CPH Program Brochure and Application

APPLICATION OPTIONS

Apply online.
Download the CPH Application.
Download the Program brochure.

Exam Schedule

The exam is now given in-full, online. A one-week window will be offered in which to take the exam, which you may take from your office or home. You will have up to three hours, in a single sitting, to complete the exam; the exam will not be open-book. 

To register for the Basic Exam, you must first apply for admittance into the program by completing and returning the program application. To apply online, select here. Candidates must pre-register with the MNLGA office in order to be on the exam schedule.

Once enrolled in the program, you will be notified via e-mail about six weeks in advance of each testing window, with the opportunity to register for the test. Currently the exam is offered twice a year (typically April and October).

For 2021, two five-day periods will be offered. The first is from May 10th – 14th; the second is from October 11th – 15th. Candidates may take the exam any time between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on the dates offered. The test must be completed in one sitting. Examinees may take the test at a location of their choosing. The exam is not “open-book.”  Candidates will pre-register, with the MNLGA, as per usual and be given the online link and password to sign on and take the test.

Program Fees

There is a two-tiered fee structure for participants in the CPH program. Participants who are employed with companies that are not members of the MNLGA, will pay fees that are higher than fees charged to participants who are employed with MNLGA member firms. 

  MNLGA Member Non-MNLGA Member
Application Fee - Basic Program $140 $240
Three-year Renewal Fee $35 $55

 






If a third Basic CPH test is necessary in order to obtain certification, an additional fee will be charged. 

Specialist Program

The CPH Program will offers the each of the 5 Specialist exams based on interest:

  1. Advanced Plant ID
  2. Specialist Perennials
  3. Integrated Pest Management  
  4. Advanced Weeds ID

  5. Landscape Contracting

When a Specialist exam is to be scheduled it will be listed on our events page. If you are interested in taking a particular Specialist exam, and you don't see one scheduled, please reach out to [email protected] to notify us of your interest. Please specify your testing availability (e.g. Fall 2020) and the type of Specialist exam (e.g. Advanced Plant ID).  

CPH Code

The MNLGA created the Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturalist Program in order to raise the standards of professionalism and education within the State’s Green Industry.  We ask our CPHers to be mindful of their interactions amongst their peers and in the community. 

Following is recommended guidance for industry professionals: 

          To regard the nursery business as an honorable and necessary profession, and to conduct                myself and my business in such a manner as to enhance the standing of my vocation in its              public acceptance.

          To deal fairly and justly with my customers and to condemn all forms of practices which                tend to discredit the nursery industry or injure its public relations

          To strive constantly and assiduously to improve my qualifications and proficiency in the                industry and thereby merit the approbation and esteem of others.