Recertification

Recertification Deadline: Landscape Industry Certified individuals with a good-through date of December 31, 2011, are due to recertify. Please click here for important details.

In January 2009, PLANET transitioned to a two-year RECERTIFICATION cycle. The required continuing education and optional industry service needed to maintain the active status of your PLANET certification is measured in Continuing Education Units (CEUs). You are required to report 24 CEUs earned during the two-year cycle to maintain the active status of your certification.

UPDATED—in May 2010, the recertification requirements were broadened to include article writing, book publishing, presentations, reading materials as part of self-study and more. It is important to check the Recertification Center often for updates.

Recertification is a major component of a strong certification program and is considered a best practice across the certification industry. Certified individuals submit CEUs earned in any of five education and four service areas during the two-year cycle. Certified individuals may substitute up to 8 CEUs from the four service categories or report all 24 CEUs in education.

What qualifies as a Continuing Education Unit?
There are specifically defined categories of education and service activities that will qualify for CEUs. Learn how continuing education units are earned and the documentation required. Please keep a copy of the PLANET Recertification Requirements information sheet handy for easy reference as training and education opportunities occur during your recertification cycle.

How do certified individuals report their CEUs to PLANET?
A new form replaces the Renewal form used previously. Once a certified individual enters the recertification cycle, they should begin tracking the CEUs they've earned with this Continuing Education Units (CEU) Submission Form. We suggest you keep the CEU Submission Form up-to-date with the qualifying CEUs you're earning during the recertification cycle and create a file where you keep the supporting documentation for each CEU activity you attend over the two-year cycle.

What programs/events have been approved for CEUs?
Follow the education and service opportunities that are specifically mentioned in the PLANET Recertification Requirements information sheet. Certified individuals may request pre-approval of other educational or training programs. A sample list of several pre-approved programs and the maximum CEUs assigned is listed here.

If you are interested in a program that has not been pre-approved and does not appear on the list, you may request a pre-approval review by submitting this information. Meeting sponsors and seminar organizers may also request pre-approval of their programs for PLANET recertification CEUs by submitting this information.

NEW! Do you offer a retired certification status?
Yes … Emeritus or retired status is now available. Emeritus status allows certificants to continue to use their designation(s) upon retirement from the profession without having to recertify. Landscape Industry Certified individuals may request emeritus status if they are age 60 or above and are retiring from the green industry and maintained certification for at least six (6) years prior to retirement. Certificants who intend to continue work in the green industry (perhaps as a consultant or lecturer) are not considered retired and are not eligible for emeritus status.

To request emeritus status, please send a written notice of your intent to retire to the attention of Karen Barnett at PLANET, and include documentation of age (a copy of one’s driver’s license is sufficient). The letter (which may be e-mailed, mailed or faxed) must include your name, designation(s) and years certified, and retirement date.

This status should be considered carefully. Landscape Industry Certified individuals awarded emeritus status who later decide to re-enter the profession will have their emeritus status rescinded and will be required to retake the applicable exam(s).

Certificants granted emeritus status will receive a new certificate indicating this retired status.

Have more questions?
Check it out: Recertification Frequently Asked Questions.