MNLA Certified Professional

Objectives and Benefits
Since 1978, the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association has sponsored a Certified Professional (CP) program for individuals in the nursery and landscape industry.  This program has evolved into the MNLA Certified Professional.

The objective of the MNLA Certified Professional program is to uphold, improve, and promote standards of professionalism and excellence within the industry.  By focusing on individuals rather than companies, the program encourages self-improvement among industry professionals. 

The certification status benefits individuals by instilling pride and confidence, bringing greater value to the nursery and landscape industry, demonstrating commitment to the nursery and landscape industry, and enhancing employability within the industry.  MNLA member businesses that employ certified nursery and landscape professionals enhance their professional image, increase customer recognition and respect, provide a consumer marketing tool, and offer an additional tool for employee motivation, evaluation, and advancement.

Requirements
Before taking the MNLA/U of M certification exam, individuals are required to accumulate either two years of study in an accredited post-secondary nursery and landscape programs that includes a structured internship, or a minimum of 2000 hours in nursery or landscape-related employment.  Signatures of an educational advisor or work supervisor are required on the exam registration form to verify completion of the prerequisite. 

Exam
The MNLA/U of M certification exam is typically offered two times each year: in January at the Minnesota Green Expo, and again in late February or early March.

The MNLA Certification Program now requires each examinee to pass a Basic Horticultural Knowledge section of the examination. This section constitutes 50% of the examination. The new program also allows the examinee to select from one of three Specializations: Garden Center, Grower, or Landscape, which constitutes the second 50% of the examination. Examinees will designate their Specialization at the time of completion of the application to take the examination.