Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

Future Plant Professional

Credential Name	Future Plant Professional
Credential Vendor Info	NC Nursery and Landscape Association Katie Oskey Executive Vice President 968 Trinity Road \| Raleigh, NC 27607 education@ncnla.com 919-816-9119 https://ncnla.com/page/FPP
Implementation Year	2025-2026
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	AP44 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Sherilee Deal sdeal2@ncsu.edu
Course Number and Title	AP44 Horticulture II - Landscape Construction
Credential as POL	AP44 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Plant Systems (PLSV)
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00
Instructor Training Requirements	None While there are no requirements to teach the course associated with the Future Plant Professional, NCNLA does offer a professional-level credential available for teachers: Certified Plant Professional.
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A Once earned, the FPP designation does not expire and there are no renewal or continuing education requirements to maintain the designation.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers (45-1011) First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers (37-1012) Vegetation Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators (37-3012)
Articulation	Yes Effective 2025-26 See Statewide Articulation Agreement: https://www.ncperkins.org/course/view.php?id=4
Sequencing	Yes The FPP designation is the entry-level introduction into NCNLA’s plant professional program. With future industry-related experience, students may utilize the skills they acquired through the FPP exam and their experience to sit for the CPP exam. CPP exam process is available at www.ncnla.com/CPP.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	On-line
Proctored Environment Required	Yes The exam will require the use of the Moodle platform.
Test Site Options and Requirements	N/A
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Proctored Requirements	Any NC teacher can serve as a proctor. Teachers interested in proctoring an exam must attend a one-hour virtual training with NCNLA prior to proctoring. This is a pre-recorded training which can be taken at the teacher's convenience.
Exam Time Allotment	2 hours
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher on each of two parts Written Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions concerning plant nomenclature, planting requirements, maintenance, pruning techniques, etc. Plant Identification: Identify 25 selected plants pulled from the NC FFA Plant Identification Career Development Event base list and the nursery landscape list. The test contains videos of the selections to be identified; live plants will not be used.
Retakes	Yes Retakes are available after the 24-hour lockout period. Candidates are permitted one retake without an additional fee.
Student Accommodations	Yes Accommodations can be made on a case-by-case basis and the NCNLA is ready and willing to work with any students individualized needs. NCNLA requires a 45-day notice to ensure proper time to facilitate requested accommodations.
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	None

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.

Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.

Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.

Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.