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ELLI offers Landscape Lighting Design education and training that will elevate and advance lighting designers. Anyone can participate in these offerings, but they must choose whether to be certified or not in the process. Certification requires one to participate fully in all classes, which includes testing.
The education taught is provided by pre-recorded, Online Videos. ELLI has found this to be the best way to engage people regardless of location, as it allows them to block out periods of time that are most beneficial to one’s schedule. Also, participants can learn as fast as they want, as long as requirements are fulfilled.
Mark Carlson will provide mentoring to those involved in the certification process. This is an added benefit to the participant, as well as it is a means to perform quality assurance of one’s training. This will be in addition to one’s review of sectional study guides.
There are two (2) Levels of training that ELLI will provide. The first level is considered the ‘Foundational Level’ and anyone can participate in this. It applies strictly to Landscape Lighting Design. The second level is considered the ‘Advanced Level’, and only those who have completed the first level can participate in it. The goal of both training levels is to provide a distinct pathway and proficiency to be classified as effective Landscape Lighting Designers. The following describe each Level:
The Foundational Level provides three (3) Series of education: Technology, Design, and Art. Each is important to the Designer, and they establish a foundational working base for skill proficiency. Each Series includes the following classes:
Each class ranges from 40-minutes to 90-minutes in length. For those participating in the certification process, classes must be taken in the order shown. Tests or exams will be provided at the end of each section (highlighted colors). The cost to participate in classes are as follows:
| Individual Class | $ 350.00 each |
|---|---|
| Technology Series (all) | $ 3,150.00 |
| Design Series (all) | $ 3,150.00 |
| Art Series (all) | $ 2,250.00 |
| All Series (together) | $ 7,600.00 |
*Custom Package– This is only offered to Non-certified participants. This may be good for those seeking education in a casual manner to support career needs.
The Advanced Level is only offered to those who have successfully completed the complete Foundational Level, as this is the program requirement. There is no point in offering advanced level training in one cannot prove their competence at the foundational level. ELLI wishes to maintain a high-level of standard by enforcing this prerequisite; it expects participants to be “experienced” in their craft. A full listing of these classes will be provided by 2027, when the program is scheduled to launch.
Mark Carlson is the educator and mentor for both the ‘Foundational Level’ and ‘Advanced Level’ offerings. As part of ELLI certification process, each participant will be allotted personal time with Mark to discuss classes, thoughts, and problems. The goal in all of ELLI’s training is to learn, understand, and be effective (proficient). Growth and advancement occur through practice and gaining experience on job sites. To learn more about Mark’s background, please see Mark’s Bio:
For those who desire to be certified, each Series of training will include section tests. Participants will be required to pass these tests with a minimum score of 70%. Should the participant not meet this expectation, then they will have one opportunity to retake the test to pass. Should a second failure occur, then the participant can choose one of the following: to retake the entire section of training or to lose their opportunity to be certified.
Certification is only available to those planning to participate in the entire training level participating in. Once all Series classes have been taken, including the passing of each section test, then the participant can sit for the certification exam. This exam is both written and hands-on where one must “show” competency in the skills and knowledge they have learned. Although this examination will be challenging, it will set one apart from the masses and make them relevant within this profession.
