.
Before you begin, review the step-by-step licensing process on the Apply for a License webpage.
Choose Your Testing Option
There are three exam options: traditional testing, virtual testing, and the NALP Exterior Technician exam option. All exams are available in English and Spanish.
Traditional Testing
Traditional exams are provided by PSI at a test site. All reference materials are provided at the test site, and you may not use your own materials.
Virtual Testing
PSI offers examinations online through virtual testing. If you choose to test virtually, you are responsible for purchasing and bringing your own approved reference materials for the exam sections you take.
To schedule a traditional or virtual exam, contact PSI at 855-746-8170 or use the PSI website.
Prepare for Virtual Testing
If you plan to test online, review the instructions and environment requirements before your appointment.
Study Materials
Use the recommended resource materials to prepare for the traditional or virtual exam. Some study materials may be purchased from the LCB office. Downloaded materials are not allowed for the virtual testing option.
Resource Material Lists
Downloadable Study Resources
Candidate Information Bulletin
The Candidate Information Bulletin includes PSI policies and procedures, exam section details, subcategories, number of questions, time limits, and study materials. It also explains how to schedule an exam, test site locations, exam costs, appointment expectations, required identification, special arrangements, cancellation policies, and sample questions.
Exam Sections
The traditional and virtual exam options include six exam sections:
- Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
- Plants and Turf
- Hardscaping
- Design, Grading, and Drainage
- Irrigation
- Backflow
License Phases and Exam Requirements
License phases determine the type of landscape work you are allowed to supervise or perform. Each phase has its own exam requirements based on the type of work involved.
All Phase
Standard Phase
- Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
- Plants and Turf
- Hardscaping
- Design, Grading, and Drainage
Irrigation and Backflow Only
- Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
- Irrigation
- Backflow
Planting Only
- Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
- Plants and Turf
- Design, Grading, and Drainage
Arborist (ISA Certified)
Modified
- Laws, Rules, and Business Practices
Probationary
- Must pass all six exam sections within one year of the first exam sitting
NALP Exterior Technician Exam Option
The Board accepts the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Landscape Industry Certification in place of several sections of the LCB traditional or virtual exam. This is different from the NALP Certificate program, which is not accepted.
The Exterior Technician exam sections accepted by the LCB are:
- Hardscape Installation
- Softscape Installation
- Irrigation
- Common Core
To learn more about this option, study materials, and fees, visit OLCA or the NALP website.
You may obtain up to three license phases through this testing option: Planting, Standard, and Irrigation.
Planting Phase
- Laws, Rules and Business Practices exam (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 for the Exterior Technician exam are available through OLCA and NALP.
After You Pass the Exam
Can I start working after I pass the exam?
No. Passing the exam allows you to become a licensed landscape construction professional. To begin work, you must be employed by or own a licensed landscape contracting business.
What do I do after I pass all required exam sections?
You must pay the initial license fee. This is an annual license fee. Contact the LCB office to arrange payment 503-967-6291 x221 or
lcb.info@lcb.oregon.gov
What other licenses do I need?
In addition to 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.