Title: MnDOT Landscape Specialist Certification
Alternate Title:
Description: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Subject: Landscape Professionals
Landscape Specialists
Landscapers
Creation Date: 9/11/2008 2:15:09 PM
Modification Date: 8/7/2026 8:07:36 AM
Agency Name: Transportation (MnDOT), Minnesota Department of
Agency URL: http://www.dot.state.mn.us
Agency Description:
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) provides a balanced transportation system. Responsible areas include aeronautics, highways, motor carriers, ports, public transit, railroads and pipelines.
Agency Phone: 800-657-3774
800-627-3529
Agency Fax: Agency URL: http://www.dot.state.mn.us
Agency Address: Transportation (MnDOT), Minnesota Department of
395 John Ireland Blvd.
St. Paul
MN 55155-1899
Division Name: Office of Environmental Stewardship
Division URL:
Division Description:
Division Phone: Division Fax: Division URL:
Division Address:
395 John Ireland Blvd., MS 620
St. Pau
MN 55155
Audience: Hold
Application URL:
Renewal URL:
Versa URL:
Requirements:
MnDOT Standard Specifications for Plant Installation (2571) requires landscape contractors performing work in MnDOT right of way have a Certified Landscape Specialist on the project site at all times to perform or directly supervise plant installation and establishment. Other government agencies may also require this certification. It is recommended that MnDOT and other agency or consultant inspectors become Certified Landscape Specialists when assigned landscape construction projects to help assure compliance of Spec 2571. Certification is achieved by participating in MnDOT classes and successfully passing MnDOT’s certification exam. Certification is valid for three years.
2026 MnDOT Certified Landscape Specialist Training Classes
New certification
For those seeking to be certified for the first time, it is required to attend an in-person class. Upon completion of the class, participants must successfully pass an online exam to achieve a three-year certification. All in-person classes have concluded for the season. If a new certification is needed for work in 2026, a provisional certification can be obtained by registering for the E-learning course.
Landscape Specialists who currently have a one-year provisional license will need to attend an in-person class and successfully pass the exam in 2026 to receive a non-provisional three-year Landscape Specialist Certification. Provisional certifications can not be renewed.
The cost for certification is $40.
Class dates for 2027
- Jan. 28, 2027: Shoreview Training Center, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., lunch included
- Feb.11, 2027: Shoreview Training Center, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., lunch included
- Feb. 25, 2027: St. Cloud Training Center, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., lunch included
- E-Learning for renewals will be available after February 1, 2027. Materials will be sent at that time.
Recertification
Those seeking to renew their certification may attend an in-person class or complete the series of E-learning modules and successfully pass an online exam. Recertification is for three years. The cost is $40.
Registration
Registration for the in-person and E-Learning classes is available. Please use the online form if you would like to pay electronically. Payments may be made by checking/savings or credit/debit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA).
Please note: US Bank charges a separate service fee for all credit/debit card transactions. No service fee will apply to electronic check.
You may also download the registration form and send it along with a check. Follow the form for mailing instructions.
MnDOT employees may register themselves by emailing this form to Chris Ochs. There is no fee for employees.
Rules:
Statutes:
Forms:
Resources and forms
Fees:
Provisional one-year certificate - $15
Recertification - $40
Period of Issuance:
Certification and re-certification is valid for three years.
Length of Determination:
Other Info:
Activity: Roads and Highways
Landscape
License Detail URL:
Certified Landscape Specialist Training
Roadside Vegetation Management
MnDOT certified landscape specialists
