Certification

The Virginia Certified Horticulturalist Program

In order to provide sound scientific gardening advice to customers, nursery sales and landscape installation and maintenance personnel must be knowledgeable about a wide variety of horticultural subjects including plant identification and use, soils, pesticides, nutrient and water requirements, landscape design and more.

The VCH program sponsors a statewide examination to certify those candidates who have demonstrated the basic knowledge and skills to service nursery, garden center and landscape maintenance customers. Those who pass the examination earn the privilege and honor of becoming a Virginia Certified Horticulturist.

Within the nursery industry "VCH" status is well recognized among nursery employers as a mark of horticultural achievement, an ability to learn technical information and pride in being a part of the nursery industry. Many retail nursery and landscape maintenance employers encourage their personnel to become Virginia Certified Nurserymen.

To the gardening public, "VCH" designation means you are qualified to offer sound advice to help them create the beautiful and healthy gardens they desire.

The VCH status also indicates continual horticultural training to employers and the public; Certified Horticulturists attend at least 30 hours of educational training per three-year certification period!