Various Green Industry associations offer certification programs to enhance and support the level of professionalism among members. Most of these certification programs require the individual to pass an initial comprehensive examination that tests basic horticultural knowledge as well as specific competency in subject matter and skills relative to the profession. Certified professionals must continue to improve their levels of knowledge and skills in order to remain certified. Recertification typically requires an accumulation of a specified number of credits by way of course work, seminars and educational programs.
Professional associations offering certification programs include:
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Certification: ISA Certified Arborist
Contact: (217) 355-9411
https://www.isa-arbor.com
Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals (MLP)
Certification: Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional (MCLP)
Contact: Aley Botelho, Certification Manager (508) 653-3373
https://mlp-mclp.org
Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA)
Certification: Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist
Contact: Rena Sumner, Executive Director (413) 369-4731
https://www.mnla.com
Massachusetts Arborists Association (MAA)
Certification: Massachusetts Certified Arborist
Contact: Dianne B. McCulley, Certification Coordinator (508) 653-3320
https://massarbor.org
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
Certification: Accredited Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP)
Contact: NOFA (203) 888-5146
https://nofa.org