50th Annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition
March 18 - 21, 2026
Michigan State University
Updated 12/11/2025

Safety First

Description: A two-person team (maximum of one team per school) will demonstrate their understanding of safety in the workplace and teamwork abilities. Teams will be required to identify and correct safety hazards within the competition space. Recommended study materials will be provided by the sponsor.

Pre-Event Qualifying Test: There will be a proctor monitored online test held onsite at NCLC. The testing center will be open Tuesday, March 17 from 10 am – 10 pm and Wednesday, March 18 from 7 am – 4 pm. See the schedule for room assignments. Participants from the same school are to take the test individually but must come to the testing center at the same time. Results will be posted on Wednesday at 9 pm.

Time: The hands-on competition will consist of the top 34 two-member teams from the pre-event qualifying exam. Students will have 20 minutes for the physical safety component on Friday. Participating students can sign up for their Friday time slot on Thursday during the Event Briefing.

Limits: The sponsor reserves the right to limit the number of individuals competing based on time or physical space constraints of the campus. Schools will be able to compete based on the date their registrations were received and paid for. (Registrations that are received late or have not been paid will be placed on a waiting list.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Points: 200 possible points for the team score.

Points will be assigned based on the following criteria:

  • Correctly identifying and correcting safety hazards (100%)

Time will only be used as a tiebreaker.

Students are required to bring the following materials to the event:

  • Students are required to wear long pants and boots or close toed shoes.

Sponsor is required to supply the following materials for the event:

  • Course supplies for safety hazards, including gloves for participants
  • Copies of written exam and answer sheet with cover page
  • Sufficient number of judges and event monitors
  • Timer
  • Any other items deemed necessary for this event

For questions, please reach out to Michele Posehn ([email protected])

Study Materials and Related Documents

**Please utilize the study materials below to prepare for both the online qualifying test and the hands-on event.

Lead Sponsor: