Professional Certification

Stand out. Grow your career. Know your plants.

Whether you work in a nursery, greenhouse, or garden center, success in this industry comes down to knowledge and how confidently you can apply it. CNGA’s certification programs are designed to help you build that confidence, sharpen your expertise and set yourself apart.

Why Get Certified?

Grow your value

Certification gives you real, practical knowledge you can use every day, from plant ID and pest management to design and diagnostics.

Stand out professionally

Add credibility to your name and show employers, customers and peers that you take your work seriously. 

Advance your career

Certified professionals are often trusted with more responsibility, more opportunities and more visibility.

Build confidence

Walk into any customer interaction or jobsite knowing you have the answers, or know how to find them.

Invest in yourself

This is a credential that stays with you, wherever your career takes you.  

How It Works 

Getting certified is straightforward:

• Apply
• Take classes online or in person
• Study (optional but highly recommended)
• Take and pass the exam 

Classes and exams are offered throughout the year with both in-person and online class options available. 

Eligibility:

Applicants need 2,000 hours of industry experience with a licensed horticulture business or affiliated horticulture organization in Colorado, Wyoming or New Mexico. 

Certification Options 

Colorado Certified Nursery Professional (CCNP) 

For retail, nursery, and landscape professionals looking to master plant knowledge and customer guidance.

You’ll gain expertise in: 

• Plant identification (trees, shrubs, herbaceous)
• Landscape design basics
• Plant health, pests, and diseases
• Basic pruning, turf, and weed control

Ideal for those working directly with plants and customers.

New Mexico Certified Nursery Professional (NMCNP)

Built for professionals working in New Mexico, with region-specific knowledge layered on top of core horticulture principles.

Perfect for understanding local conditions, plants and challenges.

Certified Greenhouse Grower (CGG)

Designed for greenhouse professionals focused on production in controlled environments. 

You’ll learn:

• Plant physiology and propagation
• Water, media, and nutrition
• Climate control systems
• Pest and disease management

Great for growers looking to refine technical skills and improve crop outcomes.

Flexible Learning Options

• In-person classes
• Online courses you can complete on your schedule
• Comprehensive study manuals to guide your prep

Recertification

Stay current and keep growing. Certification is renewed every three years through continuing education, so your knowledge stays fresh and relevant. 

Fees
CCNP Live Classes -  Member / Non-Member:
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 -  Member / Non-Member:
$100 / $375; CCNP Exam Retest: $40 / $195

CCNP Study Manual: - Member / Non-Member:
$50 / $155

Ready to Get Started?

Explore Upcoming CCNP Classes  |  Download Study Tools  |   Apply Today for CCNP   |  Apply Today for CGG  |  Recertification  |  Retesting

Questions? Reach out to Debi Borden-Miller

[email protected] | 303-758-6672