Professional Certification
Putting you ahead of your competitors!

Managing or working in a nursery, garden center or greenhouse requires an in-depth knowledge and understanding of plant growth and development, propagation and pruning, media, disease and insect control. CNGAs' certification programs were designed to meet this need and elevate professional standards throughout our industry.

Our certification programs help ensure our industry professionals are trained and ready to provide the high quality service and support our customers expect from our members.

Certification Benefits
For employers, certification provides your team members with the knowledge and tools to further extend their value to you and your customers. Certified employees help your business stand out and show your customers that you value their business and want to be of the best possible service to them.

By formalizing their training, employees demonstrate their commitment to the industry and gain professional credibility that stays with them throughout their career.

How To Become Certified
To obtain any of the certifications below, you must complete an exam application, register for the exam and pass the exam. Training classes and exams are offered throughout the year., including ProGreen EXPO. Please check the Events section of this website for dates or contact CNGA for details. Study manuals are recommended and can help you prepare for and pass the exam. Purchase study manuals here.

Eligibility: You must have at least 2,000 hours of verifiable employment with a Colorado licensed nursery, garden center, greenhouse, contractor, allied industry, or be a member of a green industry association in Colorado or neighboring Rocky Mountain state. You document this information by completing the exam application. 

Training Classes: For upcoming dates and locations, and to register, please go to the Event Calendar. Online classes are also available, see below for details.

Questions: Please contact Debi Borden-Miller, [email protected], 303-758-6672.

The Colorado Certified Nursery Professional (CCNP) CCNP Seal
Managing or working in a nursery requires an in-depth knowledge of plant physiology, entomology, weed control, turf management, pruning, plant identification, landscape design, and disease control. To prepare for the exam, attending/viewing the four CCNP classes is highly recommended. Three classes cover extensive plant identification for herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees and one class covers basic landscape design. Classes are available in both a live, classroom format and online.

A CCNP manual is available and serves as a useful study guide for those who plan to take the exam. The manual is a comprehensive book on aspects of nursery management and production. 

To learn more about the CCNP, click here.

Fees
CCNP Live Classes -  Member/NonMember
Herbaceous Plants:  $50/$130
Trees: $50/$130
Shrubs: $50/$130
Landscape Design: $50/$130

CCNP Online Course (includes all four classes above): $200/$500

CCNP Exam: $100/$375; CCNP Exam Retest: $40/$195
CCNP Study Manual: $50/$155

The New Mexico Certified Nursery Professional (NMCNP) 
In addition to general horticulture practices, this certification concentrates on information that is specific to New Mexico. Managing or working in a New Mexican nursery requires a well rounded knowledge of plant physiology, entomology, weed control, turf management, pruning, plant identification, landscape design, and disease control. 

A NMCNP manual is available and serves as a useful study guide for those who plan to take the exam. The manual is a comprehensive book on aspects of nursery management and production. 

To learn more about the NMCNP, click here.

Colorado Greenhouse Grower (CGG)
Managing and working in a greenhouse requires a diverse knowledge of plants, water usage, pests, chemicals, climate control, propagation and diseases. The CGG classes* provide comprehensive information on the topics below. CGG Logo 

  • Botany & Plant Physiology
  • Water, Media & Nutrition
  • Greenhouse Heating & Cooling 
  • Plant Propagation
  • Greenhouse Pests
  • Greenhouse Diseases

A CGG manual is available and serves as a useful study guide for those who plan to take the exam. The manual is a comprehensive book on aspects of greenhouse production. Prior to taking the CGG exam, all six classes must be taken, either in the classroom at the annual ProGreen conference or online.  

To learn more about CGG, please read the informational flyer.

Fees
CGG Live Classes -  only offered at ProGreen EXPO each year, requires appropriate ProGreen pass
CGG Online Course - $125/$200 (includes all six classes listed above)

CGG Exam: $65/$95; CGG Exam Retest: $40/$60
CGG Study Manual: $50/$155

How To Recertify 
To keep your CCNP, NMCNP or CGG certification valid, recertification is required every three years. The purpose of recertification is to encourage you to continue your education and professional growth. A recertification application must be completed along with payment of $50 (CNGA members/ $100 (nonmembers). Click here for the online application or download the PDF version.