HortCred: Skill Building. One Badge at a Time.
Build practical skills, apply them on the job immediately, and earn digital badges to showcase your achievements.
Flexible, practical learning
for every level
The AmericanHort HortCred micro-credentialing program offers topic-focused training for multiple experience levels in the green industry. Learn practical, real-world techniques, stay up to date on the latest innovations, and earn digital badges that highlight your achievements.
Key Advantages
- Learn anytime, anywhere with mobile-friendly, on-demand training.
- Apply skills immediately to work smarter and more confidently.
- Customize your learning with 100+ videos, articles, and quizzes.
- Show your expertise by sharing badges on your social profiles or email signature.
- Motivate your team by building tailored training programs with badges.
Additional Learning Opportunities
How the Program Works
HortCred makes professional growth easy, flexible, and rewarding. Complete short, focused lessons in your chosen topic to earn digital badges that showcase your skills and expertise. Test your knowledge with a quick quiz at the end of each lesson, learn at your own pace, and apply new insights on the job right away.
HortCred also serves as a bridge to AmericanHort certification programs, providing a quick on-ramp to deeper, more comprehensive training for career and professional growth.
Choose the Level That Fits Your Role
CORE: Foundational concepts for entry-level employees.
PRO: Advanced concepts for professionals leading teams.
LEAD: Leadership and management skills. (Coming soon!)
Select Topics Essential to Your Job
Irrigation
Pest Management
Plant Growth
Plant Nutrition
Soils & Substrates
Professional Growth
Earn and Share Your Badge
Once you earn a HortCred badge, you can easily share it on LinkedIn, social media, or in your email signature to highlight your expertise and professional growth.
Learning Tailored to Your Business
CORE and PRO badges are now available for Greenhouse and Nursery employees.
What’s Available Now
HortCred Pricing
Badge programs available for AmericanHort members only.
Not a member?
Join today!
Members:
$99 per badge
Available in Spanish
CORE badges are available for Greenhouse and Nursery.
*Bulk discounts available. Email us to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn a badge?
Each badge takes about 1.5–3 hours to complete.
How many credits are needed to receive a badge?
- Exclusive, short educational videos
- Video presentations from past conferences
- Recorded Back2Basics, Grow Forward, and other educational webinars
- Educational articles
What type of content is found in a HortCred badge?
Yes. Every lesson includes a brief quiz to check your understanding and track your progress toward earning the badge.
Am I tested on what I learned?
Yes, HortCred is mobile-friendly. You can access the content from your phone. Many videos and articles can be completed in under 15 minutes, making it easy to incorporate training into your daily routine.
How do I receive my badge?
You’ll get an email from Credly with a link to accept your digital badge. Click “accept,” then log in or create a Credly account to claim it.
Can the credits earned through HortCred be applied towards credential maintenance requirements for AmericanHort Certification?
Yes. Your badge access is valid for one year from the date of purchase, and it includes any new content added to the badge during that time.
Will I see new content added after I purchase access to my badge?
The number of credits required varies by badge and is outlined in the learning system. Each badge includes required courses plus optional electives. You can choose from several options to complete the total credits needed.
How does HortCred differ from AmericanHort Certification programs?
Yes! Credits from HortCred can be applied towards the following:
- Greenhouse CORE badges can be applied towards Greenhouse Technician continuing education.
- Greenhouse PRO badges can be applied towards Greenhouse Section Grower continuing education.