Certification & Awards - Marion County
Master Gardener Certification
There are three requirements for Master Gardener certification in Marion County: 1) Attend all Master Gardener training sessions (a substitute videotape is allowed for several sessions); 2) Pass the final exam with a score of at least 70 percent; and 3) Complete at least 50 volunteer hours in approved Master Gardener activities.
Participants are designated as Master Gardener Interns until completion of the volunteer commitment of 50 hours. The type of volunteer work performed is based on a mutual decision of the participant and the County Extension Educator.
Advanced Master Gardener Certification
Once a Master Gardener has fulfilled the commitment of volunteer hours, he or she is eligible to work towards Advanced Master Gardener Certification. Other levels of Advanced Master Gardener status include Bronze, Silver and Gold. Gold level Advanced Master Gardeners are recognized at the state Annual Master Gardener Conference.
Recertification Needed for Active Status
The current Purdue Master Gardener Program policy states that Master Gardeners must recertify each year to remain on the "active" list and maintain the Master Gardener title. Yearly Master Gardener recertification is achieved by fulfilling the following requirements: 1) Donate a minimum of 12 hours of volunteer service each calendar year. 2) Complete a minimum of 6 hours of advanced educational training each calendar year.
If a person is inactive for 3 years or less, there is no penalty. The person can start volunteering and completing training hours again to become active. However, if a person is inactive for more than 3 years, the following is required:
1) Purchase a new manual or CD. 2) Retake the Master Gardener class sessions on all pests, plant problems and pesticides. 3) Pass a statewide exam on required topics once implemented. If a person fails, he or she must retake the entire course.
Guidelines for Transfers from Another State
What happens if a Master Gardener from another state moves to Indiana? Here are the minimum expectations to be a Purdue Master Gardener: 1) Provide a letter from the previous County Coordinator (include name, email address, and county) documenting that the Master Gardener was in good standing. 2) Purchase a new Purdue Master Gardener manual or CD. 3) Take the Master Gardener class sessions on all pests, plant problems and pesticides. 4) Pass a statewide exam on required topics once implemented. If a person fails, he or she must take the entire course.
Master Gardener Awards
Marion County Master Gardener Growth Award
A special Master Gardener award was created in 2001 in Marion County to acknowledge Master Gardeners who go above and beyond the expected training and volunteer service in one year.
The Marion County Master Gardener Growth Award recognizes the dedicated efforts of a certified Master Gardener who meets the following minimum criteria in any one calendar year: 100 volunteer hours and 15 training hours.
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