CNLP Program - Updated for 2026As a Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (CNLP) in New York State, you'll join an elite group of green industry professionals dedicated to continuing their education and growing as professionals. The CNLP program advances the professional standards of the nursery, landscape and garden center industries. The designation recognizes individuals demonstrating a high level of competence in the principles and practices of this industry. CNLP Quick Links2026 Review Sessions & Examination Dates Get the latest information! CNLP Recertification Form CNLP Latest Updates Q&A:Certification Renewal ProcessIf your CNLP certification is set to expire on December 31, 2025, you should have received both a renewal notice and a recertification form in the mail. Should you require another copy of the recertification form, you may download it here. Alternatively, you can complete your recertification online using our online form. Recertification InformationYou have until March 31, 2026 to submit your paperwork to the PlantNYS Office. Re-certifications are being processed in weekly batches. If you believe your CNLP certification expires this year but did not receive a notice, please contact the PlantNYS Office for assistance. Online Profile Access IssuesWe are aware that the online CNLP profile system is currently not functioning as intended, and some CNLP holders have encountered difficulties accessing their profiles. PlantNYS is actively collaborating with our website provider to update and improve the CNLP portal. We apologize for any inconvenience and anticipate that the updated portal will be released by the end of the year. The new portal will enable professionals to review and manage their records directly through their CNLP Profile. If you need to verify your CNLP status, please reach out to the Office Team who are ready to assist you. If your CNLP certification expires on December 31, 2025 and you are unable to access your online profile—resulting in a delay to renew—you will have until March 31, 2026 to complete the process. The Office Team is available to support you in completing your renewal. Reactivating a Lapsed CNLP CertificationIf your CNLP certification has lapsed, it is possible to have it reactivated. Please contact the PlantNYS Office, and the Professional Development Committee will review your status and provide you with instructions to bring your CNLP up-to-date. Applying for CNLP Certification in 2026If you wish to pursue CNLP certification in 2026, you may apply now by using the downloadable application form or by completing the process online through our online form. Regional teams are currently working on their CNLP Review and Examination schedules, which will be posted soon. Please watch for ongoing updates about our 2026 CNLP offerings. Apply for the CNLP Program TodayStay Informed About the CNLP ProgramThis message marks the first in a series of regular CNLP Updates that will be distributed to the CNLP community. To ensure you receive all relevant information, please verify that we have your current e-mail address. Ideally, your e-mail should be a direct address rather than a general or shared account. Feel free to share these updates with colleagues who may also be interested in developing their skills and advancing their careers. Contact and AssistanceIf you have any questions about the CNLP Program or about regional offerings, please contact your Regional CNLP Coordinator. For inquiries regarding CNLP applications, recertification, or course credit verification, contact the PlantNYS Office at 518-580-4063 or email [email protected]. The Office Team is available to assist you. We look forward to serving you in 2026. Thank you, Further Assistance and Credit VerificationIf you have questions regarding the CNLP Program, exam registration, or verifying credits for recertification, please contact PlantNYS at [email protected] or call (518) 580-4063. Attention Outside Organizations/Agencies Seeking CNLP CreditsQualified nonprofit organizations and agencies can request CNLP credits for courses, workshops, and interactive programs that benefit the Green Industry and nursery/landscape professionals in New York State. We now have a simplified online form that, when completed, will provide the Professional Development/CNLP Committee with the information it needs to review and approve the request. CLICK HERE to apply for CNLP Credits for your program. Who Qualifies as a CNLP?Candidates who:
Once they've met those qualifications, they may register for the certification exam. To retain certification, CNLPs must complete a recertification exam every three years or submit preapproved education and training credits proving their ongoing education and commitment to the field. The program is exclusively administered by the New York State Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. Click here to learn more about becoming a CNLP. If you are already a CNLP, click here to learn about recertifying and becoming a Senior or Lifetime CNLP. Why Seek a CNLP for Your Project?When you make the decision to invest in landscaping and enhancing the beauty of your home, you can feel good about working with a professional who has achieved the prestigious Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional designation. Members of the nursery and landscape industry and Cornell University experts designed the program. CNLPs train in a wide range of subjects from plant pests and diseases to weeds and weed control, and much more. Because of their intense training, you can be confident that the CNLP is there to make your yard a garden paradise without the worry, leaving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space! Click here to learn more about the benefits of working with a CNLP. |