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AmericanHort launches HortCred to advance skills development in the green industry

AmericanHort has launched HortCred, a new micro-credentialing program designed to help horticulture professionals quickly develop and demonstrate job-specific skills. The flexible, competency-based initiative supports workers at every career stage while helping employers build a stronger, more capable workforce.

As production practices and operational demands evolve, employers across the green industry continue to face challenges in training and retaining skilled staff. HortCred addresses those needs through concise, targeted learning modules that build workforce proficiency from within.

“A skilled workforce is vital to the long-term health and competitiveness of the horticulture industry,” said Ken Fisher, AmericanHort president and CEO. “HortCred was developed to meet professionals where they are—offering short, focused learning experiences that build confidence and capability while serving as a potential on-ramp to our more comprehensive certification programs.”

HortCred courses are structured around digital badges—online credentials recognizing competency in a specific skill. Each badge includes a short video course and a brief exam to ensure knowledge transfer and retention. Once completed, learners earn a HortCred badge that can be displayed on résumés, professional profiles, and internal training records.

All training is online and mobile-friendly, allowing participants to learn at their own pace. A personalized dashboard tracks progress, and most badges can be earned in three hours or less.

HortCred offers progressive levels to support a range of roles:

  • CORE: Foundational skills for entry-level employees and onboarding
  • PRO: Advanced knowledge for experienced professionals and supervisors
  • LEAD: Leadership development for team, financial, and operational management (coming soon)

Topic areas include irrigation, pest management, plant growth, plant nutrition, soils and substrates, and professional growth. The structure allows employers to tailor training pathways to their operational needs.

CORE and PRO badges are currently available for greenhouse and nursery employees, with CORE content also available in Spanish. Programs for garden retail, interior plantscape, and landscape professionals are in development.

HortCred also serves as an on-ramp to AmericanHort’s certification programs, which offer more extensive training for advanced professional and technical development. Together, they form a comprehensive learning ecosystem that supports continuous growth and industry excellence.

By making skills development accessible and measurable, HortCred aims to empower individuals, strengthen teams, and support the long-term vitality of the horticulture industry.

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