Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional (CNLP)
Why Certify?
The CNLP Program strives to improve the professional standards of green industry businesses and professionals by promoting the continuing education and training of all nursery, landscape and garden center staff, including owners and managers.
As a CNLP in New York State, you will become one of many green industry professionals that share a common desire to maintain and improve their professional qualifications, and demonstrate their knowledge to their peers and the public.
It’s Easy to get Started…
To qualify for the CNLP Program, you should have completed three years of experience in the horticultural industry, or have graduated from a recognized 2 or 4 year college with a degree in a horticulture- related field.
The Certification Exam is offered once a year in March. Review classes are available prior to the exam and are optional. Registering with the regional chairperson for the review classes is suggested.
To register for the exam go to nysnla.com, follow the links for CNLP PROGRAMS and click on CNLP Exam Application. Fill out the form, scan and email to info@nysnla.com or fax to 518.694.4431 or mail to New York State Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. Attn: CNLP Program Coordinator, 136 Everett Road | Albany, NY 12205, with the applicable fee. You can include your credit card information on the application form or mail in a check. Be sure to list all your qualifying education/experience on your application. Applicants need to be sponsored by a current CNLP. If you don’t have a sponsor, contact the state office at info@nysnla.com or call 518-694-4430 and they will set you up with one.
You will be sent a CNLP training manual on a flash drive. The manual is updated periodically; therefore it is recommended you take the exam within one year of receiving your manual.
The date for next year’s exam has yet to be determined.
Make sure you go to NYSNLA.COM and register SOON!
The Many Benefits of Certification
Certification demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards our industry has to offer. Because earning and maintaining certification requires ongoing education, adding “CNLP” after your name shows that you are knowledgeable in your field.
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, advertising your business as employing certified personnel distinguishes you from those without such credentials.
Certification is a great credential to add to your resume to set you apart from other candidates when job searching.
Industry standards, tools of the trade and new scientific discoveries are constantly changing the way we do business. Maintaining your certification through local events like our Trade Show & Education Conference not only earns you credits for recertification, but gives you the advantage of learning new advances in our industry. Plus, you get the opportunity to network with your peers!
We’re Here to Help
If you would like more information, or need assistance getting started, feel free to call or email our regional chairperson: Liz Berkeley at Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County, email eab11@cornell.edu or phone 585-461-1000 x243. You can also contact NYSNLA at info@nysnla.com or phone 877-210-4518, fax 518-694-4431.