AHTA Credentials
AHTA Credentials Help You Stand Out
Earning a credential from AHTA means you achieved the pinnacle of practice in horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture. No other organization holds the same standards, ethics, or 50+ years of organizational experience as AHTA.
Coming in Fall 2026: HT Board Certification
The Horticultural Therapist- Board Certified (HT-BC) credential is a definitive mark of excellence designed to bridge the gap between passion and professional practice. This board certification ensures that every practitioner meets a rigorous national standard, protecting both the integrity of the profession and the well-being of the clients we serve.
This launch represents a pivotal shift for our community. By earning the HT-BC, you are advancing the field and ensuring horticultural therapy is recognized as a vital, evidence-based component of modern healthcare.

Certification provides a clear roadmap for both individual growth and industry-wide impact:
Verified Expertise – Proves your commitment to ethical practice and professional credibility.
Standardized Quality – Aligns your work with the latest national best-practice guidelines.
Proven Competence – Validates the unique combination of your education and clinical experience.
Public Recognition – Strengthens our collective professional identity and visibility.
Continuous Excellence – Supports a career-long journey of learning and engagement.
Our Credentials
HT-BC Certification
The Horticultural Therapist- Board Certified, the HT-BC will set the gold standard for excellence in horticultural therapy. Developed in partnership with psychometric experts and grounded in comprehensive Job Task Analysis, this certification validates real-world competence and elevates professional credibility across the field.
The difference of the HT-BC: Also known as "being certified" is the most advanced credential. Certification requires specific educational requirements, experience requirement, and a passing score on the board certification exam. This certification will officially begin fall 2026 when we launch the HT-BC board certification exam.
THP Recognition
The Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner, the THP, recognizes professionals with an education in horticultural therapy and work experience providing therapeutic horticulture services. Individuals at this registration level may advance to Horticultural Therapist-Registered upon completion of additional requirements.
The difference of the THP: AHTA provides this title to individuals who have met specific education and experience requirements. The HT-BC is replacing HTR as the most advanced credential, but the THP is still available for practitioners who want a credential on their way to board certification, or have another board certified credential in an allied field.
HTR Credential
The Horticultural Therapist-Registered, the HTR, recognizes professionals who have an education in both plant science and human science, and horticultural therapy with additional training acquired through an intensive internship experience in horticultural therapy.
Note: Applications for the HTR will stop being accepted July 1, 2026. Click below to learn more.
Certificate in Horticultural Therapy
Horticultural therapy certificates are provided by colleges and universities after completing their Horticultural Therapy certificate program. Many HT certificate programs are accredited by AHTA. This means those schools meet the academic standards for class content outlined by AHTA.
The Difference Between THP vs. HTR
THP
Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner
Eligibility Check:
Current AHTA Associate member
Completed HT coursework
500+ hours documented work experience
What You’ll Need:
- Official transcripts
- Completed online application
- Verification of Work Experience form (signed)
- Proof of services rendered (if applicable)
Pro Tip: The application form doesn't save your progress. Set aside 30–45 minutes and gather all materials first!
HTR
Registered Horticultural Therapist
Eligibility Check:
- Current AHTA Associate member
- Plant + human science education
- Internship OR 1,500+ hours work experience
What You’ll Need:
- Official transcripts
- Completed online application
- Verification of Work Experience form (1,500 hours, signed)
- OR Internship performance report (signed) + project/case study
Did your school use a quarter system?
If your school uses quarters instead of semesters, use our conversion table.
Make Sure Your Courses Count
AHTA accredits Horticultural Therapy Certificate Programs for the required 9 hours of HT coursework.
The HTR and HT-BC have additional course requirements in Human Services and Horticulture. Learn more about these requirements as well as how to get pre-approval for courses.
Still Shaping Your Career Path?
Deciding on the right credential is a big step for your career. If you need help weighing your options or want a bit of guidance on your next move, we are here to help you navigate the process with confidence.