HT-BC: Get Certified
Horticultural Therapist – Board Certified
The Horticultural Therapist – Board Certified (HT-BC) credential is a formal recognition that an individual has met established professional standards in horticultural therapy. The HT-BC certification assesses the knowledge and skills of a horticultural therapist alongside the requirements for education and professional experience. Earning the HT-BC is a mark of distinction and demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest standard of practice.
Inaugural Testing Window: Oct 31 - Nov 14, 2026
The HT-BC is administered daily during an established 2 week testing window, excluding holidays, at computer-based testing facilities globally managed by Prometric.
Check Your HT-BC Eligibility
There are three distinct pathways to achieving the HT-BC , each thoughtfully designed to accommodate varying combinations of advanced educational backgrounds and hands-on professional experience within social and medical settings.
Because each trajectory balances academic standards with practical hours differently, we invite you to review the comprehensive Candidate Handbook to explore each option in detail and determine the optimal route to getting certified.
HT-BC Process: From Application to Exam Day
Apply
Confirm eligibility, submit application, and pay the application fee with the AHTA.
Approval
Receive approval and read the Candidate Handbook for all test-day and prepartation related information.
Schedule
Book your exam with Prometric within the designated test window. Remember: book early to secure your preferred date, time, and test center location.
Get Certified
Take your exam and receive a Notice of Completion. Your results will be mailed ~4-weeks after the close of the test window.
HT-BC Application Fee
Fees are processed during the application process and are non-refundable. There are additional fees for rescheduling your test appointment and transferring to a new test window; check the Candidate Handbook for details.
AHTA Member
$450 USD
Application Fee
$50 USD
Annual Maintenance Fee
Non-Member
$595 USD
Application Fee
$50 USD
Annual Maintenance Fee
Supporting Documents for Application
Work Verification Form
Internship Performance Report Form
HT-BC Content Outline
The HT-BC content outline defines the core competencies and professional standards evaluated on the certification exam. This structured breakdown outlines the specific domains of knowledge and practice required for board certification, with the percentages indicating the relative weight and proportion of questions dedicated to each topic. Candidates can utilize this outline to guide their preparation and understand the definitive benchmarks of the credential.
Horticulture: 34.2%
Program Planning & Activity Design: 27.8%
Treatment Plan: 17.3%
Business Practice, Safety, & Ethics: 8.3%
Professionalism & Scholarship: 7.3%
Managing Human Resources: 5%
The Knowledge You Need To Succeed
Certification Policies
Everything you need to know about the HT-BC exam is found in the Candidate Handbook.
Renewal Policies
As a HT-BC certification-holder, you can choose one of two options for renewal.
Find a Test Center
The HT-BC exam is delivered in person at Prometric test centers.
Policy References
Test Accommodations
The AHTA supports the intent of and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Accommodations can be requested by submitting the Request for Test Accommodations Form with the HT-BC application and fees at least 8 weeks before the start of the test window.
Testing I.D. Policy
All candidates will be required to provide proof of identity in the form of 1 valid (non-expired) original government issued photo ID with signature. Expired, temporary, or paper IDs will NOT be accepted. Fees will not be refunded for exams missed because of invalid ID.
Prepare for Test Day
Plan ahead for your exam by learning what to expect at a Prometric test center.
Rescheduling
Candidates can reschedule their test appointments within the same testing window, however, a fee may apply depending on the time frame of the request.
Transferring
Candidates unable to take the exam during their scheduled testing window may request a one-time transfer to a future testing window for a fee of $150 USD.
No Show
If you fail to report for an exam scheduled at Prometric, you will forfeit all fees paid to take the exam. A completed application form and exam fee are required to reapply for the HT-BC.
Looking for Additional Support?
The AHTA is always available for help. Reference the Candidate Book to make sure your request is routed to the right organization to streamline the response time.