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Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Roadside Vegetation Management

Registration is open for E-Learning only.

Certified landscape specialist training

Certification/recertification courses

MnDOT Standard Specifications for Plant Installation (2571) requires landscape contractors have a Certified Landscape Specialist on the project site at all times to perform or directly supervise plant installation and establishment. 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.

2024 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.

However, in person classes have been completed for this year, so provisional one year licenses can be obtained through E-learning and will expire April 30, 2025.   To obtain the 3 year license, you will need to attend an in person class in winter 2025.     

Landscape Specialists who currently have one-year provisional licenses will need to attend an in-person class and successfully pass the exam in 2024 to receive a non-provisional three-year Landscape Specialist Certification. The cost for a new certification is $40.

Class dates

  • Jan. 18, 2024: Shoreview Training Center, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., lunch included
  • Jan. 24, 2024: St. Cloud Training Center, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., lunch included
  • March 6, 2024: Shoreview Training Center, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., lunch included - CLASS IS FULL

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.  

Provisional certifications

For those currently holding provisional certificates, attending one of the in person classes in 2024 is require to obtain the 3 year certification. Provisional certifications can not be renewed through the E-learning option. For those looking to obtain a license for the first time, an in person class is required to obtain the 3 year certification.  

Registration

To register for the class, please fill out the online registration form. Select the Certified Landscape Specialist course. Payment can be made with a credit card. If you need another form of payment, please contact Michelle.

Class materials for those who opt to take the online course will be shipped upon payment.

MnDOT employees interested in registering for the 2024 Certified Landscape Specialist online course should do so through this form (Word). There is no cost to MnDOT employees.

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