Opportunities for Industry, the Public, and the Profession of Horticulture with the ASHS-Certified Horticulturist (ASHS-CH) Program.

The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)-Certified Horticulturist (ASHS-CH) program is being developed to enhance the professional image of the discipline and industry of horticulture and the professional standing of practicing horticulturists by validating the horticultural competency of working horticultural practitioners who have at least 3-years of paid experience in a horticultural profession, and may or may not have a 4-year college degree in Horticulture or a closely related field.  The ASHS-CH Program is designed to certify industry and individual horticulture practitioners both inside and outside ASHS core constituencies. This outreach has the potential to attract new members to ASHS while making it more relevant to the public and to industry. In 2006, ASHS approved the development of the ASHS-CH program and hired Minds in Action Inc., a professional certification development service. Development of the CH began with a Job Task Analysis Workshop in which participants from industry, extension and academia initially identified 57 discrete tasks needed for an ASHS-CH to safely and effectively perform job functions. There was a national survey (of  industry participants from the 26 types of organizations employing potential applicants for certification)  to identify the 35 most important tasks. Results of the survey were compiled into a Certification Test Blueprint to guide creation of the certification exam and professional educational offerings in the areas identified. Participants from industry, extension and academia attended a Test Item-Writing Workshop, followed by two Technical Review Workshops to vet questions. In 2008 a certification exam was assembled, and initial development of study materials, marketing and promotion, fee structures and administration began. The first certification exam was given at the July 2008 ASHS meeting in Orlando.