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Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist (PCH)

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THE PROGRAM

Managing or working with a nursery, landscape or garden center business requires in-depth knowledge of plant growth and maintenance, landscape design and installation and retail operations. The Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist (PCH) program is a formal way for the landscape or nursery professional to test this knowledge and gain professional credibility. An 80% or above must be attained in each of the four sections of the competitive test. Those that reach this goal are then designated as a PCH.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PCH PROGRAM

  • To recognize and raise the professional standards of the industry
  • To encourage self-assessment by offering guidelines for achievement
  • To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of principles and practices of the profession
  • To recognize those who have demonstrated a high level of competence in the profession
  • To improve the performance within the profession by encouraging participation in a continuing program of professional development

BENEFITS TO THE INDIVIDUAL

  • Validates an individuals industry
  • Instills pride and confidence in the individual
  • Demonstrates a commitment to the profession
  • Enhances employability within the industry

BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYER/FIRM

  • Provides the firm with a marketing tool
  • Enhances the firms professional image
  • Increases customer recognition and respect
  • Provides an effective tool for employee motivation

MARKETING TOOLS

Those individuals who achieve the PCH status receive materials to assist them in the promotion of their prestigious achievement. These materials include:

  • lapel pin
  • personalized certificate and plaque
  • consumer brochures (PLNA's "Insist On the Best" consumer campaign)
  • listing in PLNA's Annual Membership Directory & Resource Guide
  • recognition in PLNA's green industry magazine  

On July 1, 2008 we will be implementing some changes to the PCH exam testing period and increasing the application fees. In the past we have allowed three (3) years to complete the exam with the option of reapplication. Be aware that after July 1st you will have two (2) years to complete the test without the reapplication option. If you already have the skill and knowledge you should have no problem completing the test within the two (2) year period.

Application Form 

Credit Form - 2009

Eligibility Requirements & Fees
Exam Format

Exam Sample Questions

Retest Form

For more information on the PCH program, contact PLNA at 800.898.3411 or email.       

PCH Listings - County & Out of State
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