Back to Top

Professional Certifications

 

Search for Maine Certified Professionals in the Member Directory listings.

 

Members are listed by Maine Certified Landscape Professional (MCL), Maine Certified Nursery Professional (MCN), and Maine Certified Sustainable Landscaper (MCSL) (which includes further education and training in sustainable landscaping). Some MELNA members hold more than one certification.

Downloads:

Recertification Review
Recertification_Credit_Form
Reciprocity Application
Certification Application

 

Online:

ONLINE Application

 

 

 

Why Become Certified?

 

Today’s business climate has become more and more competitive. Our landscape and nursery customers, thanks to HGTV and other sources, are becoming more educated.

 

Our customers expect more from us, while trying to get more value from every dollar. They are looking for the most qualified individuals with which to spend their money. How can you prove your extraordinary level of education and expertise, and separate yourself from your competition? Become a Maine Certified Landscape or Nursery Professional!

 

The certification status benefits individuals by instilling pride and confidence, bringing greater value to the nursery and landscape industry, demonstrating commitment to the nursery and landscape industry, and enhancing employability within the industry. MELNA member businesses that employ certified nursery and landscape professionals enhance their professional image, increase customer recognition and respect, provide a consumer marketing tool, and offer an additional tool for employee motivation, evaluation, and advancement.

 

After applying to be certified, the candidate may study the materials until he is confident of his knowledge. The test consists of several components that must be completed within the 5 (five) years that the application is valid. The study manual is divided into a common section, landscape section and nursery section. Additionally, within the common section is a plant list to study. All candidates will need to pass an exam on the common section. They may choose to test in either or both of the landscape and nursery sections. All are required to take pass the identification component of 25 plants including woody and herbaceous. Finally, the candidate must complete the Maine Board of Pesticides Control Core Exam. This insures the public that the Certified Professional is aware of safety precautions necessary if non-restricted pesticides are to be used in a nursery or greenhouse business as well as knowing the licensing requirements for the use of restricted pesticides.

 

 

Today’s business climate has become more and more competitive. Our landscape and nursery customers, because of HGTV and other sources, are becoming more educated. Our customers expect more from us, while trying to get more value from every dollar. They are looking for the most qualified individuals with which to spend their money. How can you prove your extraordinary level of education and expertise, and separate yourself from your competition? Become a Maine Certified Landscape or Nursery Professional! You will be recognized by your peers as one of “the best in the field”.

 

In order to apply for certification, an industry member must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Employment in the nursery/landscape industry for a minimum of four years (active employment for 32 months) and be a MELNA member.

Or…

2. Be a graduate of a two- or four-year horticulture or related field program and have a minimum of two years of employment in the nursery/landscape industry (active employment for 16 months) and be a MELNA member.

 

In order to become a Maine Certified Professional, you must:

1. Submit a completed application. The applicant can choose among three titles: Maine Certified Nursery Professional (MCN), Maine Certified Landscape Professional (MCL), and Maine Certified Sustainable Landscaper (MCSL) and may apply for more than one.

2. Achieve a 70% or greater score on each part of the certification examination.

3. Read, sign and submit the Certification Code of Ethics.

4. Submit evidence of having passed the Maine State Pesticide Core Examination. It is not necessary to obtain a license.

5. Be a MELNA member.

 

Certification examinations are administered twice a year. The examination fee is $75.00. Certification in all titles is an additional $25.00. Should you fail to pass any section of the exam, the re-take fee is $35.00. You may take up to five years to complete all sections.

Re-certification is required every year by earning a total of six (6) maintenance credits for one title and eight (8) for both and payment of a renewal fee. The maintenance credits will be accepted upon submission of a completed maintenance credit form.