How to Get Certified

You don’t need to know everything about gardening to become a Master Gardener — you’ll continue to learn the more you participate in the program. You do need to be committed to lifelong learning and community service, as these are the cornerstones of the University of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Master Gardener Program.

 

bowl of peas

To earn and maintain status as an ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Master Gardener, students must do the following:

Complete Course

Complete the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Master Gardener Course with a 70% grade or higher. (One-time)

 

 

 

Sign Agreement

Review and sign the . (One-time)

 

 

 

Volunteer Hours

Complete 40 hours of appropriate volunteer service by December 31 of the year you complete the course. At this point, you are an official ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Master Gardener (One-time; prior to completing your volunteer hours, you are considered an ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Master Gardener in Training)

Maintain Hours

In each subsequent year, complete 20 hours of volunteer service + 10 hours of continuing education or professional development each year and apply to maintain your title as an ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Master Gardener by September 30th of each year. (Annually)

 

Hands-On Intensive

Complete an ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Master Gardener Hands-on Intensive (Can fulfill the annual CEU requirement)

 

 

 

Join!

If available, join a local Master Gardener Association in ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ. If you are a member of your local Master Gardener Association in ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ, share your initial hours with the association as well as your annual professional development hours, and your annual volunteer hours to remain in good standing with your association. (Optional)