CNLP Program - 2027 Updates Coming Soon! 

As a Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (CNLP) in New York State, you'll join an elite group of green industry professionals dedicated to continuing their education and growing as professionals. The CNLP program advances the professional standards of the nursery, landscape and garden center industries. The designation recognizes individuals demonstrating a high level of competence in the principles and practices of this industry.

CNLP Latest Updates Q&A:

Who Qualifies as a CNLP?

Candidates who:

  • Have graduated from a recognized two- or four-year college with a degree in a horticulture-related field, or
  • Have completed a minimum of three years of experience in the horticulture industry

Once they've met those qualifications, they may register for the certification exam.

To retain certification, CNLPs must complete a recertification exam every three years or submit preapproved education and training credits proving their ongoing education and commitment to the field. The program is exclusively administered by the New York State Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.

Click here to learn more about becoming a CNLP.

Certification Renewal Process & FAQ

If your CNLP certification is set to expire on December 31, 2026, you should have received both a renewal notice and a recertification form in the mail. 

  • You have until March 31, 2027 to submit your paperwork to the PlantNYS Office. Re-certifications are being processed in weekly batches. 
  • If you believe your CNLP certification expires this year but did not receive a notice, please contact the PlantNYS Office for assistance.

If you are already a CNLP, click here to learn about recertifying and becoming a Senior or Lifetime CNLP.

Online Profile Access Issues

We are aware that the online CNLP profile system is currently not functioning as intended, and some CNLP holders have encountered difficulties accessing their profiles. PlantNYS is actively collaborating with our website provider to update and improve the CNLP portal. We apologize for any inconvenience and anticipate that the updated portal will be released by the end of the year. The new portal will enable professionals to review and manage their records directly through their CNLP Profile.

If you need to verify your CNLP status, please reach out to the Office Team who are ready to assist you.

Reactivating a Lapsed CNLP Certification

If your CNLP certification has lapsed, it is possible to have it reactivated. Please contact the PlantNYS Office, and the Professional Development Committee will review your status and provide you with instructions to bring your CNLP up-to-date.

Stay Informed About the CNLP Program

This message marks the first in a series of regular CNLP Updates that will be distributed to the CNLP community. To ensure you receive all relevant information, please verify that we have your current e-mail address. Ideally, your e-mail should be a direct address rather than a general or shared account. Feel free to share these updates with colleagues who may also be interested in developing their skills and advancing their careers.

Contact and Assistance

If you have any questions about the CNLP Program or about regional offerings, please contact your Regional CNLP Coordinator. For inquiries regarding CNLP applications, recertification, or course credit verification, contact the PlantNYS Office at 518-580-4063 or email [email protected]. The Office Team is available to assist you.

We look forward to serving you in 2026.

Thank you,
Dannielle Carr, Lifetime CNLP
Beth Fry, Senior Lifetime CNLP
Professional Development Committee & CNLP Program Co-Chairs

Further Assistance and Credit Verification

If you have questions regarding the CNLP Program, exam registration, or verifying credits for recertification, please contact PlantNYS at [email protected] or call (518) 580-4063.