Also In This Issue
MELNA’s Certification Program — A step above
For more than 30 years, the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association has served as a conduit for true landscape and nursery professionals to stay at the forefront of best practices in the green industry. A major purpose of MELNA is to educate its members and the general public of professionalism and excellence within the industry. By receiving the latest industry news and ongoing education programs, MELNA members are in a unique position to ensure customers receive the very best in products and services. As a direct result of their ongoing commitment to training and education, MELNA members demonstrate a high level of competence in their profession. Anyone can put a wheelbarrow in the back of their truck and assume the role of a landscaper; yet true professionals learn to serve the public in a responsible manner. Whether it is the proper identification of plants, knowing how to plant flowers and shrubs for long-term success, or developing a sustainable landscape design; property owners need a professional who knows how to meet the changing challenges for developing and maintaining a beautiful yard. Invasive plants and insects need to be deterred and sometimes eradicated. It is a MELNA professional who has the most up-to-date information to deal with these problems. Te Maine Landscape and Nursery Association also sponsors a
Certified Professional Nursery and Certified Sustainable Landscape Program. Te purpose of the program is to uphold, improve, and promote standards of professionalism and excellence within the industry. By focusing on individuals rather than companies, the program encourages self-improvement among industry professionals. Te certification process increases knowledge and skills of the professionals within the industry.
Maine Certified Nursery Professional Maine Certified Sustainable Landscape Professional
Te Maine Certified Nursery or Landscape Professional program is a
voluntary program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills necessary to be a professional in the green industry. In order to apply for certification, an industry member must be a MELNA member and meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Employment in the nursery/landscape industry for a minimum of four years (active employment for 32 months) — or
2 be a graduate of a two or four year horticulture or related field program and have a minimum of two years of employment in the nursery/landscape industry (active employment for 16 months).
In order to become a Maine Certified Nursery or Landscape Professional, you must:
1. Submit a completed application. Te applicant can choose between two titles: Maine Certified Nursery Professional (MCN) or Maine Certified Landscape Professional (MCL), or hold both.
2. Achieve a 80% or greater score on the written portion of the certification examination and 70% on the Identification portion of the exam.
10 3. Read, sign and submit the Certification Code of Ethics.
4. Submit evidence of having passed the Maine State Pesticide Core Examination. It is not necessary to obtain a license.
Certification examinations are administered twice a year. Te application fee is $75.00 for MELNA members. Certification in both titles is an additional $25.00. Should you fail to pass any section of the exam, the re-take fee is $35.00. You may take up to five years to complete all sections. Re-certification is required every year by earning a total of six (6) maintenance credits for one title and eight (8) for both and payment of a renewal fee. Te maintenance credits will be accepted upon submission of a completed maintenance credit form.
Certification Code of Ethics In order to earn the title Maine Certified Nursery Professional or
Maine Certified Landscape Professional you must successfully complete a written examination, attest to educational and field experience, and agree to abide by the following rules: 1. I will promote the highest ethical standards in the conduct of myself and my business.
2. I will assume the responsibility of meeting the objectives of the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association.
3. I will strive to improve my knowledge and skills in the field of horticulture.
4. I agree that, should my certification not be renewed or ever be revoked for any reason, I will not display any distinguishing emblems or titles or in any manner whatsoever imply that I am a Maine Certified Nursery or Sustainable Landscape Professional.
5. I fully understand that, should I be granted certification, such certification is limited and must be renewed each year by earning maintenance credits and payment of the renewal fee. I understand that my certification will automatically be revoked unless renewed.
6. I understand that certification is granted by the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association as recognition of knowledge and achievement for those who voluntarily qualify and is in no way mandatory. I understand that, upon certification, I am entitled to call myself a Maine Certified Nursery Professional or a Maine Certified Sustainable Landscape Professional and use the initials MCN or MCSL after my name, as well as display the Certification emblem in all forms.
If you have an interest in becoming a certified professional, contact the MELNA Office. Te next Certification Exam will be held on Monday, March 18.
Winter2013
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