Use these guidelines to understand and complete the transfer and recertification process for in-state and out-of-state applications.

Out-of-State Certified Extension Master Gardener Transfers

Certified EMG volunteers moving from another state are encouraged to transfer into Alabama’s program.

Steps to transfer:

• Pay a $100 fee, which includes the following:
  • Background check
  • Online EMG intern training course access
  • T-shirt and name badge
  • One soil sample test
  • Intern training course textbook
• Contact Home Horticulture personnel for payment instructions.
• Submit required forms for a background check. Instructions will be emailed after payment is received.
• Attend at least two in-person labs in the EMG intern training course. Additional classes may be required by the sponsoring Extension Home Horticulture personnel. Training locations per region and county vary each year.
• Register in the Extension MG Service Report.
• Complete and report a minimum of 25 volunteer service hours as directed by the sponsoring Extension Home Horticulture personnel within 1 year of starting transfer certification.

In-State Recertification After an Absence

If you’ve been inactive for more than 3 years but fewer than 10 years:

• Pay the $100 recertification fee. Contact Home Horticulture personnel for payment instructions.
• Submit required forms for a background check. Instructions will be emailed after payment is received.
• Attend at least two in-person EMG intern training labs. Additional labs may be required at the discretion of your sponsoring Extension Home Horticulture personnel.
• Service report account.
  • Use your existing account in the Extension MG Service Report.
  • Extension Home Horticulture personnel can help you access your account.
• Complete volunteer service.
  • Minimum: 25 hours of volunteer activities as directed by sponsoring Extension Home Horticulture personnel.
  • Must be completed and reported within 1 year of starting recertification.

If you’ve been inactive for 10 years or more, you must register and complete the EMG intern training course ($175) at a location of your choice. Training locations per region and county vary each year.

In-State Interns Who Did Not Complete Certification

If service hours were not completed within 3 years:

• Provide documentation of completed training course.
• Provide documentation of certification extension discussion with sponsoring Extension Home Horticulture personnel.
• Pay $50 and complete a new background check.
• Contact Home Horticulture personnel for payment instructions.
• Complete and report a minimum of 50 volunteer service hours under the direction of sponsoring Extension Home Horticulture personnel within 1 year of starting certification completion.

If coursework was not completed:

• Register and complete the EMG intern training course ($175) at a location of your choice. Training locations per region and county vary each year.

EMG Volunteer Program Transfers and Recertifications

Which fits you best?

Out-of-state certified EMG transfers

• $100 fee
• 2 in-person labs
• 25 volunteer service hours

In-state EMGs inactive for more than 3 years seeking recertification

• $100 fee
• 2 in-person labs
• 25 volunteer service hours

In-state EMGs absent for 10 or more years seeking recertification

• $175 course fee
• EMG intern training

In-state interns who did not finish service hours within 3 years

• $50 fee
• Discuss with Home Horticulture personnel
• 50 volunteer service hours

In-state interns who did not finish classes

• $175 course fee
• EMG intern training

Using Garden-U certificate to become certified EMG volunteers

• Background check
• 2 in-person labs
• 50 volunteer service hours

EMG Volunteer Certification Using Garden-U

People who complete Garden-U may become certified EMG volunteers by meeting the following requirements:

• Submit the background check forms (instructions emailed upon request).
• Contact Home Horticulture personnel for Volunteer Training Coordinator contact information.
• After passing the background check:
  • Attend at least two in-person labs in the EMG intern training course. Additional classes may be required at the discretion of sponsoring Extension Home Horticulture personnel.
  • The EMG intern training course is offered in spring and fall. Training locations per region and county vary each year.
• Complete and report a minimum of 50 volunteer service hours under the direction of sponsoring Extension Home Horticulture personnel.
• Complete the EMG volunteer certification requirements within 12 months of passing the background check.

Kerry Smith, Administrator, Outreach Programs, and State Coordinator, Alabama Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program; and Angie Kelsoe, Administrative Support, both in Horticulture, Auburn University

New October 2025, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program Transfer & Recertification, ANR-3174