Utah Nursery & Landscape Association Logo

UCNP Program Description
On your path to professionalism in the horticulture industry, the Utah Certified Nursery Professional (UCNP) program certifies that individuals demonstrate minimum levels of experience, education, and working knowledge in the green industry. It places you in an elite class and is advantageous in seeking employment. Horticulture/green industry employers give a great deal of credit for the efforts taken to pass the UCNP exam. The UCNP exam demonstrates your understanding of a wide variety of horticulture knowledge and skills to competently serve in the horticulture/green industry.
The certification committee of the UNLA has set in motion new guidelines for certification and CEUs (Continuing Education Units/Credits). The guidelines will have new requirements and an application and commitment agreement. The testing fee structure will change as well as the guidelines for University certifications. 

To be a candidate for UCNP testing and certification and to stay UCNP certified you must:

  1. Successfully completed the UCNP Examination and pass with 80% Written Test and 70% Plant ID Test.
  2. Be the owner or officer of a nursery firm; or have been employed by a UNLA member firm for at least one year. Or, be a member of a UNLA firm or individual member and have successfully completed two full years of classroom study in a recognized college-level horticulture program.
  3. Pledge in writing to stay current in membership dues, and that should their certificate ever be revoked for whatever reason they will not display any distinguising emblems, title or in any manner whatsoever imply that they are a Utah Certified Nursery Professional. 

UCNP CEUs can be obtained at the following events the UNLA has planned now and throughout the coming year:

  • The Utah Green Industry Conference and Trade Show in January at the South Towne Expo
  • Garden Center – Greenhouse Tour in conjunction with the conference
  • The Southern Utah Green Industry Conference and Trade Show in St George this November
  • Southern Utah Field Day Event
  • Lagoon Day and Garden Tour
  • Landscape/Irrigation Field Day Events
  • Conservation classes and certification partnership with Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District
  • Business seminars and classes offered by Universal Business Insurance.
  • Many other classes, seminars and training will be offered throughout the year

Other ways CEUs can be obtained:

  • Attending green industry classes, conferences, trade shows or other training
  • Attending business courses or seminars
  • Teaching a class or seminar earning up to five CEUs
  • Judging competitions in the green industry
  • Service or volunteering in the community, water districts, or church with a focus on the green industry earning up to five CEUs
  • Serving on an industry association board or committee
  • Attending and/or participating in garden tours, field days, other green industry outings and events
  • One CEU quiz offered four times a year in the Trunkline.

UCNP Requirements and Fees:

  • $150.00 Testing Fee
  • Complete 10 CEUs from January 1st  – December 31st  of each year.
  • Membership with the UNLA or work for a UNLA member firm.

Please reach out to Hayley at memberservices@utahgreen.org with questions.