The Vermont Certified Horticulturist program is a voluntary program to accomplish the following objectives:
1. To upgrade the professionalism of individuals in our industry, and of the landscape industry itself.
2. To increase the education and pride of horticultural employees.
3. To inform the public of increased professionalism and competence.
In order to apply for certification, an industry member must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Present a letter of recommendation from two VAPH members.
2. 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:
1. Review the code of ethics, sign them and agree to abide by them.
2. Achieve a successful score on the certification examination of at least 70% correct answers. The examination will be written and consists of 200 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 VAPH 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.
3. 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 VAPH office, P.O. Box 92, N. Ferrisburgh, VT 05473. Cost for the manuals is $50.00 for VAPH members and students and $75.00 for non-members. Checks made payable to the VAPH must accompany the order. You may also purchase the manual with a credit card.
4. A test fee of $10.00 for 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 members and $50.00 for non-members must be sent to the VAPH Office. The Board of Directors will then vote on the application. Once approved, certification notice will be sent out.
Continuing Certification
1. The Vermont Certified Horticulturist may only use this designation as long as the certification is kept current. Recertification requirements and fees must be met yearly. Contact the VAPH office for recertification instructions.
This program is administered by the VAPH. At the VAPH annual winter meeting all past year recipients will be congratulated. Certification names will be published in the VAPH annual report and membership directory and in the VCH brochure.