Champaign County Master Gardener Class Interest Form 2026

• The next in-person class will run from February through April 2026.  Classes will be held weekly, on Wednesdays, during the day.
• Interest forms must be received by December 31, 2025, to be considered for the 2026 class.
• The fee for the in-person class is $200.  If you want to take the in-person class, submit only this interest form.

• Our online, self-guided Illinois Gardener training course is available to take from the comfort of your home at your own pace.  This online course is typically offered three times a year in Winter, Summer, and Fall, but there will be no winter session in 2026.
• The fee for online training is $300.  If you choose to take the fully online course, please fill out both this interest form and the separate Illinois Gardener Training registration form.
• Registration for the next Summer session will be open from April 1 to May 18, 2026, and the course begins on June 8, 2026.  The registration form will be available starting on April 1, 2026, here: go.illinois.edu/IllinoisGardenerTraining

1. Your form will be reviewed, and in January 2026 you will be sent an invitation for an interview.  This form does not guarantee acceptance into the training program.  There are a limited number of spots for the upcoming in-person class.  Your payment and completed paperwork reserve your place in the classroom.
2. If accepted into the volunteer program, you will be asked to complete several forms as required by the State Master Gardener program.  Most paperwork must be completed online.
3. Financial assistance may be available in limited amounts for in-person training, and a separate form is required.  The deadline to request financial assistance is Dec. 15, 2025.  Contact vln3@illinois.edu to request the form.
4. Payment:
   • In-Person Course: Payment can be made by visiting the Champaign County Extension office (cash, check, or card accepted) or sending us your payment in the mail (check only).  Hard copies of the manual will be distributed at the first class.  Payment is due before the first class.
   • Online Course (not available for winter 2026): Payment for the course is by credit card (preferred) or check, which includes the manual in one of these formats: hard copy, USB, or both.  The manual (in the form requested by the trainee) will be shipped to the participant’s home address starting January 2026.  Payment should be made at the time of registration.
5. Completing all of the classes (60 hours of instruction at 4-6 hours per week on average) and 40 hours of volunteering as an intern within 2 years of finishing the course are mandatory to become a certified Active Master Gardener.  
6. Each course will end with a quiz.  You must score 80% or better to move to the next chapter.  Retakes are an option.  A final exam at the end of all chapters must also result in a score of 80% or higher in order to finish the course.  Again, you may retake the exam if needed.    
7. To maintain certification in subsequent years, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer activities annually, in addition to keeping the annual volunteer agreement, code of conduct, and re-screen paperwork up to date with Extension.