The objective 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. Originally developed as a way to promote our retail and garden center employees' expertise, the certification has been earned by many beyond that segment as a way to demonstrate knowledge and experience that benefits the many different customers we serve. 

Earning the certification allows industry professionals to: 

• Bring greater value to the nursery and landscape industry profession.
• Demonstrate commitment to the future of the green industry.
• Enhance individual employability and opportunities within the industry.

Businesses that employ Illinois Certified Nursery Professionals:

• Enhance their brand by showing they invest in their team's personal and professional development.
• Demonstrate to the marketplace that you hire employees that are knowledgeable and experienced professionals
• Show that their employees have taken that extra steps to set themselves apart as leaders and industry professionals
• Can use the status of their certified professionals as a marketing tool to differentiate their brand, offering a different level of guidance to customers
• Can offer the certification program as a tool for employee motivation, evaluation and career advancement 

Who are the Current Illinois Certified Nursery Professionals?

Below is a list of professionals that were awarded an ICN Pro certificate and have maintained the designation annually. They have earned the right to advertise ICN Pro status on social media, email signatures, letterhead, business cards, clothing, etc. Certification is renewed annually.