Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional

New Recertification Requirements (Effective 5/25/2020):

CNLPs must receive 6 credits in each of the following categories:

• Plants
• Environment

• Design

• Professional

One credit is equal to (1 Hour) of instruction time.

Exemption: 1 Professional CEU per day for attending a Green Industry Related Trade Show.

                    1 Professional CEU for Instructor or Teacher for the actual class – hours do not count

                    1 CEU for proper Category when preparing and research for a class- hours do not count.

Credits needs to be obtained during a 2 year cycle to maintain certification.

CEU’s may be obtained from pre-approved programs, or my submitting individual programs, with proof of attendance, for approval.

CEU Application Form can be filled out by clicking HERE and emailing it to the office.

Description of Certification Categories:

• Plants – Any program which teaches about the use, selection, culture, growing, selling, or installing of plant material.  Topics may include, but not be limited to, New Plant Introductions, Plant Growing Techniques, Pruning and Maintenance of Plants…

• Environment – Any program which teaches about cultural conditions in the landscape or in horticultural production, water use, pesticide use, fertilizer application, or soils.  Topics may include, but not be limited to Soil testing and Fertilizer Application, Water Conservation in the Landscape, Pesticide Safety, Treatment of Pest and Disease Issues in the Nursery or the Landscape

• Design – Any program that teaches about design, layout, selection, or construction of outdoor landscape elements.  Topics may include, but not be limited to, Hardscape Design or Construction, Planting Design, Plant Selection for Difficult Sites …

• Professional – Any program that discusses professional business issues that are relevant to landscape, nursery, greenhouse, or garden center businesses in New Jersey.  Topics may include, but not be limited to, Licensing and Regulations, Insurance, Estimating and Job Costing, Marketing …

  • Networking may also be considered for Professional CEU's depending on if it is in conjunction with an event, talk, class, trade show or situation where Green Industry business is being discussed and shared.

Instructing/Teaching (new in 2020)

***Preparation for teaching a class will qualify for a CNLP CEU in the category that is most appropriate, based on the content of the class.  An Instructor/Teacher will be awarded one Professional CEU for actual class.  A CNLP shall only receive CEUs for both prep and instructing one time for each class that is taught.  If a class is taught multiple times, the CNLP would only receive CEUs the first time. This policy is because CNLP CEUs are part of the certification to promote "Continuing Education", and teaching the same class does not adhere to the concept of continuing learning opportunities.  

CNLP in Good Standing

1. Has been a CNLP for 2 years
2. Has completed their CEU’s Recertification and has paid the Recertification Fee in full with in the 30 days from the date Recertification Cycle starts.
3. Has attended NJNLA/CNLP Events/Activities and/or has supported them.
4. Has completed and returned CNLP Update Sheet.
5. Has Completed and returned the CNLP Oath

CNLPs: Submitting a course for approval once you have attended:

1. The course or program must be a minimum of 30 minutes in length and cover at least one of the four recertification categories.

2. Complete the course description form, which requires the following information:

   1. Name, date, and location of the course

   2. Time and duration of the course

   3. A brief description of the program

   4. The name and brief bio of the speaker/presenter

3. Provide proof of attendance/participation.  This may include:

   1. A copy of sign in sheet

   2. A letter or email from the event host or speaker

   3. A signed CNLP attendance form by the host or speaker

4. Final course approval will be made by the CNLP committee within 30 days of submission.

Getting a course pre-approved for CNLP credits:

1. The course or program must be a minimum of 30 minutes in length and cover at least one of the four recertification categories.

2. Complete the course description form, which requires the following information:

   1. Name, date, and location of the course

   2. Time and duration of the course

   3. A brief description of the program

   4. The name and brief bio of the speaker/presenter

3. Form must be submitted to the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of the program to ensure timely credit approval.

4. Host or sponsoring organization agrees to provide proof of attendance if requested which may include:

   1. Copies of sign in rosters

   2. Certificates or letters provided to the attendees.

   3. Signing individual CNLP letters at the request of the attendees.

5. Once approved, host may post credit approvals in course advertising.  Proper format for that would be:

   1. CNLP: 1 Environment

   2. This course is approved for 2 credits towards CNLP recertification

   3. CNLP Approved