This research analyzes the proficiency improvement of gardening skills by measuring 30 examinees’ time required to complete each practical test tasks in the Grade 2 Landscape Gardening Exam. The examinees are comprised of four college students in 2006, seven college students in 2007, seven college students in 2008 and 12 unspecialized students in the open college course. The findings of this research are threefold. 1. After four test experiences, all the examinees reach to the level to complete the test before the timeout. 2. The degree of proficiency improvement varies in the type of skills. The examinees succeed in reducing their working time beyond the standard time limit in the following six tasks; “Setting up of Posts for Bamboo Fence”, “Installation of Natural Stones”, “Installation of Stepping Stones”, “Tree Supports”, “Planting” and“Ground Leveling”. Meanwhile, the examinees' speed performances are less improved in the following five tasks; “Setting Horizontal Braces for Bamboo Fence”, “Banding Vertical Members Together for Bamboo Fence”, “Karami-musubi (traditional quick and simplified tie) for Bamboo Fence”, Curbing” and“Flat Stone Paving”. 3. More than three times of test experiences fill the technical gaps between college students and unspecialized students.
