A competent, knowledgeable nursery professional is a valuable asset to any nursery. The statewide California Certified Nursery Professional program certifies that all individuals successfully completing this exam have demonstrated the basic knowledge and skills to service nursery and garden center customers.

The knowledge gained while simply studying for this exam is an invaluable tool during the individual's daily contact with nursery customers - and that, in turn, benefits the employer. The Retail Nursery Professional Study Manual covers salesmanship, soils, watering, xeriscape, diseases, fertilizers, pruning, laws and regulations, and much more. Applicants are tested on their ability to correctly: identify 250 plants by sight; spell their complete botanical and common names; understand landscape design functions, components and calculations; and select the appropriate plant material to create an effective and functional landscape design.

Once certified, the CCN Pro may further their horticultural knowledge and expertise by taking any or all of the four optional Advanced Exams. The successful completion of any one of these exams earns them the Advanced CCN Pro designation.

California Certified Nursery Professionals benefit everyone - the customer, the garden center they work for, and the entire industry. For more information on the CCN Pro program, including an application and scheduled testing dates, contact CANGC: association@cangc.org