Become a Certified Green Industry Professional
Michigan's Green Industry Standard of Excellence
Founded in 1980 as the Michigan Certified Nurseryman program, Certified Green Industry Professional (CGIP) has spent more than 40 years setting the standard for knowledge, integrity, and experience across Michigan's Green Industry.
CGIP is MNLA's recognized certification for professionals who want their expertise to carry statewide credibility.
The Benefits of CGIP Certification
Certified individuals and the MNLA companies that employ them benefit from a certification built around Michigan's specific climate and growing conditions. CGIP certification:
- Identifies professionals who are dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced
- Raises industry standards and awareness
- Establishes credibility and professionalism
- Improves career opportunities and advancement
- Industry recognition programs and awards
- Provides personal achievement and recognition
- Serves as an ongoing tool for learning and continuing education
Choose Your Certification Specialty
Every CGIP candidate studies a shared Core curriculum, then chooses one of five specialties that matches their work in the Green Industry.
Michigan Certified Garden Retailer
For professionals in a retail setting who work directly with consumers on their landscape needs.
Topics:
Merchandising, Perennials, Annuals, Vegetables, Roses, Small Fruits and Fruit Trees, Houseplants, Container Gardening, Lawn Management, Plant Health Care Products, Pesticide Use and Safety, Planting Techniques, Mulches, American Standard for Nursery Stock
Michigan Certified Landscape Designer
For professionals who design creative outdoor solutions for their clients.
Topics:
History of Garden Design, Design Theory, Plant Selection, Plant Compositions, Planting Techniques, Components in the Landscape, Landscape Design Process, Site Planning and Sustainability, Water Use and Efficient Irrigation, Project Management, The Design Maintenance Connection, Landscape Restoration, American Standard for Nursery Stock
Landscape Designer candidates must also submit a portfolio of three representative design samples no later than two weeks before their exam date.
Michigan Certified Landscape Manager
For professionals who maintain every facet of the landscape.
Topics:
Soils in the Landscape, Planting Techniques, Mulches, Pruning, Annuals and Perennials, Commercial Grounds Maintenance, Lawn Management, Diagnosing Turf Disease and Insect Problems, Weed Management, IPM for Trees, Water Use and Efficient Irrigation, The Design Maintenance Connection, Container Gardening, Pesticide Use and Safety, American Standard for Nursery Stock
Michigan Certified Landscape Contractor
For professionals who install and build landscapes.
Topics:
Soils in the Landscape, Planting Techniques, Mulches, Pruning, Landscape Design, Site Planning, Landscape Construction, Water Use and Efficient Irrigation, Project Management, The Design Maintenance Connection, Weed Management, Lawn Management, Container Gardening, Pesticide Use and Safety, American Standard for Nursery Stock
Michigan Certified Nurseryman
For professionals who grow annuals, perennials, shrubs, or trees in a nursery or greenhouse setting.
Topics:
Nursery Operations, Propagation, Soil Properties and Fertility, Container Substrates and Nutrition, Water Quality and Management, Nursery Scouting Programs, Insect Pests of Nursery Plants, Weed Management, Plant Disease Management, Industry Laws and Regulations, American Standard for Nursery Stock
Study Materials That Set You Up to Pass
The Certification Committee has developed Study Manuals to help you prepare for the CGIP Exam. While not required, every exam question is based on its corresponding manual, and each one includes chapter review questions to help you gauge when you're ready.
The Core Manual covers the foundational knowledge every Green Industry professional should know:
Plant Growth and Development
Plant Nomenclature and Identification
Soil Fundamentals
Water Management
Plant Nutrients
Plant Pests and Diseases
Weeds and Weed Control
Landscape Design
Native Plants
Invasive Plants in Michigan
Sustainability
Sales Strategies and Customer Relations
Industry Laws and Regulations
American Standard for Nursery Stock
It also includes access to the Quizlet CGIP Study Platform for the Plant Identification section of the exam.
