Texas Master Gardener Certification

Only individuals trained in the Texas Master Gardener program are allowed to use the Texas Master Gardener title. This title is for use in assisting the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The Master Gardener program is broken up into two title certifications, Master Gardener Intern and Master Gardener. The following topics outline the information you need to know about the certification process:
  • minimum of 50 hours of instruction
  • minimum of 50 hours of service
  • pass an examination administered by Extension
Master Gardener

After completing the Master Gardener Intern certification, the Intern must meet the following requirements to earn the Master Gardener certification has a maximum of one year to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service.

Master Gardener trainees, Interns, and Master Gardeners are encouraged to participate in local Master Gardener association groups and to attend State/Regional Master Gardener conferences.

Master Gardener Intern

A Master Gardener trainee must meet the following requirements to earn the Master Gardener Intern certification:
  • Master Gardener Intern
  • Master Gardener
  • Master Gardener Re-certification
  • When to use the Master Gardener Title

Master Gardener Re-certification

In order to retain the Texas Master Gardener title in Nacogdoches County, individuals
are required each year to participate in a minimum of 12 hours of recertification
training (education) and provide an additional 12 hours of volunteer service
through the local Extension office.

When to use the Master Gardener Title

The Texas Master Gardener Title is to be used only when doing unpaid
volunteer work in this program. However, when Texas Master Gardeners speak
before groups on horticultural subjects it is permissible for them to accept
unsolicited reimbursements or gifts. It is recommended that Master Gardeners
and Interns alike wear their Master Gardener badge to their service project.