CNLP - What is it and Why Consult One?

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 nurserymen, 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 promoting the continuing education and training of all nursery, landscape and garden center staff, including owners and employees.

What is the purpose of the CNLP Program?

The purpose is to constantly train and upgrade the professional skills of those persons working 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.  A CNLP in New Jersey, are a member of the green industry professionals that share a common desire to maintain and improve their professional qualifications, and demonstrate their knowledge to their peers and you the public. Industry standards, tools

of the trade and new scientific discoveries are constantly changing the way we in the Green Industry do business.  Maintaining their certification through local events like Trade Shows & Education Conference not only earns them credits for recertification, but gives them the advantage of learning new advances in our industry that they can then share with you the consumer.

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 their name shows that they are knowledgeable and up to date in their field.  Also, in this increasingly competitive marketplace, a business employing certified personnel distinguishes them from those without such credentials.

What does this mean to the consumer when they visit a nursery, garden center or consult a landscaper?

It means that when you consult with a CNLP you’re asking advice and getting help from a true professional. The CNLP has undergone a complete training course and has made the commitment to become one of the “professional elite” within the industry. The 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. You can be confident that a CNLP is there to help you with their specialized skills that can make your yard and garden a true pleasure.

How do I find a CNLP?

In New Jersey most are affiliated with independent nurseries, garden centers and landscape firms. When doing business with a nursery, garden center or landscaper, ask to speak with a Certified Nursery Landscape Professional. They’ll be happy to help. Or, you can visit www.njnla.org to view CNLPs near you!

When you make the decision to invest in landscaping and enhancing the beauty of your home, you can feel good about working with a professional that has accomplished the prestigious Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional designation. The program is one of intensive, on-going education and training designed to increase the skills of nursery, garden and landscape employees. CNLPs are trained in a wide range of subjects, including plant pests and diseases, weeds and weed control, soils, fertilizer, pruning, and much more. Because of their intense training, you can be confident that the CNLP is there to help you with specialized skills that can make your yard a garden paradise without the worry, leaving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space!

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EXAM AND REVIEW 

The next Certification Exam

will be offered in January, 2025 (Exam to be administered at Total Pro Expo on 1/29/25)

To attend these courses, you must be registered. 

Contact the office for details (609-291-7070).

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