How to Become Certified

Gain Credibility, Expertise, and Networking Opportunities in the Landscaping Industry

The NHCLP designation provides credibility that helps customers choose who to work with in an industry with a wide range of skills and competencies. An NHCLP must commit to continuing education to learn the latest industry developments, newest products, and best practices. They go the extra mile to make sure their customers are successful.

The Advantages of Certification

  • Education in many areas of landscaping including plant identification, current methods and ideas, policies and professionalism.
  • Certification opens doors with potential clients and employers.
  • A better professional image in the eyes of the customer through the use of the NHLA Certified Landscape Professional logo.
  • Separate listings of Certified Professionals in the NHLA directory, the website, and flyers.
  • A professional advantage on bid work
  • Personal growth
  • Every NHCLP is backed up by a network of other capable, certified industry professionals dedicated to setting the highest standards of service.

Steps to Certification

The following three steps must be take in order to earn certification:

  1. Fill out the form below to register for the exam.
  2. If you are paying by check/invoice, mail the exam fee ($120 for NHLA members; $150 for non-members; the fee for taking one part of the exam is $60 for members and $75 for non-members).
  3. Take an exam.
    The written and Plant ID portions of the NHCLP Exam are offered in March and September. Advance registration is required.
    2025 Certification Exam:
    Exam Date/Time:     March 1, 2025, 1-4 pm (The written portion only will be offered on that date. The written portion of the exam is based on the NHCLP Manual.)
    Location: Millican Nurseries, 187 Pleasant St, Chichester
    Exam Registration: Prospective NHCLPs must register for the exam by February 22, 2025.

The NHCLP exam is based on the NHLA Certification Manual. The manual, as a pdf file on a thumb drive, is included in your certification application fee. All the exam questions come directly from the manual so a comprehensive study of the manual is highly recommended. A 4-session Manual Review Course is offered annually in January/February. Manual Review Course

If you would like to receive a manual without registering for the exam they can be purchased by sending a check for $30.00, made payable to NHLA to: New Hampshire Landscape Association, PO BOX 68, Derry, NH 03038

If you have questions, please contact the NHLA Certification Coordinator, Abby Zuidema, 603-502-4894, certification@nhlaonline.org.

NHCLP Application for Examination
Address
Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
State / Province
ZIP / Postal Code
This application is for:
I certify that the information contained in this application is true. I understand that falsification of information in this application is grounds for revocation of certification. I also authorize the New Hampshire Landscape Association’s Certification Committee to contact employers or sponsors named herein for verification of information.
Eligibility

Employment History

List Recent Employer(s)
Address
Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
State / Province
ZIP / Postal Code
Address
Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
State / Province
ZIP / Postal Code
Address
Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
State / Province
ZIP / Postal Code

Horticultural Education (Option 2 only)

Address of School
Address of School
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
State / Province
ZIP / Postal Code
Fees
Certification Manual ONLY
A copy of the Certification Manual is included with your exam fee. The manual is distributed as a .pdf file on a thumb drive. If you would like a copy of the manual without registering for the course, the cost is $30.
When paying by check, make your check out to NHLA and send to: NHLA Certification Committee c/o Abby Zuidema, PO BOX 68, Derry, NH 03038

You can request an invoice by emailing Abby Zuidema at certification@nhlaonline.org.

CODE OF ETHICS - New Hampshire Landscape Certification Program

In order to earn the title of New Hampshire Certified Landscape Professional, applicants must successfully complete a written examination, attest to education and/or field experience, and agree to abide by the following rules:

  1. I will promote the highest ethical standards in the conducts of myself and my business
  2. I will assume the responsibility of meeting objectives of the New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).
  3. I will strive to improve my knowledge and skills in the field of horticulture.
  4. I agree that, should my Certification not be renewed or be revoked for any reason, I will not display any distinguishing emblems or titles, or in any manner whatsoever imply that I am a New Hampshire Certified Landscape Professional.
  5. I fully understand that, should I be granted certification, such certification is limited and must be renewed each year by earning Maintenance Credits and payment of the renewal fee to NHLA. I understand that my certification will be automatically revoked unless renewed.
  6. I understand that certification is granted by the New Hampshire Landscape Association as recognition of knowledge and achievement for those who voluntarily qualify and is in no way mandatory. I understand that, upon certification, I am entitled to call myself a New Hampshire Certified Landscape Professional and to use the initials NHCLP after my name, as well as to display the certification emblem in all forms.
I agree to all of the above.

Certification Resources

View Manual Review Course Information

The Manual Review Course is for NHCLP Exam preparation, covering material from the Certification Manual. The 2025 course discusses topics like Botany, Plant Identification, Turf, and Landscape Design.

Plant Identification Summer Course

The Plant Identification Summer Course teaches plant identification basics, including all listed plants. Designed for newcomers and those with limited plant knowledge, it covers methods, families, and common landscape materials.

Sample Exam Questions

Dive into our Sample Exam Questions page for a hands-on grasp of landscaping concepts. Test your knowledge on plant names, leaf issues, fertilizers, pruning, safety, and more and solidify your understanding of essential landscape topics.

Download Our Plant List

Discover our comprehensive Plant List for a wealth of botanical knowledge. With species details, scientific and common names, native indications, and invasive classifications, this resource is your gateway to understanding various plants.

Certification Via Reciprocity

Certification via reciprocity lets certified individuals in another New England State obtain equivalent certification in New Hampshire. Complete the Application for Landscape Certification Reciprocity, adhere to the Code of Ethics, and submit to NHLA.