SCNLA Certification Programs

The South Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association began sponsoring the SC Certified Nursery Professional Test in 1985. The test offers landscapers, garden center employees, growers, etc. the opportunity to obtain the only ornamental horticulture "certification" offered in the state. It gives the consumer a means of identifying skilled nursery professionals.

The test is given in two parts. The first is a written test on topics that include plant development, soils, irrigation, plant nutrition, plant propagation, pest management, nursery production, greenhouse production, turf grass installation, landscape maintenance and much more. The second phase of the test is the identification of over 120 plants.

The SC Nursery & Landscape Association has developed a 450 page study manual for the test. The manual includes detailed line drawings, plant index and appendices. It also serves as a useful reference tool. This manual is offered for sale to SCNLA members and non-members.

Presently there are approximately 290 ornamental horticulture industry professionals that have passed this test and are SCNLA Certified Nursery Professionals. Each year SCNLA is proud to sponsor this program for the benefit of the industry as well as the consumer.

The Certified Nursery Professional test is given each year at the "SCHI" Show. An additional test site can be arranged in the summer when there are at least twenty applicants to take the test.

The South Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association sponsors this hands-on testing program to recognize proficiency in the landscape work force, upgrade the status of the landscape professional, and provide the public with a means of identifying qualified landscape professionals.

The basic core test includes safety, plan reading, sod installation, irrigation identification, grading and seeding, plant sensitivity, plant identification, and much more. Testing procedures require that the participants actually perform the required skills. Several written tests must also be passed.

This program is the joint effort of the SCNLA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). This provides national recognition of the quality and standards of the test and those who pass it.

A study manual for this test may be purchased from the SCNLA by members and non-members.

Along with the common elements of the test listed above, there is a installation core. There are advanced specialty exams for carpentry, concrete and irrigation management. In the near future there will be a maintenance core and an irrigation core.

As of January 2009, PLANET is transitioning to a two-year RECERTIFICATION cycle. The continuing education and industry service needed to maintain the active status of your PLANET certification will be measured in Continuing Education Units (CEUs). You will be required to report 24 CEUs earned during the two year cycle to maintain the active status of your certification.

Recertification is a major component of a strong certification program and is considered a best practice across the certification industry. Certified individuals will be able to submit CEUs earned in any of four education and three service areas during the two-year cycle. Certified individuals may substitue up to 8 CEUs from the three Service categories or report all 24 CEUs in Education.

What qualifies as a Continuing Education Unit?
There are specifically defined categories of Education and Service activities that will qualify for CEUs. Learn how continuing education units are earned and the documentation required. Please keep a copy of the PLANET Recertification Requirements information sheet handy for easy reference as training and education opportunities occur during your recertification cycle.

How do certified individuals report their CEUs to PLANET?
A new form replaces the Renewal form used previously. Once a certified individual enters the recertification cycle, they should begin tracking the CEUs they've earned with the Continuing Education Units (CEU) Submission Form. This IS a different form from what was used for previous year's certification renewal. We suggest you keep the CEU Submission Form up-to-date with the qualifying CEUs you're earning during the recertification cycle and create a file where you keep the supporting documentation for each CEU activity you attend over the two year cycle.

What programs/events have been approved for CEUs?
In addition to the Education and Service opportunities that are specifically mentioned in the PLANET Recertification Requirements information sheet, certified individuals may request pre-approval of other educational or training programs. A list of pre-approved programs and the maximum CEUs assigned is listed here. Refer to this list to plan your participation.

If you are interested in a program that has not been pre-approved and does not appear on the list, you may request a pre-approval review by submitting this information. Meeting sponsors and seminar organizers may also request pre-approval of their programs for PLANET recertification CEUs by submitting this information. Click here for the PLANET recertification requirements information sheet.

Have more questions?
Check our Recertification Frequently Asked Questions. We will add to this section regularly so check back as often as you need to.