July 2004

From: Cyndi Lauderdale

Extension Agent

email: cynthia_lauderderdale@ncsu.edu

internet: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wilson/staff/clauderd/index.html

Certified Plant Professional Training

Class Dates: Location:

August 12 Pitt County Ag. Center

August 19 Pitt County Ag. Center

August 26 Pitt County Ag. Center

September 2 TBA

September 9 TBA

September 16 TBA

September 23 TBA

Class Time: 9 AM - 4 PM

Prepare for the Certified Plant Professional Exam to be given in Greenville on October 1, 2004 at the Pitt County Agricultural Center.

What is Certified Plant Professional?

Certified Plant Professional (CPP) in North Carolina is a written and plant identification test that seeks to recognize proficiency in the nursery workforce, upgrade the status of the nursery professional, and provide the public with a means of identifying qualified nursery professionals. To become a CPP, an applicant must pass the written test and the plant identification test by correctly answering 70% of the questions on each and document 12 months of experience in plant production or sales. If one exam is failed, it may be retaken at a later date.

Benefits of Certification

Promotes professionalism within the wholesale and retail nursery industry.

Validates nursery skills.

Creates opportunities for career advancement within the industry.

Test Registration

Registration for the training does not include cost of exam registration and does not register you for the exam. Exam registration must be done through the NC Association of Nurserymen by calling (919) 816-9119 to receive a registration form. Deadline for registration for the Greenville exam is September 3, 2004.

Training Requirements

Due to increased difficulty of the exam, plant identification and the CPP manual will be covered in this training. Participation in the training helps in passing the exam but does not guarantee it. Participants must be willing to come to all training dates, be on time, not leave early, ask questions, speak in botanical names, and study outside of class. This training has been completely revised to help you prepare for the exam. However, you must be committed and do all the things listed above if you expect to pass the exam.

Be prepared to be outside regardless of weather.

Quizzes will be given weekly and graded by the instructors.

Instructors

Bonnie Faulkner Extension Agent Agriculture-Horticulture

Bonnie is responsible for coordinating and implementing educational programs for commercial and consumer horticulture in Wayne County. She is a Certified Plant Professional and a Registered Landscape Contractor.

Danny Lauderdale Extension Agent Agriculture-Horticulture

Danny believes education is one of the keys to success in the green industry. Danny takes pride in his ability to offer hands-on training to professionals in this exciting field. He is a Certified Plant Professional, Certified Landscape Technician, Certified Turfgrass Professional, Certified Arborist, and Registered Landscape Contractor.

Certified Plant Professional Training Registration Form

Name:________________________

Address:_______________________ ______________________________

City:__________________________

State:__________ ZIP:___________

Phone:(work)___________________

(home)___________________

Training Fee:

$100 including manual

$50 if you already have the paperback manual updated in 2002.

Make checks payable to Pitt County Mutual Exchange and mail with form by July 29 to:

NC Cooperative Extension

Pitt County Center

Attn: Danny Lauderdale

403 Government Circle

Greenville, NC 27834

Agricultural Center

From Hwy 11 (Memorial Drive), turn on Hwy 33 East. At first traffic light, continue straight onto Belvoir Rd. Belvoir Rd. dead ends into Old Creek Rd. Turn left on old Creek Rd. The first drive to the left is Government Circle into the Pitt County Office Park. Follow signs to the Pitt County Agricultural Center.

Materials Required:

Calculator

Clipboard

Notebook

Pen

Pencil

Highlighter

Optional materials:

Camera to take pictures of plants and characteristics.

Date Created: 6/28/2004.