Acceptable Education and Experience

We realize that there are few formal educational opportunities in organic landscape practices. We also realize that individuals who have been practicing organic land care for decades may possess more practical knowledge than any classroom education can convey. The Certification Committee will carefully evaluate each applicant's combined education and experience for overall compliance with the certification requirements.

Acceptable education includes

Any of the programs offered by Gaia College. The "Organic Land Care - Working WITH Nature" on-line text is an excellent preparation for the exam.

Education in organic soil management received through organic agriculture organizations and colleges

Some conventional horticulture and agriculture training in the areas of plant knowledge, landscape design and landscape construction.

Permaculture training satisfies the requirements for training in site analysis, but does not generally address the other issues commonly encountered in urban ornamental landscapes.

Other training may qualify; for example organic farming education and experience. Please be sure to submit all relevant documentation related to your training and experience for evaluation.

Please note: work experience needs to verified by another party, such as your employer, customers, etc., or confirmed by two members in good standing of the Society for Organic Urban Land Care.