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Virginia Certified Horticulturist Program
Re-Certification Info
Advanced Certification NEW!
To provide sound scientific horticultural advice to customers, nursery sales and landscape installation and maintenance personnel must be knowledgeable about a wide variety of horticultural subjects including plant identification and use, soils, pesticides, nutrient and water requirements, landscape design and more. A knowledgeable employee is a valuable asset to any nursery, landscape installation, or maintenance firm and recognizing their horticultural abilities and skills is what the Virginia Certified Horticulturist program is all about. (Formerly known as the "Virginia Certified Nurseryman" program.) The VCH program sponsors a statewide examination to certify those candidates who have demonstrated the basic knowledge and skills to service nursery, garden center and landscape customers. Those who pass the examination earn the privilege and honor of becoming a Virginia Certified Horticulturist. Within the nursery industry "VCH" status is well recognized among nursery employers as a mark of horticultural achievement, an ability to learn technical information and pride in being a part of the nursery industry. Many retail nursery and landscape maintenance employers encourage their personnel to become Virginia Certified Nurserymen. To the gardening public, "VCH" designation means you are qualified to offer sound advice to help them create the beautiful and healthy gardens they desire. The "VCH" status is an indicator of personal achievement. Recognition, prestige and pride in the importance of your work are other incentives for attaining certification. These factors are especially important to the employers who must be concerned with the proficiency and motivation of his employees. The VCH status also indicates continual horticultural training to employers and the public; Certified Horticulturists attend at least 30 hours of educational training per three-year certification period!
Individuals obtaining basic certification are also eligible to sit for the Advanced Exam. Advanced certification proves an even higher level of plant identification ability and general horticultural knowledge. Advanced professionals are also required to receive 10 hours of continuing education per year. (Test fee: $75.00 members; $300.00 non-members) Click here for Advanced Certification Application
Review classes to help candidates prepare for the exam are offered by many of the regional nursery associations: Contact the VNLA office or click here for a schedule of regional review classes.
The Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association gives the test each year in conjunction with the regional associations, generally in January, February or March. Certification Board Members may give the test, based on need, at other times by appointment. A complete yearly schedule can be found on the VNLA website.
Those candidates employed by a VNLA member firm who pass the examination are issued a numbered certificate and a name badge. Promotional materials are available for store displays and advertising. Non-members, who pass the examination, may list their achievement on resumes or other confidential applications, but do not receive a certificate and their badge says "non-member" in the company name space.
To qualify for recertification, at the end of the three-year certification period, you must accumulate 30 CEU's. Any horticultural related presentation is acceptable for credit. Those items not specifically listed below are credited at one credit per hour of instruction. Proof of attendance must be submitted along with your recertification application.
If CEU requirements for 3 years are not met, the Basic Test must be retaken for re-certification. For additional questions, please contact the certification committee member for your area.
See below
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