CCP

CCP preparation, what you need to know about the CCP certification

Getting CCP Certification

What do you need to know about your CCP certification? Are you seeking your CCP certification? Do you need to know more about how you can become CCP certified? The CCP stands for Certified Plant Professional and was originally developed by the Idaho Nursery and Montana Nursery and Landscape Associations (MNLA) to improve the qualifications of professionals looking to work in the horticulture industry.

There are many reasons why someone interested in the CCP and there are many ways that it can help you in your future if you plan to work in horticulture or the plant industry. If you want to find out more about taking the CCP and how it can help you, read on. You can become certified in the field of horticulture and plant specialty.

Why Take the CCP?

CCP certification has a designed program to help plant professionals become recognized by both the gardening public and also within the gardening industry. People will recognize someone with a CCP as qualified in the industry. You will become knowledgeable in many subjects related to horticulture and plants and you will have certification to prove that knowledge to others. When you take the CCP you will learn about plant identification, soils, fertilization, turf grass management, proper planting techniques, landscape design and much more.

CCP certified people within the states of Idaho and Montana will be presented with a certificate and an engraved name badge to show your accomplishment. You can also get a press release to help assist you in getting local recognition or employment. Additionally, there are some cash bonus programs for CCP members. You can study for the CCP by reading the MNLA Certification Manual and from your own personal experiences.

The CCP test is meant to help improve the qualifications of nursery employees and to provide special recognition to people who show a high level of knowledge in the industry. It can help you with a job in horticulture or in a nursery. The CCP also helps encourage and promote education of horticulture and nursery topics. It can also be used to help train new employees at a nursery or plant facility.

Practicing for the CCP

Practice review for CCP exams are free and available when you want to prepare for your CCP. Before you can take the CCP, you will want to be sure you are eligible and that you are ready to become certified. There are different steps you can take to ensure that you are ready to begin. Just like any test, you may need to study first and there are some other things you may need to do. This may require some practicing once you have met the eligibility requirements just to be sure you are ready to succeed at the test. Before you take the test, it will help you to be sure you are ready so study and practice all you can before then. If you know someone else in your area tha is planning to take it as well, you can meet up and study together to make it more enjoyable or get a friend or family member to help you study.

To be eligible for the CCP, you need to have worked in the nursery industry for at least a year. After this time, you can submit your documents and fees to take the CCP. You don't have to be a member of the MNLA to take the CCP exam. You will need to submit your application, the documentation showing your employment for at least one year as well as any fees that are needed for taking the CCP test. All of this must be submitted by the deadline for you to be eligible to take the next CCP.

The CCP Results

CCP test result information can be obtained after you take your certification. The exam is based on the certification manual and the ID portion of the exam is based upon plants covered in Choosing Trees and Shrubs for Montana Landscapes, by George Evans and Alan Epps, as well as lists of Montana perennials and woody plants. The second part of the exam has a 200 question written section on the principles and practices or all aspects of the nursery industry. To pass, you will need to have a 75% or higher on both parts of the exam.

The test for CCP is usually given twice a year. You can usually expect it in January at the annual convention of the MNLA and also in August or September. If you plan on taking the CCP test, you need to be sure your fees are paid by that time and received by the deadline or you will not be able to take the exam. When you register and submit your information, you will be told when your date for the exam is. You will receive your results of the CCP exam within 2 weeks by mail. If you pass, it is good for 5 years. After that five year period is up, you will need to recertify to keep your CCP standing.

Preparing for the CCP

If you are going to take the CCP test, it is very important that you prepare properly. The best way to prepare is to get the MNLA certification manual. This is an excellent book which contains most of the information that you will find on your CCP test. Additionally, there are study guide sections at the end that allow you to review what you have read and learned. This is a great way to study for the CCP and be sure that you are completely prepared for your test.

In addition to preparing by studying, you will also need to know that there are fees involved with your registration for the CCP. For non-members, it is $90 and members pay only $30 to take the CCP exam. You will want to show up for the exam on time and with everything you need. Bring a couple of sharpened pencils to the CCP exam with you. You might also want to bring some scratch paper.