Professional Certifications
Certifications improve your personal marketability and delivery of professional excellence. There are many certification programs for green industry professionals.
State of Georgia
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Certification
- Level 1A required for anyone who performs digging or land disturbing activities.
- https://gaswcc.georgia.gov/
- Issuing authority: Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission
University of Georgia
Georgia Certified Landscape Professional
- This program is designed for managers and technicians in both the landscape installation and maintenance businesses. It is a self-study course with both written and hands-on examinations. The program is administered through the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture.
- http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/GCLP/WhatisGCLP.cfm
Georgia Certified Plant Professional
- This program is designed for professionals employed in the retail garden center industry. It is a self study course with a written exam and an extensive plant identification exam. The program is administered through the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture.
- http://ugaurbanag.com/georgia-certified-plant-professional/what-is-gcpp
Principles of Turfgrass Management Certificate
- This certificate program is offered through the UGA Center for Continuing Education.
- https://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/courses/horticulture-and-green-industry/principles-turfgrass-management
UGA SuperCrew
- This program is available in both English and Spanish through the UGA Horticulture Department.
- https://hort.caes.uga.edu/extension/educational-programs-and-resources/supercrew.html
Landscape Industry Fundamentals Training (LIFT) Certificate
- This new certificate program from UGA Extension/GA Center for Urban Ag will begin in Fall 2023. Cost and website to be advised.
Getting the Best of Pests Webinar Series
- This is an ongoing webinar series of timely pest topics.
- https://gtbop.com
Georgia Green Landscape Stewards Certification
- This certificate program is offered by UGA Extension.
- https://site.extension.uga.edu/georgiagreen/
Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program
- This certificate program is offered by UGA Extension/GA Center for Urban Ag.
- https://sustainagga.caes.uga.edu/about/sustainable-agriculture-programs-and-events/journeyman-farmer-certificate-program.html
Sports Turfgrass Management
- This is a self-study certificate course offered by the UGA Center for Continuing Education.
- 770-233-6107
- https://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/courses/horticulture-and-green-industry/sports-turfgrass
National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)
Landscape Management Certificate
- Available in English and Spanish.
- https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org//LP/learn/lp/Education/Landscape_Management_Certificate.aspx
Landscape Technician Certification
- Available in English and Spanish.
- https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/LP/Certification/LP/Certification/exterior.aspx
Business Manager Certification
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Certified Arborist
- This certification is for persons involved in professional tree care. There are five levels of certification offered by the International Society of Arborist (ISA).
- http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/certFAQ_Applications.aspx
Irrigation Association
Certified Irrigation Auditor | Certified Irrigation Contractor
- http://www.irrigation.org/certification/default.aspx?pg=CLIA_program.htm&id=124
- http://www.irrigation.org/certification/default.aspx?pg=CIC_program.htm&id=122
Sports Field Management Association
Certified Sports Field Manager
- This national certificate program is administered by the Sports Field Management Association.
- 1-800-323-3875
- https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/certification/
Golf Course Superintendents Association
Certified Golf Course Superintendent
- For this certificate, you must first meet eligibility requirements including years of experience and level of post secondary education.
- 1-800-472-7878
- https://www.gcsaa.org/education/certifications-exams
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)
- LEED is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. Prerequisites and credits differ for each rating system, and teams choose the best fit for their project.
- Learn more about LEED
- LEED certification
- About the US Green Building Council