Master Gardener Certification Requirements

Volunteer hours for Level 3 may not begin until after the course has been completed.  No prefatory volunteer hour accumulation for Level 3 will be accepted.

Level 1:

  • attend 16 hours of in-class training
  • pass open book exam with 80% or better
  • 20 horticulture related volunteer hours within 1 year of end of class

Level 2:

  • attend 16 hours of in-class training
  • pass closed book exam with 80% or better
  • 30 horticulture related volunteer hours within 1 year of end of class

Level 3:

  • attend 16 hours of hands-on training at "Master Gardener University"
  • 40 volunteer hours directly assisting county/reservation agent with Master Gardener courses or horticulture projects within 1 year of class completion. 

Volunteer Projects

To become a certified Montana Master Gardener you are required to fullfill a volunteer commitment.  Your county or reservation Extension agent can help direct you to approved Master Gardener volunteer projects.  In order to be valid, a project must:

1.  be horticulturally related,

2.  not be for profit (Master Gardeners are not to accept payment or do volunteer work for any entity that operates to make a profit),

3.  give back to the community 

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting your local Extension office with Master Gardener classes, demonstrations or workshops
  • Staffing a Master Gardener information booth at your local farmer's market or county fair
  • Working with local schools on youth education and school gardens
  • Working with local retirement or assisted living communities on adaptive gardening for the elderly and physically challenged
  • Providing office assistance to your county or reservation Extension office
  • Staffing your local plant clinic 
  • Working at your local food bank
  • Writing or contributing to Master Gardener newsletters, news articles, local press or other materials
  • Assisting with trial research projects, demonstration gardens, plant sales or garden tours
  • Collaborating with your city Parks Department to help beautify and maintain public spaces in a sustainable manner

Most important is that you enjoy your volunteer time and feel you are making an impact.  If you have other project ideas that better utilize your talents, please mention them to your county or reservation Extension agent.