CNLP RECERTIFICATION

CNLPs must recertify every three years. Your “expiration date” is listed on your certificate and business card. If you are up for recertification, we will start sending reminders in the fall.

There are two ways to recertify:

Continuing Education Credits. You need a minimum of 30 credits over a three-year period. You can earn credits by participating in:

  • Education programs offered on the state and regional level (including regional education and trade shows, “Work Smarter, Not Harder” webinars, Leadership Forum and CNLP Day)
  • Any educational program that offers New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification credits (all categories)
  • International Society of Arborists (ISA) education programs
  • National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) educational programs
  • American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) educational programs
  • Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) educational programs
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticultural Education college-level horticultural programs
  • Other programs that have received approval to grant CNLP credits
  • CNLP review/training programs (as a student or teacher)
  • Education programs that you present to professionals or the public (preparation time is not included)

Networking events, such as regional chapter meetings and golf outings, and green industry trade shows, are eligible for one credit per event.

At least 20 of your 30 credits must be for educational programs.
You may now keep track of your credits online here at NYSNLA.com!

Sign into the site to access your CNLP dashboard. If you don't have a username and password, please contact us.

Open-book exam.

This is a 100-question written test based on the material in the CNLP Manual. If you choose to recertify by exam, we will mail it to you when we receive your Recertification Application and fee.

Download the Recertification application.

Become a Senior CNLP

CNLPs who have kept their certification current for at least nine years are eligible to become Senior CNLPs. You earn this status by retaking and passing the Certification Exam. The process is the same one as you went through to get certified – apply, study, take the test.

Download the Senior CNLP application.

If you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate designating you as a Senior Certified Nursery and Landscape Professionals, and you will be listed as a Senior CNLP in all state and regional directories.

If you fail the test, you will not lose your CNLP status, and you may apply to retake it.

Become a Lifetime CNLP

CNLPs who have kept their certification current for at least 24 years are eligible for Lifetime CNLP status. Lifetime CNLPs are exempt from the recertification requirement for the remainder of their careers.

If you are eligible, you may become a Lifetime CNLP for a one-time fee of $100. A handsome plaque is available for an additional $100.

Download the Lifetime CNLP application.

You do not need to be a Senior CNLP to be eligible for Lifetime CNLP status. If you are a Senior CNLP who achieves Lifetime status, you will have the designation Senior Lifetime CNLP.