Brought to you by the Illinois Green Industry Association--the resource for industry professionals in Illinois--to provide garden tips to our valued gardening consumers in and surrounding Illinois.

• To learn more, visit http://www.illinoisgreen.net and click on 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.

• To learn more, visit http://www.illinoisgreen.net and click on ICN Pro!

HOME

copyright Illinois Green Industry Association
2900 Greenbriar Drive
Springfield, IL  62704
217-546-GREEN (4733)
fax: 217-546-4703
Toll free: 888-525-3900

info@illinoisgreen.net