CNLP Program - Updated for 2025 

As a Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (CNLP) in New York State, you'll join an elite group of green industry professionals dedicated to continuing their education and growing as professionals. The CNLP program advances the professional standards of the nursery, landscape and garden center industries. The designation recognizes individuals demonstrating a high level of competence in the principles and practices of this industry.

CNLP Quick Links

2025 Review Sessions & Examination Dates  Get the latest information!

CNLP Examination Application

CNLP Recertification Form
Please Note: Those whose certification expired on 12/31/24 OR lapsed during the pandemic have until 3/31/25 to submit their paperwork to the NYSNLA Office. We are processing recertifications in weekly batches.

CNLP Latest Updates Q&A

Your CNLP Certification Expires on December 31, 2024? 

  • All those whose CNLP Certification expires on December 31, 2024 have received in the mail their renewal notice and recertification form. We thank those who have already completed and returned their form.  
  • If you need one, click here for the CNLP Recertification Form.
  • If you believe that your CNLP expires this year and you did not receive any notice, please contact the NYSNLA Office and we will check our records for you. 

Your Online Profile Does Not Work? 

  • NYSNLA is actively working with our website provider to align and make the entire CNLP process an online process—so CNLP holders and prospects can connect with the program through their computer or phone. This effort is taking a little longer than we had hoped—but we expect it to be released sometime in early 2025.
  • The new capabilities will allow professionals to apply, recertify, check status, verify and upload credits through their CNLP Profile.
  • Some CNLP holder have had difficulty accessing their current profile. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
  • The NYSNLA Office holds all the records, electronic and hard copy files of the CNLP Program. If you need to verify anything about your CNLP status—please contact the Office Team and they will help you.
  • If your CNLP certification expires on December 31, 2024 and your online profile cannot be accessed therefore causing you delays in renewing—do not worry. We have a grace period in place until March 31, 2025. Because of the tech delay, you will not be penalized if you renew after December 31, but you will need to complete it by March 31, 2025. The Office Team is here to help you get it done.   

What do I do if my CNLP has lapsed?  

  • Anyone whose CNLP has lapsed can have their certification reactivated. We would love to have you back among our ranks!
  • Contact the NYSNLA Office and the Office Team will review your records and let you know what you have to do to bring your CNLP up-to-date. 

You Want to Pursue Your CNLP in 2025? 

  • It’s not too late! You can apply today! Click here for the Registration Form.
  • The Regions are finalizing their CNLP Review and Examination schedules and we will soon have them posted.
  • We will be, once again, offering the Online CNLP Review Program that was inaugurated next year.
  • Please watch for updates concerning all our 2025 CNLP offerings. 

Will I Get Updates About the Program? 

  • This is the first of regular CNLP Updates that will be sent out to the CNLP Community.
  • Make sure that we have the best e-mail address to use—so you do not miss any information. This e-mail should directly go to you—and not be a general e-mail that gets shared by co-workers or forwarded to you.
  • Feel free to share these updates with your colleagues who also might be interested in deepening their skills and enhancing their careers. 

Questions? Need Assistance?

We are here to help! If you have any questions about the CNLP Program and what your Region offers, please contact your Regional CNLP Coordinator. If you have questions about your CNLP application, recertification or verifying your course credits, please contact the NYSNLA Office at 518-580-4063 or [email protected] and the Office Team will assist you. 

We look forward to serving you in 2025. 

Need Credits for Your Current Recertification Period? 
We are offering a special discount to CNLP holders. You can take the on-demand webinars from the Virtual Education Series for a 50% discount. To take a webinar, please go to our On-Demand Webinar Store.  CNLP can request a special discount code by sending a request to the NYSNLA Office at [email protected].  

The CNLP Manual has been released!
The newest version of the CNLP Manual was released in 2022. Each chapter has been revised and updated with current information, photos and links. The new manual is an electronic version that is accessible by logging-in through the CNLP login on the NYSNLA website. The advantage of this electronic version is that it can be updated at any point and will have clickable links to outside resources. 

Attention Outside Organizations/Agencies Seeking CNLP Credits

Qualified nonprofit organizations and agencies can request CNLP credits for courses, workshops, and interactive programs that benefit the Green Industry and nursery/landscape professionals in New York State.  We now have a simplified online form that, when completed, will provide the Professional Development/CNLP Committee with the information it needs to review and approve the request. CLICK HERE to apply for CNLP Credits for your program. 

Who Qualifies as a CNLP?

Candidates who:

  • Have graduated from a recognized two- or four-year college with a degree in a horticulture-related field, or
  • Have completed a minimum of three years of experience in the horticulture industry

Once they've met those qualifications, they may register for the certification exam.

To retain certification, CNLPs must complete a recertification exam every three years or submit preapproved education and training credits proving their ongoing education and commitment to the field. The program is exclusively administered by the New York State Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.

Click here to learn more about becoming a CNLP.

If you are already a CNLP, click here to learn about recertifying and becoming a Senior or Lifetime CNLP.

Why Seek a CNLP for Your Project?

When you make the decision to invest in landscaping and enhancing the beauty of your home, you can feel good about working with a professional who has achieved the prestigious Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional designation.

Members of the nursery and landscape industry and Cornell University experts designed the program. CNLPs train in a wide range of subjects from plant pests and diseases to weeds and weed control, and much more.

Because of their intense training, you can be confident that the CNLP is there to make your yard a garden paradise without the worry, leaving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space!

Click here to learn more about the benefits of working with a CNLP.