About FNGLA

FCHP

FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional

 

What is FCHP?

The FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) program is the industry's only standard for measuring horticulture knowledge on everything from plant and pest identification to landscape management.

FCHP promotes professionalism among horticulture professionals, including nursery, greenhouse, landscape and retail garden center employees. The FCHP program has been in existence since 1984 with more than 1,500 certified professionals in Florida, the southeast and the Bahamas.

Requirements

The FCHP program is designed for persons working in the horticulture industry or those studying to enter the field. Those interested in taking the FCHP exam who are unsure if they qualify should contact Merry Mott at FNGLA.

Training

Training is offered through educational courses at various locations throughout Florida, including colleges, technical education centers, UF Extension Offices and FNGLA member businesses, to aid registrants in preparing for the examination. An online course is also available.

Individual home study is permitted by reviewing FNGLA's FCHP Manual before sitting for the exam. However, taking a training course is recommended, especially for those new to the industry. See a list of FNGLA's certification training providers.

Manual

FNGLA's FCHP Manual was developed through a combined effort of practicing industry professionals, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and industry educators. It is an excellent resource and informational tool for troubleshooting and answering questions involving proper plant use, plant problems and landscape management.

Order the FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) Manual Order Manual Online or Download the Form.

The FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional Manual was updated in 2010. The 8th Edition, 7/10 update of the FCHP Manual contains the newest information on best management practices, Florida-friendly principles, fertilizer rules and irrigation efficiency. In fact, the 8th Edition, 7/10 update FCHP Manual has been endorsed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and all five water management districts.

If your manual was printed prior to 2007, you must purchase a new manual.

If you have an FCHP manual that has a copyright of 2007 - 7th Edition, you can update that manual and be current. The four chapters necessary are available below. Simply download the pdf's, print them out, and replace those chapters in your manual.

• Chapter 1 (PDF)
• Chapter 3 (PDF)
• Chapter 7 (PDF)
• References (PDF)

Testing

FCHP exams are available online for anyone with access to a high-speed internet connection.

The FCHP exam recently underwent an intensive study to determine that the knowledge measured on the exam corresponds to the requirements of a horticulturist on the job.

About the FCHP Exam

Exam Sections
Candidates must pass a comprehensive four-part online written exam to demonstrate knowledge about plant identification, disease and insect control, plant biology and landscape management.

FNGLA's FCHP exam is a 3-hour written test measuring proficiency in horticultural practices.

Each section must be passed with a minimum 70% in order to earn the FCHP certification.

• Plant ID
• Horticulture Practices
• Safety
• General Horticulture (Open Book)

Exam Fees
2013 exam fee for the 4-part written exam is $85 for FNGLA members and $150 for non-members. The exam fee is good for one exam attempt only. Any exam section that is not completed successfully may be retaken, once the applicant applies for a retest and pays a retest fee. Retest fees are $25 per section for members and $40 per section for non-members. Manuals and training sessions require additional fees.

For complete information on FNGLA's certification exam fees, see Exam Structures & Fees.

Register for FNGLA's FCHP Exam

Registration for FNGLA's FCHP exam must be completed online
Register/Apply Online

Renewal/Recertification

FNGLA's FCHP certification is valid for a three-year period. During that time, FCHPs are required to earn 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in order to renew.

If you hold more than one certification, these CEUs will apply to all certifications you hold. In the absence of the required number of CEUs, the certified professional will be required to retake the exam.

Renewal is $60 for FNGLA members and $90 for non-members for the three-year certification period.

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