The Certified Plant Diagnostician (CPD) is intended to recognize your skill and ability in diagnosing plant problems. It is required to take the Certified Horticulture Industry Professional exam prior to the CPD.

“Pests of Landscape Trees & Shrubs” by Steve H. Dreistadt, and “A Systematic Approach to Diagnosing Plant Damage” by Green, Maloy and Capizzi are the official training manuals for Idaho’s advanced Certified Plant Diagnostician.

The CPD Certification is an add on to the CHIP certification. This exam identifies superior skills in diagnosing plant problems.

The written exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions. On the job experience identifying plant problems will be helpful when preparing for this exam.

Sections covered on the CPD test:

1. Integrated Pest Management
2. Healthy Growing Plants
3. Diagnostic Procedures
4. Identifying Insects and Their Life-cycles
5. Identifying Diseases & Their Management
6. Recognizing Abiotic Disorders
7. Managing Weeds
8. Managing Insects (chemically)
9. Managing Weeds (chemically)