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Certification > Becoming a Certified Grounds Manager (CGM)

The Certified Grounds Manager program, developed and offered by PGMS and recognized by outside organizations such as the American Public Works Association, is the premiere program of its type in the Green Industry. With certification, your presentations, requests for funds and equipment, and recommendations carry more weight.

For those interested in becoming a Certified Grounds Manager (CGM), there is a very specific prescribed procedure.

CRITERIA

A candidate must meet one of the three criteria below:

  1. A Bachelor of Science in a recognized green industry field, including management and four years of experience in the field of grounds maintenance, of which two years are supervisory.
  2. A two year degree from a recognized college or junior college, plus six years of experience in the grounds maintenance field with a minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
  3. Eight years in the grounds maintenance field, with a minimum of four years of supervisory experience.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination process consists of two parts.

  1. Part One is administered by an approved proctor and covers a core of basic principles of grounds management, consisting of one hundred true/false and multiple choice questions. The applicant taking the examination is required to answer these particular questions without referring to notes or reference materials. A minimum passing grade of 70% is required.

    The Closed Book Test Contains Questions On:

    Insects and Diseases
    Soils
    Trees and Shrubs
    Turfgrass
    Chemicals and Fertilizers
    Management

    Part Two is the open book exam. This is a newly revised take home examination to be completed by the applicant based on personal experience and the local situation. Candidates have 1 year to complete this open book test for review by the committee.

  2. The Open Book Test Consists Of The Following:

    Site Inventory
    Operations Inventory
    Turf Management
    Trees, Shrubs and Ground Covers
    Irrigation
    Pavings
    Management Skills
    Budgets and Finances
    Application and examination fees for PGMS members is $150. You may also join PGMS and apply for the program simultaneously by paying $300.

Download the Application Form

 

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