Certifications
UNLA Continuing Education - continuing education is critical to the ongoing success of any professional.
Stay in good standing, review the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) course requirements. Keep all copies of your CEU certificates until you receive your license.
QWEL
QWEL-The Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper
This is a co-sponsored program with Utah State University, UNLA-UtahGreen, and the Water Districts of Utah. Through the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) Program, local landscape technician professionals are making a positive impact towards reducing landscape water demand by becoming more water efficient in landscape design, maintenance, and operation. Those who complete the QWEL program may qualify for EPA WaterSense Contractor status and become part of a national marketing campaign, receive the rights to utilize the QWEL and/or EPA WaterSense logos for promotion of your business. The QWEL program is given 4 times a year.
UCNP
Utah Certified Nursery Professional
On your path to professionalism in the horticulture industry, the Utah Certified Nursery Professional (UCNP) program certifies that individuals have minimum levels of experience and education and that they have successfully completed an exam demonstrating their understanding of a wide variety of horticulture knowledge and skills to competently serve in the green industry.
UCNP exams are given twice a year. The first test will be given in conjunction with the Utah Green Industry Conference and Trade Show in January and the second, in August of each year.
UDAF
Pesticide
How to Renew or Re-Certify Your Existing (Not Expired) License
A.) Re-certify by attending approved Continuing Education Unit (CEU) courses and presenting completion certificates to a UDAF Representative. Keep all copies of your CEU certificates until you receive your license. You may receive an email with a temporary license.
1.) Pay for your license online by completing steps D.) 1 - 4 above.
2.) Complete an application for Utah Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
3.) Present the application and certificates from the CEUs you have earned to a UDAF representative by:
a.) Scan and email the RECEIPT, application and all CEUs to UDAF-Pesticide@utah.gov OR
b.) Make an appointment with a UDAF Representative to review your CEU and application OR
B.) Complete the education and testing process as in A.) - C.) above.
ISA
Certified Arborist
Professional Recognition – This is the proof – the ISA Certified Arborist designation sets you apart as someone with the commitment, dedication, and knowledge to succeed. Our most popular credential, the ISA Certified Arborist program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute, meeting and exceeding ISO 17024.
To earn an ISA Certified Arborist credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborists must also adhere to the Code of Ethics that strengthens the credibility and reliability of the workforce. To be eligible for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, you must have one or both of the following:
- Three or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture
- A degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute
- This certification covers a large number of topics giving the candidates flexibility in the arboricultural profession.
DOPL
Contractor Licensee
A Contractor Licensee is obligated to complete six hours of continuing education each licensing period. Three hours must be "core" education and the remaining three may be "core" or "professional" related. All courses must be approved by DOPL to be acceptable. See Rule R156-55a-303b for details.
Beginning with the 2017 renewal, no more than three hours may be taken online. At least three hours must be in a live seminar. Continuing Education Providers MUST submit all courses to DOPL for approval. This can be done online at: https://secure.utah.gov/ce-provider
Irrigation Association
WaterSense
WaterSense is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that promotes water-efficient products, programs and practices to protect future water supplies. In its partnership with the WaterSense program, IA administers professional certification programs that meet WaterSense criteria; provide water efficiency education; maintain and provide up-to-date business contact information to EPA on its certified professionals; help promote WaterSense and water efficiency; and provide other support as specified in the WaterSense Professional Certification Program Labeling System.
IA Certification
- Earn and submit 20 continuing education units every two years.
- Pay your annual renewal fee on time.
- Uphold the Select Certified Code of Ethics.
CEUs are submitted based on a two-year cycle that begins on Jan. 1 of the first year after you pass the certification exam. For example, if you become certified in August 2017, your first two-year CEU cycle would begin Jan. 1, 2018, and end Dec. 31, 2019. Certified professionals submit the required number of 20 CEUs every two years, regardless of how many certifications they hold.
For each two-year cycle, CEUs must:
- Be earned during that two-year period.
- Be submitted by Dec. 31 of the second year of the cycle.
- Include a minimum of 10 CEUs for irrigation-specific continuing education.
- Include a minimum of five tier 1 CEUs related to water-efficient concepts in the field of irrigation.
Certified professionals should keep written, supporting documentation for all continuing education activities for the current and previous two-year cycles, in case they are selected for the annual CEU audit.
PGMS
The Professional Grounds Management Society® (PGMS®) elevates the grounds management profession through education and professional development. PGMS® is the oldest individual membership society for grounds management professionals with the majority of members working for organizations such as colleges and universities, municipalities, park and recreation facilities, hotels and resorts, cemeteries, theme parks, etc. PGMS® membership also includes independent landscape contractors, students, educators, and supplier members. The PGMS has developed certification programs: