Certified Landscape Specialist Training

Registration for the 2025 classes is now open.

Certification/recertification courses

MnDOT Standard Specifications for Plant Installation (2571) requires landscape contractors performing work in MnDOT right of way have a Certified Landscape Specialist on the project site at all times to perform or directly supervise plant installation and establishment. Other government agencies may also require this certification. It is recommended that MnDOT and other agency or consultant inspectors become Certified Landscape Specialists when assigned landscape construction projects to help assure compliance of Spec 2571. Certification is achieved by participating in MnDOT classes and successfully passing MnDOT’s certification exam. Certification is valid for three years.

2025 MnDOT Certified Landscape Specialist Training Classes

New certification

For those seeking to be certified for the first time, it is required to attend an in-person class. Upon completion of the class, participants must successfully pass an online exam to achieve a three-year certification.

Landscape Specialists who currently have a one-year provisional license will need to attend an in-person class and successfully pass the exam in 2025 to receive a non-provisional three-year Landscape Specialist Certification. The cost for a new certification is $40.

Class dates

Jan. 23, 2025: Shoreview Training Center, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., lunch included
Feb. 5, 2025: St. Cloud Training Center, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., lunch included
March 5, 2025: Shoreview Training Center, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., lunch included
E-Learning will be available after February 1. Materials will be sent at that time

Recertification

Those seeking to renew their certification may attend an in-person class or complete the series of E-learning modules and successfully pass an online exam. Recertification is for three years. The cost is $40.

Registration

Registration for the in-person and E-Learning classes is available. Please use the online form if you would like to pay electronically. Payments may be made by checking/savings or credit/debit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA).

Please note: US Bank charges a separate service fee for all credit/debit card transactions. No service fee will apply to electronic check.

You may also download the registration form and send it along with a check. Please follow the form for mailing instructions.

MnDOT employees may register themselves by emailing this form to Michelle Huettl. There is no fee for employees.