Each of the five Specialties above has its own Study Manual. Since certification requires passing both the Core Exam and one Specialty Exam, MNLA recommends studying from both.
CGIP Costs
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Core Manual + 1 Specialty Manual: $74.20 (MNLA Members) / $127.20 (Non-Members)
Additional Specialty Manuals: $37.10 each (Members) / $63.60 each (Non-Members)
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$25 per exam (Members) / $50 per exam (Non-Members) — Core + Specialty counts as two exams
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$35/year (Members) / $45/year (Non-Members), plus an optional $10 contribution to the CGIP Promotional Fund
CGIP Program Pre-Requisites
2,000 hours of Green Industry employment experience (relevant education may count toward part of this requirement)
Landscape Design candidates need 2,000 hours of professional design experience specifically, plus a submitted portfolio
A completed Exam Application, submitted at least one week before your exam date (two weeks for Landscape Design)
How to Become Certified
Study Your Core and Specialty Manuals
Prepare using the Core Manual and your chosen Specialty Manual, plus the Quizlet CGIP Study Platform for plant identification.
01
02
Apply and Register
Submit your completed application at least one week before your exam date.
03
Take the Four-Hour Exam
The CGIP Exam has three sections: Plant Identification (100 plants), General Knowledge (150 questions), and Specialty Knowledge (100 questions). Each section requires a 70% score to pass, and only failed sections need to be retaken.
04
Get Certified
Once you pass all three sections, you'll receive your CGIP credential along with a subscription to The Michigan Landscape, MNLA's e-newsletters, and promotion as a Certified Professional at your MNLA Member firm.
Exams are offered annually at the Great Lakes Trade Expo each January, and year-round by appointment via Zoom.
How to Become Certified
Study Your Core and Specialty Manuals
Prepare using the Core Manual and your chosen Specialty Manual, plus the Quizlet CGIP Study Platform for plant identification.
01
02
Apply and Register
Submit your completed application at least one week before your exam date.
03
Take the Four-Hour Exam
The CGIP Exam has three sections: Plant Identification (100 plants), General Knowledge (150 questions), and Specialty Knowledge (100 questions). Each section requires a 70% score to pass, and only failed sections need to be retaken.
04
Get Certified
Once you pass all three sections, you'll receive your CGIP credential along with a subscription to The Michigan Landscape, MNLA's e-newsletters, and promotion as a Certified Professional at your MNLA Member firm.
Exams are offered annually at the Great Lakes Trade Expo each January, and year-round by appointment via Zoom.
Maintaining Your Certification
CGIP certification renews annually. To stay certified, you'll need to earn six continuing education units (CEUs) each year: one CEU per hour of Green Industry-related education from sources like MNLA and its Chapters, MSU Extension, industry organizations, or company-sponsored programs.
Renewal fees are due by February 1
CEU credits must be submitted by February 1
Continuing education keeps your certification meaningful, helping you stay current with the industry's changing standards and technology.
Current Certified Green Industry Professionals
Search Michigan's current CGIPs by name and specialty.
FAQS
Questions About CGIP Certification
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CGIP is MNLA's certification for Green Industry professionals, recognizing dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals across five specialties.
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Nurseryman, Landscape Contractor, Landscape Manager, Landscape Designer, and Garden Retailer. Every candidate also completes a shared Core curriculum.
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Costs include Study Manuals ($74.20–$127.20 for Core + one Specialty), Exam Fees ($25–$50 per exam, with Core + Specialty counting as two), and annual Recertification ($35–$45).
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A four-hour exam with three sections: Plant Identification, General Knowledge, and Specialty Knowledge, each requiring a 70% score to pass.
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Certification renews annually with six CEUs, due by July 1, and a renewal fee due by February 1st.
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Annually at the Great Lakes Trade Expo each January, or year-round via Zoom by appointment.
Set Yourself Apart
CGIP certification gives you a credential built for Michigan's climate, backed by 40 years of industry trust. Choose your specialty and take the next step in your career.