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Certified Help

Need help with your garden and landscape projects? One of the most important aspects to consider in getting ready to tackle your project is knowing who to ask for help. How will you know he or she is a green industry professional rather than someone with less knowledge?

Professional certification is one of the most important steps an individual can take to demonstrate knowledge and commitment to his or her career. Certified individuals are able to stand "Out In Front" as examples of excellence in the Green Industry. Certification reflects achievement and establishes professional credentials.

Ask your local garden centers and landscapers if they employ OCNT's and "Get to know a Green Industry Pro!" Click here and use the ONLA Membership Directory to locate garden centers and landscapers who employ OCNT's!

You wouldn't expect someone without a medical degree to perform surgery. It's not considered a good idea for someone without a law degree to practice law. Expect your landscape contractor or garden center to have certified personnel on staff.

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association is proud to offer the only all encompassing green industry certification program in Ohio, the Ohio Certified Nursery Technician (OCNT) program.

We, as an industry, believe that the OCNT program gives certified individuals, as well as the companies that employ them, the opportunity to increase knowledge and the ability to perform to set standards while also enhancing the overall image of the Green Industry Profession.

The OCNT program (over 20 years old) includes three areas of specialization:

  • Garden Center
  • Landscape
  • Grower

Each area of specialization has its own study manual and test developed by college professors and industry leaders. Exam applicants must fulfill a stringent work requirement prior to taking the exams. Once an individual successfully obtains all three specializations, he or she is granted the status of "Master" Technician.

 

The OCNT program has three purposes:

  • to improve the scientific horticulture skill and knowledge of green industry employees,
  • to have the public and the nursery and landscape industry recognize this improvement and the professional qualifications of certified individuals, and
  • to provide a means of self improvement and continuing education.

 
 

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