The ASHS Certified Horticulturist: Standards and More

In 2009, The American Society for Horticultural Science introduced the preeminent credential for people working in the horticultural field, the ASHS Certified Horticulturist. However, there was almost three years of hard work involved in designing this credential before the first cfertification examination was offered. This presentation will review the process used to create the ASHS Certified Horticulturist job description, establish the standards of practice and develop the certification examination.  Particular emphasis will be placed on the creation of standards of practive in the field so that participants can use these standards to educate and evaluate professionals in the field of horticulture.