Training Sessions

Training includes 66 hours of in depth classroom instruction. This includes daytime classes taught once a week for 11 weeks, beginning in mid to late January. Attendance for all 11 classes is mandatory. Classes are taught by University of Illinois specialists and extension educators. You will also get practical experience by attending field trips, seminars and workshops. The training fee is $100, payable to the University of Illinois. This training fee includes the Master Gardener manual or CD-ROM.

Upon successful completion of the classroom training units and passing the final exam, you will become a Master Gardener Intern. The internship consists of fulfilling volunteer hours approximately equal to the number of hours of classroom training received (60 hours). Certified Master Gardeners are those who have completed their classroom training and internship. To be an active Master Gardener you must remain current in annual educational updates (a minimum of 10 hours) and volunteer service hours (a minimum of 30 hours) required by the local program.

Master Gardener applicants must fill out an application and will also be asked to participate in an informal interview.