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Missouri Certified Green Industry Stars

It's time to SHINE in your industry

What does it mean to you?

The Program Objectives

Certification Module Descriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you ready to become a STAR?

Click here for the online application form.

If you'd like the information on this page in a .pdf file, click here.

A Missouri Certified Five STAR Green Industry Professional means you are a:

STAR at Horticultural Mastery
It means you know your business and have pledge a commitment to continue to refresh your knowledge and keep current through ongoing training
.
Have STAR Credibility
You provide expert, informed service. Gardeners consult you as an authoritative resource. The public wants credible, quality advice on all aspects of gardening and landscaping, and MC GIP certification assures them of your knowledge and expertise.

STAR at Professionalism
You bring value to the industry. Employers hire, promote and value the quality of STAR employees for their broad understanding of horticulture. Your certification makes you more marketable, confers respect, offers opportunity, and raises standards throughout the industry.

STAR quality of Excellence
MC GIP identifies you with the industry mark of distinction. Your MC GIP status is acknowledged with a logo membership card, certificate for on-site signage at retail locations, and STAR designation on the MLNA website. The MLNA Green Industry STAR program will be widely promoted through trade shows and public events, press releases and periodic media coverage, and in MLNA e-news and other publications.

In response to the needs of our industry and increasing expectations of the marketplace, the Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association has developed the Missouri Certified Green Industry Star Program. This modular certification program enhances all horticulture career paths and is recognized at both the state and national level. This certification supports building beyond a basic knowledge foundation; it also encourages specialized expert horticulture knowledge and promotes the green industry business professional. It also assists the public, government entities and allied industries in recognizing environmentally aware green industry professionals as green industry “stars” as green community leaders.

The program objectives are:

To raise the standards of the Green Industry's Professional Horticulturist in the state of Missouri.
To assist the public in identifying Certified Green Industry Horticulture Professionals who have been tested on Basic Principles of Horticulture, Environmental Stewardship Ideals and Best Management Practices as they apply to the state of Missouri.
To improve performance within the profession by encouraging participation in a continuing program of professional development.

MLNA is committed to continued professional development for the Green Industry Professional Horticulturist. To locate a Missouri Certified Green Industry Star consult the Membership Directory. MLNA is currently reviewing and updating the Missouri Certified Green Industry Stars Program. Certification depends upon agreement to abide by rules and regulations governing Missouri Certified Green Industry Professionals.

To enroll in the MCGI Stars Program, go to the website www.mlna.org to print the Enrollment Form and send your check or money order to:

Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association
6209 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., Suite 128
Saint Charles, MO 63304
(636) 939-9079

Certification Modules:

Module 1

General Knowledge

For the General Knowledge module, the test will include questions on plant structure and growth, soils, fertilizers, basic pest management, and turfgrass establishment and management. Questions will be based on reference materials listed on the MLNA website. A study guide and sample questions will be posted as study aids. A candidate will not receive a star for passing the general knowledge test, but will be qualified to take the tests for the other four modules and will receive a general knowledge star upon passing the test for any other module. The candidate will only be required to pass the general knowledge test once, but must pass another module within one year to receive the GK star.

Module 2

Annuals & Perennials Plants

The test for the Herbaceous Plants module will consist of two equally weighted sections. The first part will require identification of 45 plants from a list of Annual and Perennial plants provided after enrollment. Also included in the ID portion will be images of 5 pest or cultural problems commonly encountered when growing annuals or perennials. Identification of plants and problems will be from projected images clearly depicting the plants or from live or preserved samples. These will be selected from a list provided after enrollment. The second part of the Herbaceous Plants exam will ask 50 multiple choice questions about establishment, and management of annual and perennial plantings including proper plant selection, site preparation, planting methods and cultural problems associated with annuals and perennials.

Module 3

Woody Ornamental Plants

Testing for the Woody Ornamentals module will be similar to that for Herbaceous Plants. The first part will require the identification of 45 plants as well as 5 common pest or cultural problems associated with trees, shrubs, vines or groundcovers. Again, the plants and problems will be selected from a list provided after enrollment. As with herbaceous plants, identification will be from projected images clearly depicting the plant or problem or from live or preserved samples. The second part of the Woody Ornamentals test will consist of 50 multiple choice questions on establishment and management of woody ornament plantings. As with herbaceous plants, this will include questions on plant selection, site preparation, planting techniques and cultural problems that may be encountered when using woody plants in the landscape.

Module 4

Landscape Design and Construction

Testing for this module will consist of 50 (75-100) multiple choice questions. Half of the questions will be on general principles of landscape design, including the elements of design, the steps in developing a design and issues associated with hardscapes and drainage.

The remaining questions will require the candidate to interpret a design, select plants, estimate material quantities for walls, walks, ground cover, mulch, soil etc for implementation of the plan. The remaining portion of the exam is a drawn plan without any plant selection and will require selection of plants for the plan within given parameters.

Module 5

Business Management

The Missouri Green Industry Business Star module is the nationally recognized PLANET’s Professional Landcare Network’s certified landscape professional program (CLP) All study material and testing for this module is administered through the national program. Proof of CLP Certification required before sitting for the general knowledge module. The topics and the number of questions in this module are: Corporate Financial Management; Risk, Law and Contracts, Marketing and Sales Management, Strategic Planning, Human Resources, Leadership and Corporate Citizenship, Exterior Production/Operations and Horticulture, and. Interior Production/Operations and Horticulture. This module is accredited and offered only through PLANET— Professional Landcare Network. Proof of CLP Certification required.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is a Missouri Certified Green Industry Star?

