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Study Guide for the Landscaping (C-27) Examination

FOR EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULED ON OR AFTER MARCH 30, 2005

Content of the Examination

The Landscaping (C-27) examination is divided into seven major sections. These sections are:

1. Landscape Design (15%)

  1. Hardscape design
  2. Drainage design
  3. Irrigation system
  4. Plant selection
  5. Mulch selection

2. Job Estimation (23%)

  1. Scope of work
  2. Time estimation and labor cost
  3. Equipment and tool selection
  4. Drainage and irrigation materials
  5. Softscape materials
  6. Hardscape materials

3. Site Preparation (13%)

  1. Drainage control
  2. Erosion control
  3. Underground piping installation
  4. Soil amendment

4. Hardscape Installation (9%)

  1. Concrete and masonry
  2. Retaining walls
  3. Landscaping edgings
  4. Fences, gates, screens, and steps
  5. Water features
  6. Electrical connections
  7. Lighting

5. Irrigation System Installation (18%)

  1. Controllers
  2. Main lines
  3. Lateral lines
  4. Drip system components

6. Plant Material Installation and Landscaping Maintenance (13%)

  1. Planting methods
  2. Water management
  3. Plant maintenance
  4. Turfgrass management

7. Job Site Safety (9%)

  1. Hazard Identification
  2. Personal protection
  3. Environmental protection

*Percentages are approximate*


Test Site Policy
This is a closed-book examination. No reference materials may be used during the examination. All materials brought to the examination site must be left in an unmonitored area at your own risk.



Test Strategy

This is a multiple-choice examination with four choices per question. Some questions require mathematical computation. Examination questions are written to provide only one BEST answer and are NOT written as trick questions.


All correct answers have equal value. If you are unsure about a particular question, it is better to try to answer the question with the chance of possibly getting it correct (and earning one point) than it is to leave the question blank and definitely get it wrong (and lose one point).


Ample time is provided to answer all examination questions, so be sure to read each question and its four choices completely and carefully before selecting the BEST possible answer to the question.



Sample Questions

The following questions are typical of the types of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.

1. When is the best time to remove thatch build up in a cool season lawn?

  1. Mid to late winter
  2. Mid to late summer
  3. Mid to late spring
  4. Mid to late fall

2. What effect does lime have when added to soil?

  1. It increases the pH
  2. It decreases the pH
  3. It increases the potassium
  4. It decreases the potassium

3. If the gpm changes from 8 gpm to 12 gpm, how would velocity be affected?

  1. Velocity will increase
  2. Velocity will remain the same
  3. Velocity will decrease by two
  4. Velocity will decrease by four

*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*


Resources

Publisher information is provided. Additional sources for purchasing materials may be available online.


Western Garden Book.
Sunset Publishing Corporation.
PHONE: (800) 777-0117.
INTERNET: www.sunset.com


Turfgrass Water Conservation.
University of California,
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
PHONE: (800) 994-8849.
FAX: (510) 643-5470.
INTERNET: anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu


Landscaping Construction.
David Sauter, Thomson Delmar Learning.
PHONE: (800) 347 7707.
FAX: (800) 487-8488.
INTERNET: www.delmarlearning.com


California Landscape Standards.
California Landscape Contractors Association.
PHONE: (916) 830-2780.
FAX: (916) 830-2788.
INTERNET: www.clca.org


Trouble Shooting Irrigation Control Systems.
Derryberry Irrigation Consulting.
PHONE: (480) 423-0542.
FAX: (480) 423-1322.
Email: billderryberry@cox.net


Tree Care Operations - Tree, Shrub, And Other Woody Plant Maintenance - Standard Practices.
ANSI/Global Engineering Documents.
PHONE: (800) 854-7179.
FAX: (303) 397-2740.
INTERNET: www.global.ihs.com

*Publisher information is current as of 11/07*

13E-27


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