The Texas Certified Nursery Professional (TCNP) program certifies individuals in the nursery and landscape industry that possess a high degree of knowledge and skill in horticulture and the retail nursery business. Becoming a TCNP establishes yourself as a professional, brings you prestige, increases your value as an employee, and enhances your self-esteem.

Testing Information

TCNP exams are now available online for anyone with a high speed internet connection. Exams may be taken at home, work, school, libraries etc. On-site written examinations will no longer be offered.

Benefits of Online Exams

• 24 hour availability

• Ability to take the exam by section rather than in one sitting

• Large photos for plant identification (one up close and one of the plant in the landscape)

• 90-day window to complete all four sections

• Ease of registration and payment

TCNP Online Exam Process

The TCNP exam consists of four exams. Each exam must be passed with a minimum of 70% in order to earn the TCNP certification. All exams must be taken before you can apply for any re-test.

• Culture Exam

• Merchandising Exam

• Landscape Design Exam

• Plant ID Exam

What you need for the online exam

User log in and password.

Exam Fees

Exam fees for the TCNP exam (includes all exams) is $75 for members and $150 for non-members.

Re-test fees are $50 for TNLA members and $100 for non-members.

Preparing for the TCNP Exam

TNLA’s TCNP Manual was developed to serve as a guide for study and as a reference and problem-solving tool for the retail nursery industry. The manual was developed by the Texas AgriLIFE Extension under the direction of TNLA’s Certification Committee.

There is a series of online trainings available to help prepare you for the Culture and Merchandising sections of the TCNP (Basic Botany Online Training and Retail Online Training). To purchase these trainings, please visit our Education Portal.

Order the TCNP Manual Online

TCNP Manual Order Form

Includes Best of Texas Landscape Guide, Second Edition

Certification Renewal/Reinstatement

The TCNP certification is valid for a two-year period. During that time, TCNPs are required to earn 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in order to renew.
If you hold more than one certification, these CEUs will apply to all certifications you hold. Renewal is $50 for TNLA members and $100 for non-members for the two-year certification period.