Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists (NOC 2225)

Education, training & qualifications

Completion of a university or college program in agronomy, arboriculture, horticulture, landscaping, landscape design or landscape technology is usually required. However, some workers may learn through on-the-job training.

Work experience as a landscape and grounds maintenance labourer may be required for employment as a golf course superintendent, landscape gardener or landscaper.

In B.C., the Industry Training Authority (ITA) offers apprenticeship programs leading to trade certification for landscape horticulturists and production horticulturists. An apprenticeship program for arboriculturists is currently under review. These apprenticeships last approximately four years and can be started in secondary school, through entry-level training at colleges and technical institutes, or by direct entry to the workforce. All apprenticeships require workers to find a sponsor employer who is willing to participate in the program. For more information, see the ITA website at: www.itabc.ca.

Professional certification is available for qualified horticultural technicians, landscape professionals and landscape designers through the British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association (BCLNA). Although certification is not required, it will typically increase employment opportunities. To become certified, individuals must complete several years of work experience or a combination of work experience and a recognized post-secondary horticultural program, and must pass a series of written and practical examinations. BCLNA certification is transferable between provinces. For more information, see the BCLNA website at www.bclna.com.

Professional certification is also available for landscape and horticultural technologists and technicians through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). Completion of a diploma program and two years of work experience are required for Applied Science Technologist (AScT) designation and completion of a certificate program and two years of work experience are required for Certificate Technician (CTech) designation. For more information, see the ASTTBC website at www.asttbc.org.

Certification for arborists is available through the International Society of Arboriculture, Pacific Northwest Chapter (PNW-ISA). To become certified, arborists must complete three years of industry work experience, or two years plus a college degree in arboriculture, and pass an examination. For more information, see the PNW-ISA site at https://pnwisa.org/.

A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.

Those who are certified for an occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact the Industry Training Authority of BC and/or WorkSafe BC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of B.C. occupational regulators.

Education programs in B.C.

For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.

Trades training resources

Visit our trades training page at www.workbc.ca/trades to learn about apprenticeship and trades training in B.C.