Specialty Component Summary

Exam Fees

NALP Member

Full Exam: $445*
*Includes Enrollment + ProctorU fees.

NALP Non-Member

Full Exam: $545*
*Includes Enrollment + ProctorU fees.

Softscape Installation

Specialty Summary

125 questions/135 minutes
  • Common Core
  • Softscape Plan Reading
  • Softscape Horticultural Principles
    • Cultural Requirements, Grading and Drainage Principles, Soil Amendment Methods, Planting Methods, Mulching Methods, Fertilization, Pruning Methods, Plant Preservation, Plant Removal, Minimizing Plant Erosion, Plant and Environmental Identification, Sod Installation, Mulch Application
    • Tree Planting: Preparation, Placement, Backfilling , Staking and Transplanting
    • Irrigation System Components: Basic Program Controllers, Lateral Repair, Head Adjustments
  • Equipment and Tools
    • Fertilizer Equipment
    • Skid-Steer
    • Rototiller
NOTE:  The Softscape Installation exam includes questions on plant identification and environmental sensitivities. The questions are regional-specific.

Hardscape Installation

Specialty Summary

90 questions/120 minutes
  • Common Core
  • Hardscape Plan Reading
  • Hardscape Principles and Calculations
    • Site demolition, Excavating and Grading. Knowledge of: Soil Structure, Aggregates, Paving Materials, Basic Wall Construction, Basic Landscape Carpentry Materials, Fasteners, Low voltage Lighting Standards and Regulations. 
    • Skill in Installation of: Sub-Surface Drainage systems, Base Material Compaction, Aggregate, Paving Material, Wall Material, Lighting systems, Site Amenities, Water Features.
  • Equipment and Tools
    • Chainsaw
    • Skid-Steer

Irrigation

Specialty Summary

75 questions/100 minutes
  • Common Core
  • Irrigation Plan Reading
  • Irrigation Components and Principles
    • Basic Electricity and Underground Wiring, Hydraulics, Soil Types, Controllers and Remote Control Valves, Pressure Loss, Elevation Change and PSI, Velocity and Surge, Water Delivery Methods
  • Irrigation Methods and Procedures
    • Installation of : Pipes and Fittings, Mounting and Wiring of:  Connections, Controllers and Valves.  Backfilling and Compacting, Flushing, Nuzzling and Sprinkler Head Adjustments, Electrical and Hydraulic Troubleshooting, Damaged Component Replacement and Repair, Winterizing.
  • Equipment and Tools
    • Trenchers and Pipe pulling equipment
    • Control Programming

Ornamental Maintenance

Specialty Summary

125 Questions/135 Minutes
  • Common Core
  • Irrigation Components and Principles
  • Ornamental Maintenance Horticultural Principles
    • Cultural Needs, Tree Planting, Pruning, Pest Management, Top Dressing and Mulching, Plant Protection, Growing Media, Plant and Environmental Identification, Plant Installation, Basic Program Controller, Head Adjustments
  • Ornamental Maintenance Calculations
  • Equipment and Tools
    • Chainsaw
    • Pest and Disease Equipment
    • Pruning Tools
NOTE:  The Ornamental Maintenance exam includes questions on plant identification and environmental sensitivities. The questions are regional-specific.

Turf Maintenance

Specialty Summary

90 questions/120 minutes
  • Common Core
  • Irrigation Components and Principles
  • Turfgrass Maintenance Principles
    • Sod Installation, Cultural Requirements, Watering Requirements, Pest Management, Adjusting pH, Fertility, Basic Program Controller, Head Adjustments
  • Turfgrass Maintenance Calculations
  • Equipment and Tools
    • Mowing
    • Aeration
    • Dethatching
    • Edging
    • Trimming