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SCNLA Certification
Programs
Certified
Nursery
Professional
The
South Carolina Nursery & Landscape
Association began sponsoring
the SC Certified Nursery Professional Test in 1985. The test
offers
landscapers, garden center employees, growers, etc. the opportunity to
obtain the only ornamental horticulture "certification" offered in the
state. It gives the consumer a means of identifying skilled
nursery
professionals.
The test is given in two parts. The first is a written test on topics that include plant development, soils, irrigation, plant nutrition, plant propagation, pest management, nursery production, greenhouse production, turf grass installation, landscape maintenance and much more. The second phase of the test is the identification of over 120 plants. The SC Nursery & Landscape Association has developed a 450 page study manual for the test. The manual includes detailed line drawings, plant index and appendices. It also serves as a useful reference tool. This manual is offered for sale to SCNLA members and non-members. Presently there are approximately 290 ornamental horticulture industry professionals that have passed this test and are SCNLA Certified Nursery Professionals. Each year SCNLA is proud to sponsor this program for the benefit of the industry as well as the consumer. The Certified Nursery Professional test is given each year at the "SCHI" Show. An additional test site can be arranged in the summer when there are at least twenty applicants to take the test. Certified Landscape Technician The
South Carolina Nursery &
Landscape Association sponsors this
hands-on
testing program to recognize proficiency in the landscape work force,
upgrade
the status of the landscape professional, and provide the public with a
means of identifying qualified landscape professionals.
The basic core test includes safety, plan reading, sod installation, irrigation identification, grading and seeding, plant sensitivity, plant identification, and much more. Testing procedures require that the participants actually perform the required skills. Several written tests must also be passed. This program is the joint effort of the SCNLA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). This provides national recognition of the quality and standards of the test and those who pass it. A study manual for this test may be purchased from the SCNLA by members and non-members. Along with the common elements of the test listed above, there is a installation core. There are advanced specialty exams for carpentry, concrete and irrigation management. In the near future there will be a maintenance core and an irrigation core. As of
January 2009,
PLANET is transitioning to a two-year RECERTIFICATION cycle. The
continuing education and industry service needed to maintain the active
status of your PLANET certification will be measured in Continuing
Education Units (CEUs). You will be required to report 24 CEUs earned
during the two year cycle to maintain the active status of your
certification.
Recertification is a major component of a strong certification program and is considered a best practice across the certification industry. Certified individuals will be able to submit CEUs earned in any of four education and three service areas during the two-year cycle. Certified individuals may substitue up to 8 CEUs from the three Service categories or report all 24 CEUs in Education. What
qualifies as a Continuing Education Unit?
There are
specifically defined categories of Education and Service activities
that will qualify for CEUs. Learn
how continuing education units are
earned and the
documentation
required. Please keep a copy of the PLANET Recertification Requirements
information sheet handy for easy reference as training and education
opportunities occur during your recertification cycle.
How
do certified individuals report their CEUs to PLANET?
A new form
replaces the Renewal form used previously. Once a certified
individual enters the recertification cycle, they should begin tracking
the CEUs they've earned with the Continuing Education Units (CEU)
Submission Form. This IS a different form from what was used for
previous year's certification renewal. We suggest you keep the
CEU Submission Form up-to-date with the qualifying CEUs you're earning
during the recertification cycle and create a file where you keep the
supporting documentation for each CEU activity you attend over the two
year cycle.
What
programs/events have been approved for CEUs?
In
addition to
the Education and Service opportunities that are specifically mentioned
in the PLANET Recertification Requirements information sheet, certified
individuals may request pre-approval of other educational or training
programs. A list of pre-approved programs and the maximum CEUs
assigned is listed here. Refer
to this list
to plan your participation.
If you are interested in a program that has not been pre-approved and does not appear on the list, you may request a pre-approval review by submitting this information. Meeting sponsors and seminar organizers may also request pre-approval of their programs for PLANET recertification CEUs by submitting this information. Click here for the PLANET recertification requirements information sheet. Have more
questions?
Check
our Recertification
Frequently Asked
Questions. We will add
to this section regularly
so check back as often as you need to.
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