Horticulturist certification can be earned online through institutions of higher learning. To earn a certificate, candidates must take several courses that cover topics such as soil and plant growth, ornamental plant protection and growing plants. Students generally participate in discussions, submit assignments and take quizzes. Some courses are offered via the Internet.
Students who complete certification courses may be eligible for credits toward additional professional certifications. For example, a student who completes some college's introductory courses in plant identification can receive points toward certification from other organizations that use horticulturists, such as the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
Certified horticulturists can find employment in related industries such as farming, gardening and landscaping, according to College Crunch. The annual median salary for horticulturists is $53,000, as of 2010, and the the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that demand for trained horticulturists is expected to grow faster than average.