Requirements and Forms
In order to apply for certification, an industry member must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Present a letter of recommendation from two VNLA members.
- Six (6) years of full-time* nursery (nursery, greenhouse, garden center, landscape, etc.) employment or three (3) years of full-time nursery employment and post-secondary related school education (minimum of two (2) years of the latter) or one (1) year of full-time nursery employment and a bachelor’s degree in a horticulture related field.
* Full-time employment is defined as a full growing season (spring to fall).
To become a Vermont Certified Horticulturist, you must:
- Review the code of ethics, sign it and agree to abide by it.
- Achieve a successful score on the certification examination of at least 70% correct answers. The examination will be written and consists of 100 questions, each worth one point. Some of the questions will involve plant identification. Exams can only be taken by candidates that meet the above eligibility requirements. Exams will be given at the VNLA annual winter meeting and summer meeting, or by appointment with Dr. Leonard Perry, Department of Plant & Soil Sciences, University of Vermont, Hills Building, Burlington, VT 05405; 802-656-0479.
- Certification examinations will be based on the Massachusetts Nursery Training Manual with some modifications that have been made for Vermont. Vermont manuals may be obtained from the VNLA office, P.O. Box 92, N. Ferrisburgh, VT 05473. Cost for the manuals is $50.00 for VNLA members and students and $75.00 for non-members. Checks made payable to the VNLA must accompany the order. You may also purchase the manual with a credit card.
- A test fee of $10.00 for VNLA members and $25.00 for non-members must be paid at the time of testing. All people who pass the exam will be notified by mail and/or email. A VCH Application, signed Code of Ethics, and a processing fee of $35.00 for VNLA members and $50.00 for non-members must be sent to the VNLA Office. The Board of Directors will then vote on the application. Once approved, certification notice will be sent out.
Code of Ethics
A VCH will promote the highest ethical standards in the conduct of horticultural enterprise(s).
A VCH will make continued efforts to learn more about horticulture and improve skills therein.
A VCH agrees that, should my certification not be renewed or ever be revoked for any reason, they will not display any distinguishing emblems or titles or in any manner whatsoever imply that they are a “Vermont Certified Horticulturist.”
A VCH understands that Certification is granted by the nursery industry as recognition of knowledge and achievement for those who voluntarily qualify and is no way mandatory. They understand that, upon Certification, they are entitled to call themselves a “Vermont Certified Horticulturist” and use VCH initials after their name.