Online ColoradoScaping™ Certification For landscape industry professionals, including ALCC members

What is the ColoradoScaping™ Certification?

The ColoradoScaping™ Certification is a two-part program designed to provide in-depth, applied horticultural training tailored specifically to Colorado’s landscape needs. The ColoradoScaping™ Certification goes beyond theory, equipping professionals with the expertise to save clients money on rising water costs, reduce water consumption and plant attrition, and design resilient landscapes that thrive in Colorado’s unique climate. Through 20 hours of online coursework combined with 15 hours of hands-on training and testing, participants demonstrate measurable skills in irrigation efficiency, plant selection, soil health, and sustainable installation practices.

What skills will I gain by pursuing the ColoradoScaping™ Certification?

Upon successful completion of the online and hands-on training program, participants will be equipped to:

• Apply Colorado-specific horticultural best practices for sustainable landscapes.
• Understand and apply basic botany for the purposes of plant identification related to installation and maintenance strategies.
• Demonstrate practical skills necessary for planting, installation, and maintenance of ColoradoScapes.
• Identify and compare appropriate irrigation methods, including retrofitting options, for Colorado landscapes and have an understanding of specific trainings available for contractors.
• Understand the characteristics and commercial availability of landscape plants, including natives, adapted and ignition-resistant categories, in Colorado that are well suited for sustainable landscapes to ensure that plants thrive.
• Reconcile the intersection of landscape designs with the reality of install/maintenance and plant health.
• Understand and apply adaptive maintenance practices of plant species, cultivars, and landscape types/design intent.

What are the ColoradoScaping™ Certification Requirements?

To achieve certification, participants must complete the following:

PART 1 - Online Courses: Complete all four online courses demonstrated by passing the quiz at the end of each course with a score of 70% or higher. You will have up to three attempts to complete each quiz. Completion of the four online courses (Part 1) is required before becoming eligible to take Part 2.

PART 2 - In-Person Workshop: Attend and successfully complete the 2-day hands-on training to apply what they learn from the online courses. Registration and payment for the in-person workshop is completed through ALCC. You must complete all four courses in Part 1 before being eligible to take the in-person workshop. Please keep in mind, the in-person workshop registration fee is separate from the online training registration fee and is open to ALCC members ($650) and non-ALCC members ($900). Once you complete Part 1, you will receive communication from CSU Extension and ALCC about registration for the in-person workshop. The initial in-person workshop is planned for summer 2026 (exact date TBD).

Following completion of both components, participants must pass a comprehensive exam to earn the CSU and ALCC official certification, which can be used to market your skills and services.

Who should sign up for the ColoradoScaping™ Certification?

The ColoradoScaping™ Certification is an advanced credential designed for all landscape professionals with 1-3 years of experience. In addition, professionals in or adjacent to the landscape industry, including municipalities and water providers, are encouraged to participate in the online courses.

Why Should Contractors and Businesses Pursue Certification?

The ColoradoScaping™ Certification offers the most up-to-date, Colorado-specific information to help businesses and client achieve their landscaping goals wherever you live and work in the state. The certification is practical - meaning the information is immediately useful and designed to support landscape professionals in their day-to-day decision making. The goal is immediate impact through ah-ha moments allowing landscape professions to use skills learned in the course in real-time.

What Sets This Program Apart?

In the face of increasing water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, ColoradoScaping™ provides practical solutions for achieving long-term landscape sustainability. By teaching landscape professionals how to reduce outdoor water consumption and implement best practices tailored to Colorado’s unique ecosystem, this certification empowers people to transform outdoor spaces into sustainable, environmentally-conscious landscapes.

This program is more than just a certification; it's a commitment to creating a healthier environment while setting your business apart in the industry. Join us in shaping a resilient, sustainable future for Colorado landscapes.

What Are the Benefits of Pursuing Certification?

By becoming ColoradoScaping™-certified, professionals gain access to resources that highlight their advanced knowledge and skills. Benefits include:

• Marketing Opportunities: Certified professionals can promote their credentials to homeowners, HOAs, municipalities, and other clients, highlighting their ability to deliver sustainable, resilient landscapes.
• Industry Recognition: Certification from trusted organizations—CSU and ALCC—sets participants apart in Colorado’s competitive landscaping market.
• Ongoing Support: Certified professionals can access horticultural and landscaping resources from CSU Extension and ALCC, including continuing education opportunities and statewide networking connections.