CPP Relaunch: What You Need to Know

CPP Relaunch:

What You Need to Know

By Katie Rodrigues

NCNLA Director of Meetings and Education

Many of you may have heard recent rumblings about the relaunch of the North Carolina Certified Plant Professional (CPP) program via your peers, through an email from NCNLA or at the CPP booth at Green & Growin’ 22. And perhaps you’ve been wondering: What is the CPP program, how can I get certified, and what does the relaunch mean for me? Here’s what you need to know.

What is the CPP Program?

NCNLA developed the CPP program to identify individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to succeed in this industry, and to encourage continuing education (CE) and training of all nursery-related industry employees—including owners and managers. Recognized for their designation by industry leaders and the gardening public, CPPs must be knowledgeable in a wide variety of horticultural subjects, including plant identification, soils, fertilization, turfgrass management, proper planting techniques, landscape design and more. items. The test contains photos of the selected items to be identified— live plants will not be used. NCNLA is following in the direction of the NCLCLB with photo identification. This allows us to offer a consistent exam throughout the year.

What Do the Renewal Requirements Mean for Me?

CPPs are subject to renewal at twoyear intervals. At time of renewal, the individual will need to submit a renewal application indicating completion of the required CE requirements, plus a $100 renewal fee.

First Renewal:

For your first CPP designation renewal, CE requirements are waived. For approval of all future renewals, proof of completion of CE units will be required.

CE Requirements:

Since the green industry is an ever-evolving field with frequent technological and other innovations, keeping up to date with CE is essential.

Ten hours of CE within a given two-year renewal period are required. Any course provided by NCNLA, as well as all courses accredited by any of the North Carolina horticulture industry boards, will qualify to meet CPP CE requirements. For example, if the North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board has approved an

What is the Purpose of the CPP Relaunch?

The CPP program has been under review by NCNLA over the past two years, with the goal of relaunching a more streamlined and beneficial program within the industry. This relaunch has introduced new standards for sitting for the exam, as well as updated renewal requirements.

What Are the Application Prerequisites?

Before sitting for the CPP exam, applicants must complete a CPP application, submit two completed professional reference forms from industry individuals who can attest to the candidate’s professional experience and qualifications, and meet any of the following criteria: • An associate or bachelor’s degree, or current enrollment at a postsecondary education institution

OR • Two years of experience in the green industry or with an industry-related supplier of products or services (which encompasses any individual, partnership, limited liability company, association or corporation engaged or employed in the sale, production, handling, storage, use design, planting or maintenance of horticultural or environmental plants or accessories, including educators and other nursery and landscape professionals)

What’s on the CPP Exam?

To become a CPP, the applicant must pass both the written exam and plant identification exam, scoring at least 70% on each. • Written Exam: This portion consists of 100 multiple-choice and true-false questions—there are no essay questions.

• Plant Identification Exam: This portion requires participants to identify 125 selected plants, diseases or insects from the designated list of 298