Title: What it Means to be a Certified Professional Horticulturist
Abstract: ASHS established a Certified Professional Horticulturist program in 1992 through ARCPACS. Most plant science-related disciplines have their certification programs based in ARCPACS. Professional Certification establishes and promotes professionalism within a discipline. In an era when the general public tends to question the credibility of the scientific community, certification is a valuable tool to establish one's credentials to society. To become certified, the ASHS Certified Professional Horticulturist program required individuals to meet core educational curriculum requirements, document experience in the field, and provide professional references documenting one's professional abilities. Individuals must adhere to the professional Code of Ethics and document continuing education involvement in order to maintain their certification.