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Illinois Certified Nursery Professional Program (ICN Pro) The
ICN Pro Program has been developed to offer a way to upgrade the retail
nursery industry through the improvement and maintenance of the skills
and knowledge of its employees and owners. A well informed staff with a
positive self-image should result in better service to the customer.
This in turn will translate to repeat customers and a good reputation,
and once established, will bring new customers. The public looks to the
nurseries for the best answers now. The ICN Pro Program will help
improve and maintain this well deserved image. (The program was
developed to target the retail nursery but is not limited to any one
segment of the industry.) There are currently two types of certification
available - Woody and Perennial. Professionals may become certified in
one or both types.Skills and knowledge needed to serve the public will be proven by exam, which will be offered at various times and places throughout the state. The written exam is based upon information found and the study manual available through the INA office. The exam also covers plant, insect and disease identification, and basic landscape design. Successful candidates will be awarded an ICN Pro certificate, patch and the right to advertise ICN Pro status on letterhead, business cards, clothing, etc. Certification is for individuals, not firms, and the ICN Pro title may be promoted only in relation to individuals. Enrollment in the ICN Pro Program is voluntary. To become certified, an individual must: 1. Be the owner or officer of a nursery firm; or currently be employed by a nursery firm for a total of 4,000 hours; or currently be employed by a nursery firm for a total of 2,000 hours and have successfully completed 2 full years of classroom study in a recognized college-level horticultural program. 2. Successfully complete the ICN Pro examination. 3. Pledge in writing that should their certification ever by revoked for
whatever reason, they will not display any distinguishing emblems,
titles, or in any manner whatsoever imply that they are an Illinois
Certified Nursery Professional.
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copyright
Illinois Green Industry Association
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