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Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (CNLP) Program

Raising the Standards

The Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (CNLP) program recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge and commitment to the nursery, landscape, and horticulture industries. The title of CNLP is an indicator of a high level of competence in the principles and practices of the green industry. Administered by PlantNYS, the program supports professional development, promotes industry knowledge, and helps connect New Yorkers with knowledgeable green industry professionals.

Our Mission: The CNLP program is designed to promote and encourage the education and training of employees. It encourages and promotes continuing education and training of all nursery, landscape, and garden center staff, including owners and managers. Most important, as one collective group, we strive to have this high level of attainment recognized by the gardening public as well as within the industry. 

The CNLP Program is an intensive, ongoing educational program designed to increase the skills of garden and landscape employees. The program was designed by members of the nursery and landscape industry with assistance from Cornell University.

Whether you're considering certification, looking to advance your career, or searching for a professional to help bring your landscape to life, the CNLP program is a great place to start.

Who is a CNLP? 
Why Become a CNLP? 
Why Hire a CNLP? 
Certification Is Just the Beginning
Grow With PlantNYS

Who is a CNLP?

CNLPs are individuals who have persued professional certification to demonstrate knowledge of plants, practices, and principles that support successful horticulture and landscaping. CNLPs are trained in a wide range of subjects, including plant pests and diseases, weeds and weed control, soils, fertilizer, pruning, and much more.

You can find Certified Nursery and Landscape Professionals across the green industry, including: 

  • Garden and Retail Centers
  • Landscape Design / Build Contractors
  • Landscape Architects and Designers
  • Educators and Researchers
  • Wholesale Nursery Growers

CNLPs are often active in their local communities as environmental stewards of the community landscape. With convenient access to landscape materials and volunteer help, they have and will continue to play and instrumental role in improving the environment, public open spaces/greenways, and the overall quality of life in communities across New York State. 

Only those who are graduates of a recognized two-year or four-year college with a degree in the horticulture field, or those who have completed four years of experience in the industry, are eligible to apply for certification. To receive that certification, they must pass a rigorous examination. In addition, CNLPs are constantly being retrained and tested in order to keep their certification.

Why Become a CNLP? 

Invest in your knowledge. Grow your career. Stand out in your field.
Whether you're beginning your career or bringing years of experience to the industry, becoming a CNLP is an opportunity to strengthen your expertise and demonstrate your commitment to your profession.

Build your horticultural knowledge.
Develop a stronger understanding of plants, their growing requirements, and the principles behind successful planting and landscape care.

Demonstrate your professionalism.
Show employers, customers, and colleagues that you value industry knowledge and take your professional responsibilities seriously.

Strengthen customer confidence.
Certification gives customers another reason to feel confident seeking your advice and working with you on their horticultural and landscaping projects.

Invest in your professional growth.
The certification process provides an opportunity to expand your knowledge, identify areas for further learning, and continue developing your skills.

Connect with your industry.
PlantNYS offers opportunities to engage with fellow professionals, participate in educational programs, and stay connected to New York's nursery and landscape community.
Whether your work involves a garden center, nursery production, landscape design, installation, maintenance, or another area of horticulture, CNLP certification can be a meaningful step in your professional journey.

Ready to take the next step?
Learn about certification requirements, applications, study materials, review sessions, and exams.

Why Hire a CNLP? 

Choosing plants and caring for a landscape involves more than good taste. Understanding plant selection, growing conditions, planting techniques, and ongoing care can make a meaningful difference in the success of a project. 

When you consult with a CNLP, you're getting advice from a true professional. The CNLP isn't a person who may have worked in the cosmetics department of the store last week and transferred to the garden department this week. Certified Nursery & Landscape Professionals are committed to the industry through the rigorous training the CNLP Program provides.

  • Make informed plant choices. 

    A knowledgeable professional can help you select plants suited to your site, growing conditions, and goals.

  • Get guidance grounded in horticultural knowledge. From planting and establishment to ongoing maintenance, a CNLP can help you understand the practices that support healthy plants and attractive landscapes.

  • Make the most of your investment. Thoughtful plant selection, proper installation, and appropriate care can help you avoid common mistakes and support the long-term success of your landscape.

  • Support businesses that invest in their people. When you choose a company that employs CNLPs, you're supporting businesses that value professional development and invest in their employees' ongoing training and education. That commitment helps strengthen the knowledge and skills professionals bring to their work and reflects an investment in the quality of service they provide.

  • Bring your vision to life. Whether you're planning a new garden, improving an existing landscape, or choosing trees and shrubs for your property, a knowledgeable professional can help you make decisions that fit your needs.

Every property and project is different. 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 it!

Looking for a knowledgable nursery or landscape professional? 

Ask your garden center or landscape firm if they employ Certified Nursery & Landscape Professionals, or call the PlantNYS at (518) 580-4063. There are hundreds of CNLPs throughout New York state.

Certification Is Just the Beginning

Professional knowledge continues to grow, just as the plants and landscapes we care for do.

PlantNYS supports CNLPs in maintaining their certification and continuing their professional development through recertification and continuing education opportunities. Certified professionals can also explore Senior and Lifetime CNLP designations, subject to applicable program requirements.

Whether you're preparing for your first certification exam or maintaining a credential you've held for years, PlantNYS is here to help you navigate the program.

Already a CNLP?

Find the information you need to maintain your certification and continue your professional journey.

Recertification & Continuing Education

Grow with PlantNYS

The CNLP program is part of PlantNYS's broader commitment to supporting New York's nursery, landscape, and horticulture industries through education, professional development, and connections among industry professionals.

We invite you to explore the program, take the next step in your career, or connect with a CNLP for your next landscaping or horticultural project.

Whether you're growing your career or growing your landscape, start with CNLP.

Explore Certification

Questions about the CNLP program? Contact PlantNYS for assistance.