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Certification

FAQ for Certification Test, Application, and Prep

Why should I be a Virginia Certified Horticulturist?

  • You are recognized as a trained horticulture professional with knowledge of the industry
  • Career advancement
  • Pride and confidence in yourself and your work
  • Increased teamwork
  • Demonstrates commitment to the profession
  • Enhance employability and advancement
  • The VCH designation means you are qualified to offer sound, scientific horticultural advice to clients, retail customers, nursery sales, landscape installation; even in lawn or maintenance environments.
  • Creates opportunities to network with other like-minded professionals
  • Gain exposure to a wider range of educational programs, events and those involved with them
  • A VCH credential is recognized and accepted throughout the State of Virginia. You will be qualified to stamp and approve engineer, landscape architect or design plans requiring plants. This is now a requirement by most Virginia City planning boards.

What is the VCH cost difference for VNLA members v non-members?


Do I have to be a member of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association to take its VCH exam?

  • Anyone can register take the VCH exam 
Does the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA) offer VCH study materials?
  • The VNLA offers a VCH study manual. For VNLA members, the VCH manual is currently $167. 
  • For non-VNLA members, the VCH manual is currently $200.
  • The VNLA also offers online VCH study materials. The online access is made possible through a partnership with Virginia Tech and access to its online platform, Canvas.
  • The VCH online study materials is free for VNLA members, and $30 per non-VNLA member. 
    • To request access to online study materials, please email the VNLA: vch@vnla.org or info@vnla.org. 
    • Please include your full name and name of your employer, if applicable.

I’ve heard that an in-person VCH review class is offered by regional nursery & landscape associations. How do I get more information about an in-person VCH review class and the cost?

  • The Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association is the statewide trade organization and it owns the VCH program. However, some of our regional partners offer prep classes. Visit their sites to learn more:
  • These regional associations pay review class instructors, secure classroom space, maintain materials and arrange for guest speakers, if appropriate.
  • Regional associations typically offer an in-person review class each January. The class typically meets one or two evenings each week for five to six weeks.
  • Taking an in-person review class is a regional association member benefit. The cost for a review class is lower for members vs. non-members. Generally, a regional association membership pays for itself just with this single use. As a member of any of the regional associations, you are able to take advantage of lower member rates at all of their meetings, conferences, etc. Some meetings or events are available ONLY to members. 
    • NOTE: in-person VCH review class fees and policies are subject to CVNLA, NVNLA, PLA policies of membership and fees

How is the Exam Administered?

  • To make the VCH exam available year-round, the VNLA partnered with Strasz Assessment Systems to transition the VCH exam to Pearson Vue Testing Centers. This is an exciting and valuable change. Anyone who is ready to take the VCH exam, can simply register to take it on a date and at a time and location that is most convenient for their schedule!
  • Use the following link to register, pay, and choose one of the options below: https://reg-vnla.epic-exam.com/register


I’ve heard that an in-person VCH review class is offered by regional nursery & landscape associations. How do I get more information about an in-person VCH review class and the cost?

  • The Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association is the statewide trade organization and it owns the VCH program. However, some of our regional partners offer prep classes. Visit their sites to learn more:
  • These regional associations pay review class instructors, secure classroom space, maintain materials and arrange for guest speakers, if appropriate.
  • Regional associations typically offer an in-person review class each January. The class typically meets one or two evenings each week for five to six weeks.
  • Taking an in-person review class is a regional association member benefit. The cost for a review class is lower for members vs. non-members. Generally, a regional association membership pays for itself just with this single use. As a member of any of the regional associations, you are able to take advantage of lower member rates at all of their meetings, conferences, etc. Some meetings or events are available ONLY to members. 
    • NOTE: in-person VCH review class fees and policies are subject to CVNLA, NVNLA, PLA policies of membership and fees

How do I study for the exam?

  • Students can use the VNLA online VCH review materials for each chapter with learning objectives, practice quizzes and additional resources. Chapter 13, Plant ID has PDF files, by plant groups, with photos and plant names of approximately 155 plants. To request access to this member benefit, email the VNLA office with your first and last name and name of your employer:  Email: vch@vnla.org
  • Review the questions in the manual.  Although they are in a different format, the questions are still pertinent. If you can’t answer any question, take that as a hint you may need to re-read the chapter. You need to understand the information, not memorize the questions.
  • The exam consists of 200 questions and includes multiple choice, matching, true/false and a plant identification section.

How do members receive the VCH certificate if they passed the exam?

  • Certificates for new VCH holders will be mailed through FedEx. Renewals will be emailed.
  • You will get an email saying your name has been added to our database and your VCH number has been added to your profile. 
  • Please go into your profile and ensure we have your correct mailing address, phone number, and email. 
  • If there's another name you'd like on your certificate, please let us know as soon as possible. 

How do I stay certified?

  • To protect your certification, you must maintain annual membership in VNLA. You also must continue to add to your education and professionalism. 
  • CEUs are Continuing Education Units. CEUs are earned by attending seminars, conferences, workshops, webinars etc. A reporting form and list of acceptable CEUs is available. 
  • You need to accrue 30 CEUs every three years. This averages to 10 per year. 
  • If you do not keep your CEUs current and reported – your certification will lapse and you will need to take & pass the exam again. 

How do I re-certify?

  • Every three years, you need to re-certify by including the re-certification fee of $30
  • Every year, submit your CEU report along with copies of your supporting paperwork.
  • We're working on creating an improved form that will give you access to your CEU submission history 
  • Until that form is ready, please submit CEUs here

Who do I contact if I have additional questions or want more information about the VCH credential?

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