CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

Texas Certified Landscape Professional Texas Certified Nursery Professional Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional

Texas Certified Nursery Professional

Texas Certified Nursery Professional

Eligibility Requirements Exam Preparation Testing Information Register for online exam

Texas Nursery & Landscape Association certification programs are not related to any state regulated or authorized program. Certification benefits the Public, by providing a means to find reliable knowledgeable nursery/landscape professionals, the employer, by establishing the firm as professional, and THE PLACE to go for reliable information, and the employee by establishing professional credibility, enhancing value as an employee, and enhancing self esteem.

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What is the TCNP Program?

The Texas Certified Landscape Professional (TCNP) program certifies individuals in the nursery and landscape industry that possess a high degree of knowledge and skill in horticulture and the retail nursery business. Becoming a TCNP establishes you as a professional, brings you prestige, increases your value as an employee, and enhances your self-esteem.

Eligibility Requirements

An applicant must meet one of the following educational or work requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an industry related field
• Associate degree in an industry related field plus 500 hours of industry work experience within the last 2 years
• Completed 2000 cumulative hours of industry work experience within the last 2 years
• Completed 300 hours of classroom instruction in high school horticulture and 1000 hours of industry work experience

Exam Preparation

TNLA's TCNP Manual serves as the textbook for the TCNP exams. The manual was developed by Texas AgriLife Extension under the direction of TNLA's Certification Committee. In addition to being the study manual for the certification exams, the manual is also designed to be a thorough reference and problem-solving tool for a retail nursery business.

Order the TCNP Manual What's inside the Manual? Click here to view the Table of Contents. Also includes the Best of Texas Landscape Guide, Second Edition Order Online Download a pdf order form

Testing Information

TCNP exams are available online for anyone with a high speed internet connection. Exams may be taken at home, work, school, libraries, etc. On-site written examinations are no longer available as of March 2008)

Benefits of Online Exams

• 24-hour availability
• Ability to take the exam by section rather than in one sitting
• Large photos for plant identification (one closeup and one of the plant in the landscape)
• 90-day window to complete all four sections
• Ease of registration and payment

Exam Fees

Exam fee for the TCNP exam (includes all sections) is $75 for members and $150 for non-members. Re-test fees are $50 for TNLA members and $100 for non-members

To view a complete list of TNLA certification fees, click here.

TCNP Online Exam Process

1. Register for the TCNP Exams by filling out the online TCNP application and paying for the exam(s).
2. An email confirmation will be sent to you that contains your access to the TNLA certification exam site.
3. You will have 90 days from the date of registration to complete the required exams.

The TCNP certification process consists of four exams. Each exam must be passed with a minimum of 70% in order to earn the TCNP Certification. All exams must be taken before you can apply for any re-test. Exams are:

• Culture
• Merchandising
• Landscape Design
• Plant ID

What you need for the online exams

Web address, user login and password. If you already have a login to the TNLA Members' Only site you can log in and proceed with your TCNP Certification application. If you do not already have a login, you can create one from the registration page when you click the "Register for the TCNP Exam" link below.

Register for the TCNP Exam

Click here to proceed to the TCLP online application

Renewal/Recertification

The TCNP certification is valid for a 2-year period. During that time, TCNPs are required to earn 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in order to renew. If you hold more than one certification, these CEUs will apply to all certifications you hold. Renewal is $50 for TN LA members and $100 for non-members for the 2-year certification period.

Has your certification expired?

If your TCLP certification is not current and you would like to re-activate it, click here to download a re-instatement form.

Click here for additional information regarding Continuing Education Units.