How to Get PGA Certified

The Professional Golfers Association of America began its PGA Certified Professional Program (CPP) in 2004.

This online education program is for PGA pros “who are committed to continuously enhancing their golf management skills,” according to PGA.com. The program offers courses in numerous career avenues, including instruction, general management, golf operations, turfgrass management and customer relations. You must be a PGA member before you may enroll in the program, which began upgrading to CPP 2.0 in early 2012.

1. Read descriptions of the certifications and career paths to gain an overview of the program.

2. PGA members may also speak with a PGA employment consultant to help decide which certification to choose. PGA senior editor Michael Abramowitz notes that the PGA employs regional consultants across the United States.

1. Register for online courses within your certification area. More than 2,000 courses are available, Abramowitz notes, and all of them may be accessed from the PGA’s Course Library. As of 2012, a PGA member may purchase 12 months of access to the complete course library for $350.

1. Take and complete 14 required courses in your certification area plus six elective courses.

2. If you’ve been a PGA member for less than eight years you must pass a proficiency exam for each course.

3. PGA members for more than eight years have the option of completing a project presentation instead of taking the tests. The PGA estimates that it will take approximately 80 to 100 hours to complete the coursework and other requirements of CPP 2.0.