A specialized green industry professional that has been tested on basic principles / knowledge of horticulture as well as excelled in a particular specialized area of the Green Industry.

How much does it cost to test?

MLNA members or employee members general knowledge module $100.00, non-members $150.00, for each additional horticulture modules - member $50 / non-members $100.00. Business Module (CLP $ determined by PLANET plus general knowledge module fee $50.00/$100.00 dependant on member/non-member status) Payment is due upon enrollment in the STAR program with submission of application for certification (payments are non-refundable)

How do you prepare to be a STAR?

Study guide information will be made available following certification application include website information, recommended reading and plant lists pertinent to the module selected. Due to the updating and the need to revise plant list each year, information will be primarily electronic. Applicants will be required to test from the most recent plant lists available at the time of the administration of the test. Only registered individuals that have applied and paid the module fee will be permitted to test and only for the module requested with the application. Test sites and dates will be set by the test administrator. Applicant will be responsible to check website information for possible times changes etc. Administrators will vary according to location general area.

How do you maintain your STAR status?

You are required to attend at least one MLNA hosted event within a calendar year and obtain a minimum of 10 Green Industry Professional STARS (GIP credits by attending educationally focused seminars, workshops and events. . Events/ programs wishing to promote CEU opportunities will need to apply for GIP credit request. Other events may be considered but the MLNA requires the events be organized educational functions taught by qualified individuals. Pre-approval must be obtained by completing a form and submitting it with a non-fundable $25.00 administration fee 30 days prior to the event. Pre-approval applications are available on the MLNA website. Credits cannot be banked or accumulated beyond the year of the event. All events not hosted by MLNA require submission of a pre-approval form.

How soon will I become a STAR?

Certification will be offered at various times and places throughout the state. Not all modules will necessarily be testing at the same time but we are making every effort to make this possible. Since this program has required major undertaking to update and remodel, the first modules to be offered will be the General Knowledge and Woody Ornamentals. The next module availability will be based on application requests. Plans are for all modules to be offered by January 2010.

What if I have already completed MLNA’s Plant Pro training?

For those who had certification with the previous program and wish to remain certified you will need to register to attend a horticulture ID refresher course which will review the new additions to all the plant lists. Completion of this requirement will permit you to be eligible for four of the five modules. The refresher course cost is $100.00 (non-refundable) and available only to previously certified professionals. Scheduling will be set by the STAR program administrator following registration.

What if I am already a PLANET CLP (Certified Landscape Professional) in good standing?

The Missouri Green Industry Business Star module is the nationally recognized PLANET’s Professional Landcare Network’s certified landscape professional program (CLP). All study material, costs and testing for this module is administered through the national program. Proof of CLP Certification required when applying for the General Knowledge module for MC GIP STAR certification.

Those who are already PLANET CLP certified and wish to complete the business module to be a Missouri GIP Business Management STAR need only to submit proof of PLANET CLP certification to register for the General Knowledge module at the cost of $100.00 for MLNA member / $150.00-non-member (non-refundable). The General Knowledge Module is required for all MC GIP STAR certification.

How will anyone know I am a STAR?

Successful candidates will be awarded a The Missouri Certified Green Industry Star certificate, identification card and the right to advertise the star status acquired through this certification on letterhead, business cards, clothing, etc. MLNA will also assist with promoting certified professionals as part of our mission and whenever professional and public opportunities arise.

Can my company be a STAR?

Green Industry STAR title may be promoted only in relation to individuals at this time. The Green Industry STAR Business Certification program and award recognition is still being developed along with MLNA’s statewide Landscape Specification Guidelines, Best Management Practices, Mentoring programs and other partnering opportunities.

We do promote MLNA members regularly with press releases and special announcements pertaining to our mission and sustainability platform. Many of our members have been identified by the MLNA as Green Leaders in their communities.

What will change when I become a STAR?

Becoming a MC GIP STAR lets the world know you're qualified to step to the top of your profession as a Certified Green Industry Professional STAR. Whether you are a landscape architect or designer, garden supplier, wholesaler, retailer, sales person, educator or writer, this MLNA sponsored program benefits your career by providing the means to improve your knowledge and skills. As a STAR, you'll shine in your profession and be recognized for your achievement. The gardening public and the industry needs the expertise that you will be well qualified to share.

When you are a certified green industry professional, the difference shows in the vitality beauty and diversity of your client’s property, in your ability to share regionally accurate and specific horticulture information with your clients and customers.

Are you ready to become a STAR?

2 Ways to Register:

Mail your registration form & payment to:

Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association
6209 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. Suite 128
Saint Charles, MO 63304
(636) 939-9079

FOR MEMBERS of the MLNA

Download Member MS Word Document - type in your information, print, then mail with payment
Download Member .PDF file - write in your information, print then mail with payment

FOR NON-MEMBERS of the MLNA

Download Non-Member MS Word Document - type in your information, print, then mail with payment
Download Non-Member .PDF file - write in your information, print then mail with payment

Register Online using your credit card and our secure online transaction form

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