Texas Master Gardener Training and Certification
To see the details and apply for our next Master Gardener Training Class <—== Click here
Requirements for Texas Master Gardeners
It is important to note that the intern and recertification requirements are minimums. County Extension Agents have the authority to increase these requirements. Training content and volunteer service hours are under the purview of the County Extension Agent and must be entered in the VMS to earn and maintain the title.
Intern:
To earn the title of “Texas Master Gardener” an intern must:
● Apply through the agency’s online application system
● Complete initial Extension Volunteer training modules
● Pass background screening
● Sign Volunteer Agreement
● Receive a minimum of 50 hours of instruction within one year – Our class typically runs once a week for 16 weeks and provides ~ 64 hours of instruction, including hands-on propagation, and field trips
● Pass an examination administered by Extension
● Volunteer a minimum of 50 hours of service in one year of your Class Graduation
Recertification:
To retain the Texas Master Gardener title, individuals are to:
Log a minimum of 20 Volunteer hours and 10 Continuing Education (CE) hours in VMS (this change was announced in early 2024, and became effective as of 01/01/2025*). You also must pay your annual membership dues each year by the last day of the current year. Typically we open and announce the dues reminder starting in October. There is a “DUES” link on our main menu where you can pay your membership dues.
*The purpose of this recertification hours change was to align all states into a common standard.
Every three years
● Pass background screening
● Sign Volunteer Agreement
We have plenty of volunteer & CE opportunities throughout the year for everyone to participate and reach these goals. If you have any questions or want to help and don’t know where to begin reach out to one of the Officers or Members in Service we are all happy to help!
In the event you cannot certify or recertify in the required timeline, you have the following options (Taken from the GCMG Policy & Procedures Manual):
Leave of Absence (LOA).
On occasion, a Master Gardener Intern or Texas Master Gardener is unable to fulfill the requirements to obtain or maintain certification due to illness, illness in the family, or other personal situations assessed on a case-by-case basis. In cases such as these, a “Leave of Absence” may be requested using this form and granted by the County Extension Agent. The LOA is to be for a specified period and may have specific training and/or service requirements for the individual to regain full status as a Master Gardener Intern or Texas Master Gardener. An LOA is not intended to be used simply because a volunteer does not fulfill certification or recertification requirements. The certified member will continue to pay membership dues while on LOA status.
A certified member must also pay for and pass the criminal background check if it is out of date, prior to performing any volunteer activities. If the member has not completed reinstatement activities within the approved time frame, GCMG will automatically drop him/her from membership.
The Intern may hold LOA status for up to one (1) year, although the County Extension Agent at his/her discretion may extend this time frame. The Intern must also pay for and pass the criminal background check if it is out of date, prior to performing any volunteer activities. If the Intern has not completed the certification requirements within the approved time frame, GCMG will drop him/her from membership.
Reinstatement of a Lapsed GCMG Master Gardener Intern or Texas Master Gardener.
On occasion, a Master Gardener Intern or Texas Master Gardener may allow their membership to lapse and later determine they would like to again become an active GCMG member. It is the lapsed individual’s responsibility to apply in writing or via email to the Board of Directors for reinstatement. The decision to allow the individual to pursue reinstatement requirements is made at the discretion of the Board, providing the individual has been in a lapsed status for no more than two (2) years, although the Board, at its discretion, may extend this time frame. The Board may reinstate membership if the individual accomplishes the following requirements within one (1) year from approval to pursue reinstatement.
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- Applies and pays for, and passes a new criminal background check prior to volunteering time on any GCMG project.
- Audits a minimum of six (6) classes at the next Master Gardener class at no additional cost. Field trips are not considered classes for this purpose.
- A lapsed Intern is required to complete 50 (fifty) volunteer hours and any other certification requirements. A lapsed Texas Master Gardener is required to complete the current number of volunteer and continuing education hours required for recertification. This may be done concurrent with or prior to attending the classes. Time spent in auditing class sessions is not counted as either volunteer service or continuing education credits.
- Pay prorated annual dues based on time of certification.
Texas Master Gardener Title
The Texas Master Gardener title can only be used by individuals trained in the Texas Master Gardener program to assist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. To use the title, volunteers must be actively participating in a volunteer role and meet recertification requirements annually.
Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) should only display credentials or give the appearance of being a Texas Master Gardener when the activity is designated by the agent or coordinator as an approved educational project. Texas Master Gardeners must not use the title in any form of advertisement outside of the intended educational purpose. For example, applying Texas Master Gardener insignia or logos (see Logo/Brand Guide) to business cards for personal business ventures. Further, using the title for personal gain or implying Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service endorsement of any product or place of business is improper.
The credentials for Extension Master Gardeners should be displayed properly while conducting official volunteer service. The proper display includes wearing Master Gardener name badges, shirts, and aprons with the current up-to-date logo. Any items with the former logo must be retired.
Extension Master Gardeners who are not currently certified cannot use this title. The title of Texas Master Gardener is valid only when the volunteer is actively participating in an Extension Master Gardener program being conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. When an individual ceases active participation in the Extension Master Gardener program and/or does not meet recertification requirements, the individual’s certification as a Texas Master Gardener becomes void. The County Extension Agents or staff serving as Master Gardener Coordinators, are charged to maintain this guideline.
Agents or coordinators may consider approving a Leave of Absence or bestowing the Emeritus(a) title when warranted.