Prove your plant knowledge!

The next Certified Plant Professional (CPP) Exam will take place on Thursday, January 5th, 2023 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (during the MT Green Expo convention), at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve St., in Missoula, MT. A discounted room block has been arranged at the Hilton Garden Inn; ask for the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association rate when making your room reservation to receive the discounted rate.

Eligible applicants need to apply online by following the link to register, or submit a completed application, documentation of nursery employment and the appropriate fees to the MNLA office by December 15th, 2022. Download the application form here. If you are a current MNLA member, or work for an MNLA member, you are eligible to register at the discounted members-only rate.

The certification tests are generally given twice a year, in January at the annual Montana Green Expo and in September at the annual Fall Tour. The exam consists of a plant identification test and a written test. The exam is based on the Certification Manual and on practical information gained from employment in the industry, and on identification of the correct genus, species, common name, and cultivar (if appropriate) for each plant.

The ID portion of the exam is 50 plant specimens, based upon plants covered in Choosing Trees and Shrubs for Montana Landscapes, by George Evans and Alan Epps, as well as lists of Montana perennials and woody plants. These publications and lists are included in the manual. The second portion of the exam is a 200 question written exam of the principles and practices of virtually all aspects of the nursery industry. A passing grade is 75% for both parts of the exam. Bring at least two sharpened pencils to take the exam. We also recommend that you bring several sheets of scratch paper.

Please see the Education & Certification page on our site for details on eligibility and renewal as well as a number of additional forms and how to order your CPP Manual (a highly recommended book for preparing for the exam). Manuals are available as either a hard-copy version or PDF format, and can be ordered by submitting an order form to the MNLA office before December 15th.

Good luck!