NCNLP Committee Spring Update

I would like to begin by extending a sincere thank you to Sheila Schrader for her years of service on the

NCNLP Committee and for her leadership this past year as chair of the committee. Sheila has faithfully

helped guide and strengthen this certification program, and I am grateful for the opportunity to take the

baton from her and continue building on the strong foundation she established.

One highlight from this past year is that five individuals successfully passed the NCNLP certification

exam in the summer of 2025. These individuals were formally recognized and awarded their plaques

during our Winter 2025–2026 Conference, and we are thankful for their commitment to professional

growth within our industry. Their achievement represents the kind of dedication and excellence the

NCNLP program is designed to encourage.

The goal of the Nebraska Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (NCNLP) program is simple

but important: to provide meaningful testing and certification opportunities for those who want to elevate

their skills, credibility, and plant knowledge within the nursery and landscape industry. Certification helps

distinguish individuals who are committed to professional excellence and continued learning.

The NCNLP Committee is composed of five dedicated NCNLPs who care deeply about advancing

professionalism in our industry. This past year, we met twice to update our testing materials and ensure

the exam remains current and continues to help participants grow in their careers.

We would like to encourage anyone who has considered pursuing certification to make plans now to

participate in the upcoming NCNLP testing session on August 7, which will be held at the Metropolitan

Community College Fort Omaha Campus. Our thanks in advance to the MCC Horticulture

Department for their continued support and for allowing us to use their excellent grounds for this

important event.

The NCNLP exam is designed to be thorough yet approachable and can be completed in approximately

half a day. The test is divided into three equal parts:

• A landscape design component

• A practical exam covering industry practices

• An outdoor plant identification test featuring 50 plants and requiring knowledge of their scientific names

Individuals who earn their NCNLP certification stand out in our industry as knowledgeable professionals

and trusted experts in their field. This certification can open doors for career advancement, strengthen

technical confidence, and deepen plant knowledge—benefiting both the individual and the companies

they represent.

If you or members of your team are ready to take the next step professionally, we encourage you to sign

up and join us this August. We look forward to seeing many new candidates participate in the program

this year.

Joel Kayser

Chair, NCNLP Committee