Garden Designer (GD)
& Garden Designer Pro
(GD Pro) Laddering Requirements

1) Garden Designer (GD)

The Garden Designer (GD) designation is the first of three steps on the pathway to becoming a Certified Landscape Designer (CLD).

Requirements:

  • Successful completion of one (1) or more years of post-secondary education in a landscape design-related program or equivalent work-related experience.

  • Documentation of course completion and/or work-related experience to be presented for evaluation by a regional or national committee, upon request.

  • Completion of an online application.

  • Payment of a one-time $75.00 application fee.

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Note:

A Record of Garden Designers will be maintained, and no recertification is required for this designation

2) Garden Designer Pro (GD Pro)

The Garden Design Professional (GD Pro) is the second designation in the laddering program to become a Certified Landscape Designer (CLD).

Requirements:

  • 1 to 4 years of post-secondary education or equivalent work-related experience that can substitute for the educational requirements. Documentation of course completion and work experience will be presented for evaluation by a regional or national committee upon request.

  • Successful completion of all six (6) sections of the CLD written certification examination, achieving a minimum grade of 70% in each section.

  • Completion of the GD Pro CLD Exam registration form and payment of the applicable fee ($325.00 for members and $425.00 for non-members).

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Note:

To maintain this designation, GD Pros are required to recertify by submitting 24 educational units (CEUs) every two calendar years. Click here for Recertification details.

Enrolment as a Garden Designer (GD) is not a requirement to register for GD Pro.

Should a GD Pro choose to become a CLD, their registration fee FULLY covers the cost of their portfolio review.

There is a five-year time limit from receiving the first written CLD test result to completing the portfolio review. Beyond this time limit, a GD Pro is required to restart the 6 written tests or apply to earn the CLD designation through the Legacy Provision and pay the required fees for their chosen path.

The Landscape Horticulture Certification Program is a nationally recognized, industry-developed program that sets and maintains standards for the Canadian landscape industry.