Professional

Certified Nursery Professional

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 yearly, in early March, with a review class scheduled prior to the exam. Registering to become certified couldn’t be easier- just go to nysnla.com, follow the links for CNLP PROGRAMS and print the application to take the exam. Mail or fax your completed application and fee to the address on the form, and you will be registered to take the exam. A comprehensive study guide manual will be sent to you to help you prepare for the exam (and it makes a great reference book to have in your arsenal of tools!)

**Our 2014 Certification Exam and Review Dates Have Been Set! Region 5’s Certification Exam is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2-5pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County. Our pre-exam review will also be held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, on Wednesday February 26, 2-5pm  and Wednesday March 5, 2-5pm. 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 co-chairs: Jody Mills at Birchcrest Tree and Landscape, email jmills@birchcrestlandscape.com or phone 585-671-5433; or 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.