43 credential programs ladder toward this occupation. Median wage on completion: $38,090 · projected growth +3.6%. See full occupation profile →
Certification
Alabama Certified Landscape Professional
Alabama Green Industry Training Center (AGITC)
AL
Interpret Landscape Plans for layout and installation purposesIdentify Plants and Pests in landscape settingsApply Pesticide Application and Safety practices in landscape environmentsPerform Tree Planting and Staking per landscape specificationsExecute Grading and Drainage for landscape installationsPerform Pruning of landscape plants
Certification
Alabama Certified Landscape Professional Program (ALCLP)
Alabama Green Industry Training Center (AGITC)
AL
Certification
Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS)
Irrigation Association
$200 cost
Apply soil-plant-water relationship principles including soil texture, water movement, field capacity, wilting point, and leaching to support irrigation management decisionsEvaluate soil moisture conditions using field measurement tools and techniques to assess water availability and inform irrigation schedulingDesign and apply drip, micro, surface, and sprinkler irrigation systems by understanding layout, key components, equipment, and operational constraintsApply basic hydraulic principles including pressure loss, flow rate, and field pressure measurement to support irrigation system performanceAssess irrigation efficiency and uniformity using distribution uniformity concepts, application efficiency estimates, and water destination diagramsSchedule irrigation using evapotranspiration, soil moisture content, crop stress indicators, crop coefficients, and management allowable depletion
Certification
Certified Composting Professional (CCP)
US Composting Council
$90 cost
Apply composting science principles, including biological and chemical processes, to support effective organic waste decomposition and stabilizationManage feedstock selection, blending, and process control to achieve consistent compost quality and operational efficiencyImplement health, safety, and risk management practices to control biohazards, fire risk, and worker exposure in composting operationsApply regulatory compliance knowledge related to local, state, and federal composting requirements and environmental standardsUse business acumen and site management practices to support sustainable compost facility operations, equipment use, and customer relations
Certification
Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS)
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
Manage turfgrass cultural practices, pest management, and equipment maintenance to support golf course agronomy and course setup in compliance with rules of golfManage business operations including project management, human resources, and regulatory compliance for golf facility administrationFacilitate communication and information flow by building relationships, supporting public relations activities, and networking within the golf professionApply environmental management and stewardship practices to support natural systems and sustainability at a golf facilityDemonstrate leadership by developing strategic plans, motivating and retaining employees, and promoting ethics and professional values
Certification
Certified Irrigation Technician
Irrigation Association
$175 cost
Evaluate and select sprinkler types, nozzle types, and spacing based on coverage area requirements and relative precipitation rates for irrigation system installation and maintenanceIdentify and install swing joint assembly components selecting appropriate type and installation method for irrigation system applicationsSelect and perform pipe fitting connection procedures based on pipe type, fitting type, and appropriate solvents and primers for irrigation system pipingSelect, operate, and maintain equipment and tools for irrigation system installation and maintenance in accordance with manufacturer's instructionsIdentify and apply knowledge of pump types, components, controls, flow, pressure, and safety for irrigation system pump operationsIdentify backflow prevention device types, functions, and components in compliance with applicable state and local requirements
Certification
Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT)
Irrigation Association
$175 cost
Evaluate site conditions and determine water availability, use requirements, and net irrigation needs to support landscape and turf irrigation designSelect irrigation equipment, methods, and materials based on site-specific conditions, plant water requirements, and design efficiency objectivesApply hydraulic principles including pressure, flow, friction loss, and pipe sizing to design functional landscape and turf irrigation systemsDesign irrigation system components including heads, valves, controllers, backflow prevention, and distribution networks for landscape and turf applicationsCalculate precipitation rates, application rates, and distribution uniformity to ensure irrigation systems meet plant water requirementsDevelop irrigation schedules based on evapotranspiration, soil characteristics, plant type, and climate conditions to promote water-efficient operation
Certification
Certified Landscape Technician
National Association of Landscape Professionals
