CNLP – WHAT & WHY?
What is the Certified Nursery Landscape Professional Program?
The Certified Nursery Landscape Professional (CNLP) program is an on-going educational program designed to increase the skills of nurseries, garden center and landscape employees throughout New Jersey. The Program is administered by the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association. The CNLP program strives to improve the professional standards of green industry businesses and professionals by giving special recognition to individuals demonstrating a high level of competence in the principles and practices of this industry. NJNLA promotes the continuing education and training of all nursery, landscape and garden center staff, including owners and employees alike. We strive to have this high level of attainment recognized by the gardening public as well as within the industry. Q. WHY AND NOW? A. In this highly competitive business being a CNLP will give you the tools you need to rise above the rest and make your business stand out.
What is the purpose of the CNLP Program?
The main purpose of certifying a nursery and landscape professional is to give clients access to industry backed advice that stays current with landscaping protocol. Lawn owners with difficult maintenance issues can consult certified professionals who treat lawn problems with the respect that comes from extensive training. A CNLP has to constantly train and upgrade their professional skills to help consumers in the green industry. To reach the distinction of Certified Nursery Landscape Professional, an applicant must have had extensive on-the-job experience and then must pass a rigorous written examination that can only be passed with hard study and training. As a Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (CNLP) in New Jersey, you will become one of an elite group of 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. 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!
A CNLP certification is a great credential to add to your resume to set you apart from other candidates when job searching.
What does this mean to the consumer when they visit a nursery, garden center or consult a landscaper?
It means that when the consumer consults with a CNLP they are asking advice and getting help from a true professional. As a CNLP you have undergone a complete training course and have made the commitment to become one of the “professional elite” within the industry. A CNLP isn’t a person who may have worked in the cosmetics section of the store last week and got moved to the garden section this week. The consumer can be confident that as a CNLP you are there to help them with your specialized skills that can make their yard and garden a true pleasure.
Why get certified?
This 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. Also, in this increasingly competitive marketplace, advertising your business as employing certified personnel distinguishes you from those without such credentials. You will increase your knowledge of horticulture and you may cite your CNLA Certification on resumes, business cards; vehicles, etc. to demonstrate your high professional standards. Horticulture businesses, such as nurseries, garden centers, landscape maintenance companies and landscape instillation companies, send their employees to the CNLP Review and Tests to make them more knowledgeable and effective for their business. The CNLP program was established to provide a professional educational opportunity for ‘Green Industry’ professionals.
How do I get started on becoming a CNLP?
To see if you qualify for the CNLP Program, you can go to www.njnla.org or by calling the NJNLA office at 609-291-7070 and request an application. 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.
