2025-2026 Credential Information

WARNING: This information is considered DRAFT until August 22, 2025.

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.

Footnotes:
^ 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.


Future Plant Professional

Credential NameFuture Plant Professional
Credential Vendor InfoNC 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
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementAP44 = No
Validation ArtifactCopy of certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantJosh Bledsoe
joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu
Course Number and TitleAP44 Horticulture II - Landscape Construction
Credential as POLAP44 POL = Yes
Cost of Instructor Training$0.00
Instructor Training RequirementsNone
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 ExpirationN/A
Credential LifespanLifetime
Renewal OptionsN/A
Once earned, the FPP designation does not expire and there are no renewal or continuing education requirements to maintain the designation.
ArticulationNo
SequencingYes
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 TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
The exam will require the use of the Moodle platform.
Test Site Options and RequirementsN/A
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsAny 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 Allotment2 hours
Exam Passing Requirement70% 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.
RetakesYes
Retakes are available after the 24-hour lockout period.
Candidates are permitted one retake without an additional fee.
Student AccommodationsYes
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 NotesNone