$575 cost
Apply first aid procedures and safety practices to support safe working conditions in landscape operationsRead and interpret landscape plans to guide installation, layout, and site preparation activitiesSelect, plant, and establish landscape plants and turf in accordance with horticultural best practicesOperate and maintain landscape and turf equipment in compliance with safety and maintenance standardsSurvey, grade, and manage site drainage to prepare ground conditions for landscape installationInstall hardscape features, specialty elements, and edging in compliance with design specifications
Certification
Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
Sports Turf Managers Association
$250 cost
Perform agronomic calculations including area measurements, application rates, volume calculations, and equipment calibration to support sports field management operationsAssess sites and develop field design and construction specifications covering drainage, irrigation, rootzone mix, and turfgrass establishment for sports field projectsEvaluate soil physical, chemical, and biological properties to determine suitability, develop improvement plans, and support turfgrass growth on athletic fieldsSelect, establish, and manage turfgrass species and cultivars based on regional climate, soil conditions, field use demands, and management intensity requirementsDevelop and implement water management programs using evapotranspiration, soil moisture assessment, irrigation scheduling, and drainage improvement strategiesDevelop and implement fertilization programs based on soil and tissue testing, nutrient requirements, application timing, and turfgrass species response
Associate's Degree
Environmental Horticulture
Southwestern College (CA)
Certificate
Golf and Sports Turf Management
Southwestern College (CA)
Short-Term Certificate
Greenhouse Technician
Wallace State Community College
Associate's Degree
HORTICULTURE
Lawson State Community College
AL
Certificate
Horticulture
Pickens Technical College
Certification
Horticulture
National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)
Apply horticultural tool safetyUse, store and carry tools safelyKnowledge of pruner and lopper designSelect one-handed and two-handed modelsKnowledge of blade and grinding technologiesApply cutting guidelines
Short-Term Certificate
Horticulture
Pickens Technical College
Short-Term Certificate
Horticulture (FARM)
Wallace State Community College
Short-Term Certificate
Horticulture - Landscape Design and Maintenance
J.F. Ingram State Technical College
Short-Term Certificate
Horticulture - Plant Production
J.F. Ingram State Technical College
Short-Term Certificate
Horticulture Degree
Trenholm State Community College
Short-Term Certificate
Horticulture Services and Operations, General
Northwest-Shoals Community College
AL
Short-Term Certificate
Horticulture Services and Operations, General
Coastal Alabama Community College
AL
Short-Term Certificate
Horticulture Services and Operations, General
Calhoun Community College
Certification
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
International Society of Arboriculture
Apply advanced tree biology knowledge including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and water relations to assess tree health and recommend evidence-based management interventionsPerform comprehensive soil assessments evaluating physical, chemical, and biological components to distinguish disturbed from undisturbed soils and develop management plans for problem soilsIdentify and evaluate biotic and abiotic disorders by analyzing symptoms, disease cycles, pest arthropods, pathogens, and tree physiological and structural defense responsesEvaluate and implement cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical treatment options as part of an integrated plant health care programExecute advanced pruning practices by generating specifications based on best management practices to achieve structural, health, and aesthetic objectivesDevelop and implement tree protection and preservation plans for construction and development sites by assessing impacts and prescribing corrective treatments
Certification
ISA Certified Arborist
International Society of Arboriculture
Assess tree anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to specify and recommend appropriate tree work aligned with growth stage and developmental needsIdentify tree species using morphological and physical structures and apply appropriate nomenclature to support tree management and communication decisionsSelect trees appropriate for a given planting site based on species characteristics, site conditions, and project requirementsAssess soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and their relationship to tree growth to recommend mitigation strategies for soil volume, structure, and nutrition deficienciesPlant and transplant trees in accordance with industry-accepted standards and provide post-planting care to ensure survival, structural development, and establishmentPrune trees using appropriate tools, cut types, and techniques that minimize impact on tree health, promote longevity, and avoid detrimental pruning practices
Certification
ISA Certified Tree Climber
International Society of Arboriculture
