Top Lighting Training Opportunities for Lighting Businesses & Professionals (+ Certifications)
Are you looking to boost your home service business by adding lighting service or do you want to boost your lighting design or installation skills? Whether you’re a landscaper, electrical apprentice, or aspiring lighting specialist, these training options will illuminate your career path!
Certified Decorative Lighting Consultant (CDLC) Program
The Certified Decorative Lighting Consultant (CDLC) program is designed for experienced lighting designers. To apply, you must have at least 3 years as a lead designer and 2-4 portfolio projects.
The application involves:
- Registering for an online account
- Completing the application form
- Providing signed attestation forms for projects
- Signing a Code of Conduct
- Paying a $50 application fee
The certification review takes 4-6 weeks. Applicants can achieve certification, be asked for additional information, or be rejected.
Lighting Specialist Certification by the American Lighting Association
The Lighting Specialist (LS) designation is offered through the American Lighting Association (ALA) for its members. To earn the LS, members must purchase and review the Residential Lighting Training Manual, and then pass a final exam with a score of at least 80%.
The training manual covers residential lighting industry trends, technology, and design principles across 7 modules. Members can self-study or attend a 4-day in-person training course offered annually.
To maintain the LS certification, members must recertify every 2 years by earning 4 continuing education credits through ALA-approved training. The recertification fee is $40.
The Residential Lighting Training Manual can be purchased online or through the ALA.
OMNI Training from Thunder Lighting Supply
As a wholesale lighting supplier, Thunder Lighting provides training resources to help installers improve their knowledge and skills. This is perfect for beginners and experts. The OMNI training course is an 8.5-hour hands-on event.
What You’ll Learn:
- Intro to perimeter lighting
- OMNI installation processes
- Hands-on classroom training
- Using the OMNI mobile app and smart program
- Sales/estimation strategies for OMNI lighting
- Overview of other OMNI products
Lunch is provided. Contact 631-803-XMAS to register.
Basic Low Voltage Electricity for Installers
This course introduces the basics of DC electricity for low-voltage systems like electronic locks and access control. Covers electrical concepts, circuit types, tools, and hands-on practice.
What You’ll Learn:
- Identify AC vs. DC electricity
- Describe voltage, amperage, resistance
- Identify normally open/closed circuits
- Demonstrate proper tools, wire prep, and circuit building
- Use a multimeter to measure circuit properties
The hands-on classes are scheduled based on trainer availability.
Fundamentals of Landscape Lighting Design & Installation
Offered on platforms like Udemy, this course provides an excellent introduction to low-voltage garden lighting. It is perfect for beginners or those looking to enhance their existing knowledge of landscape lighting design.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand the properties of light
- Use photometric charts in selecting lights
- Layer lighting to add depth
- Basics of installing a landscape lighting design
- Explore related topics
This Course Includes:
- 3 hours of on-demand video
- 8 downloadable resources
- Access on mobile and TV
- Certificate of completion
Conclusion
There are plenty of training opportunities available, especially from brands and wholesale suppliers like Thunder Lighting Supply, who often offer free or hands-on sessions to help you succeed in the industry.
These training programs are tailored to help lighting professionals enhance their skills and grow their careers. As you build expertise, consider branching out into specialized services like holiday lighting installations. The holiday season is an ideal time to tap into this lucrative market, especially during the winter slowdown for many home service businesses.
By offering services such as Christmas light installations, lighting professionals can have additional income potential and expand their client base during one of the most festive times of the year.
