Certification Continuance
Recertification and Continuing Education Credits (CEC's)
Only certified Level 3 Master Gardeners are required to complete annual recertification accreditation. Master Gardeners with Emeritus status are exempt from annual recertification.
Annual recertification fulfilment is 3 continuing education credits (CEC's) and 10 volunteer service hours per year.
Emeritus status recognizes a volunteer who has made significant contributions to the program, but now chooses to permanently limit their activity without leaving the program. An Emeritus Master Gardener has at least 10 years of volunteer service and over 1,000 volunteer hours.
Continuing Education hours are hours spent in classes and seminars geared toward horticulture. Continuing education hours are necessary to improve volunteer knowledge and skills needed for performing work as community educators.
Volunteer service hours are those hours spent as a Master Gardener volunteer on a variety of projects that assist local county or reservation Extension educators.
If a Master Gardener volunteer is unable to maintain annual recertification, they may request a temporary leave of absence for up to 5 years, by contacting the state Master Gardener Coordinator. To reactivate certification at any time during the 5 years, volunteers will be required to complete an assessment evaluation and fulfill the annual recertification requirement. For extended absences greater than 5 years, the volunteer will be required to complete either the Level 1 or Level 2 course in it's entirety, at a reduced fee.
Teach Montana Master Gardener
Teach any certified Level 1 or Level 2 Master Gardener class for your county or reservation Extension educator. 1 CEC per class.
Montana State University Urban IPM Program
Online course to become a certified Urban IPM practitioner; uses Digital Chalk classroom. Complete 8 lessons & quizzes. 1 CEC per lesson.
Nutrient Management Modules
15 Self-study modules; download and take quiz; email to state coordinator for grading.
1 CEC per module/quiz.
Soil & Water Management Modules
5 Self-study modules; download and take quiz; email to state coordinator for grading.
1 CEC per module/quiz.
Private Applicator Pesticide License
Complete requirements for MT DOA pesticide license; email copy of current license
with your name on it. 3 CEC's.
International Master Gardener Conference
Attend conference and a minimum of 3 seminars; email copy of registration form to
state coordinator. 3 CEC's per registration.
Regional Master Gardener Conferences
Idaho-Thaw & Awe, Spokane-Cabin Fever, Regional Master Gardener Convention (Rexburg,
ID), Wyoming State & Regional Master Gardener Conference...just to name a few. More
will be listed on the Montana Master Gardener website under Upcoming Events as they
arise. 3 CEC's per conference registration.
Flower Shows
Attend a major flower show and a minimum of 3 seminars; email copy of registration
form to state coordinator. 3 CEC's per registraton.