Comply with industry safety standards, laws, and regulations to protect the tree worker, other workers, and persons near the work zoneUtilize PPE appropriate for tree work activities including head, eye, hearing, and body protection to maintain worker health and safetyInspect the work zone for hazards including electrical systems, structural tree defects, and site conditions prior to job briefing and task executionReview work documentation and conduct pre-job tree and site inspections to identify and mitigate hazards before work beginsSelect, inspect, and use climbing and rigging ropes and equipment that meet applicable regulations and industry-accepted standards for safe tree workTie knots and assemble climbing systems to configure a secure tree climbing tie-in appropriate for the work conditions
Certification
ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist
International Society of Arboriculture
Apply safety standards, PPE requirements, and industry regulations to protect the aerial lift operator, ground workers, and persons near the work zoneConduct pre-operation inspections of the aerial lift device including mechanical systems, controls, and safety equipment before commencing tree workPosition and operate the aerial lift device to safely access tree work locations while maintaining stability and compliance with manufacturer specificationsIdentify and mitigate electrical hazards by applying electrical hazard awareness principles and maintaining safe approach distances from energized linesPerform aerial rescue procedures and provide emergency response for lift-related incidents involving the operator or other workers at the work siteExecute tree removal operations from an aerial lift using appropriate techniques to ensure accuracy, safety, and controlled processing of tree parts
Certificate
LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Coastal Alabama Community College
AL
Associate's Degree
LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Coastal Alabama Community College
AL
Course
Landscape Design and Management
Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
AL
Identify common landscape plants and turfgrasses by common namesDescribe physical and cultural characteristics of landscape plants and turfgrassDemonstrate principles of design and elements of art in landscape designCreate a landscape design, considering maintenance requirements, preservation of existing trees (when possible)Calculate the landscape materials, area, number of plants, and cost of plants and features in a landscape designIdentify tools and equipment used in the landscape industry
Long Certificate
Landscape Occupations
Southwestern College (CA)
Associate's Degree
Landscape Occupations
Southwestern College (CA)
Short-Term Certificate
Landscape Operations and Management
Coastal Alabama Community College
AL
Short-Term Certificate
Landscape Technician
Wallace State Community College
Certification
Landscape Technician Certification
National Association of Landscape Professionals
$575 cost
Apply landscape installation,maintenance,and irrigation practices using industry‑recognized methodsDemonstrate safe tool,vehicle,and equipment operation in exterior landscaping environmentsPerform specialty‑specific tasks in softscape,hardscape,turf,ornamental,or irrigation operationsFollow OSHA safety principles and jobsite procedures to reduce risk and ensure complianceApply foundational math,communication,and problem‑solving skills to complete landscape tasks accurately and efficiently
Certificate
Landscaping and Nursery Worker
Wallace State Community College
Plant IdentificationSoil PreparationPlanting TechniquesPruningIrrigation BasicsLandscape Maintenance
Course
Nursery Landscape Worker
ACCS Innovation Center
AL
Acquire nursery and greenhouse techniques for potting plants, seeding trays, and planting cuttingsBegin to recognize common plant species used in landscaping, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and grassesDifferentiate between desirable plants and weedsFollow landscape plans and specifications provided by supervisorsGain an understanding of proper watering techniques and recognize signs of overwatering and underwateringIdentify common landscaping tools and equipment, including saws, loppers, hand pruners, lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers
Short-Term Certificate
Nursery Technician
Wallace State Community College
Short-Term Certificate
Ornamental Horticulture Operations and Management
Lawson State Community College
AL
Certificate
Plant Production
Southwestern College (CA)
Short-Term Certificate
Turf Technician
Wallace State Community College
Course
Turfgrass Management
Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
AL
Identify common turfgrass names and characteristics, and describe uses of warm and cool season grassesIdentify soil preparation techniques for turfgrassSummarize proper maintenance techniques for residential, commercial, and sports turfIdentify common problems in turfgrass cultivation, including diseases, weeds, nutritional deficienciesDescribe and demonstrate safe and economical use of commercial and residential equipment to installDemonstrate routine maintenance of turfgrass equipment
Short-Term Certificate
landscape Operations
Enterprise State Community College
AL