Master Gardener Certification Requirements

The Extension Master Gardener Program is an eight to ten-week program. The course sections are taught by local Extension agents, plant professionals, MSU staff, and Mater Gardener volunteers. After completion of the Master Gardener Course, class participants will be expected to pass an open-book exam and fulfill a 20-hour volunteer commitment. After finishing the course work, passing the exam, and completing volunteer requirement, participants will be considered Extension Master Gardeners. 

To become an Advanced Master Gardener, participants will be required to accumulate at least 100 hours of volunteer service hours or 2-5 years of continued service. 25 hours of continuing education over 2-5 years is also required. Those seeking Advanced Master Gardener status will need approval through their local extension agent and/or the Montana Master Gardener Coordinator.

"Master Gardener in Good Standing" - Maintaining Master Gardening Certification

Master Gardeners and Advanced Master Gardeners need to  complete the following to maintain their active status in the Extension Master Gardener Program. 

  • Annually update their volunteer management system profile 
  • Accept the code of conduct 
  • Acquire 20 or more hours of volunteer service annually 
  • Obtain at least 4 hours of continuing education per year 

Volunteer Categories with Descriptions

The following categories of services will be considered to meet the volunteer requirements for Master Gardener in Good Standing:

  • Answering Questions - One-to-one questions answered by a volunteer. This can be either phone, email, or in person.
  • Community Gardens - Community Gardens are gardens established in an area that target the surrounding community. The gardens are typically limited to those residents who work in the garden or are served by the garden. Master Gardener volunteers lead teaching efforts but work in the community garden is typically done by the community.
  • Conference - Hosting a conference or symposium.
  • Demonstration Gardens - Demonstration gardens are gardens that demonstrate specific plants or gardening techniques. These examples are used to teach the county population at large. Demonstration gardens are maintained by Master Gardener volunteers, and their primary purpose is for public education.
  • Food Distribution/Food Bank - Work conducted that contributes to food distribution or food banks/pantries.
  • Research Support - Working to collect samples for research being done by Montana State University.
  • Media/Social Media/Web - Any support to educate on horticulture practices or advertise Master Gardener events. This includes taking pictures and write ups for social media or web posts. TV/Radio media are included in this category.
  • Presentations/Teaching - Conducted as individuals or as a group, presentations are a way to maximize public education.
  • Tables/Booths/Exhibits - Tables/Booths/Exhibits are set up in designated areas to answer generic questions for the public.
  • Writing Articles/newsletters - Print and online publications.
  • Youth - Any gardening educational event or activity in which youth are the primary audience.
  • Supporting the Agent - Working in the extension office (making copies for master gardener trainings or putting packets together for a garden tour)

Most important is that you enjoy your volunteer time and feel you are making an impact.  If you have other project ideas that better utilize your talents, please mention them to your county or reservation Extension agent or the Master Gardener Coordinator.   

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