A permaculture training course can be a catalyst into a new way of interacting with the natural world.
If you have an interest in maximizing your gardening space for both production and environmental benefit, a permaculture course can help you achieve that goal.
In this post, I’ve collected a curated list of permaculture certification courses.
Accessibility and affordability is important to me for these permaculture trainings. All of the courses on this list are online and are $900 USD or less.
Before we get into the certification trainings, I wanted to share this free permaculture training.
Heather Jo Flores, the founder of the Food Not Lawns movement, offers this year-long permaculture training for no cost.
Sign up for the free permaculture training here.
This course is the only certificate on this list offered from a University.
I'd recommend this course to anyone looking for the more professional credentials that come from studying with a university.
While it's the most expensive one on this list, I do think the price is worth it due to the caliber of the teachers and the course. There are scholarships that you can apply for as well.
The Permaculture Certificate from OSU includes personalized feedback, and there are peer discussion boards for asking questions.
Everything in the course is pre-recorded, so you can complete it during times that work best for you.
This course is endorsed by the Permaculture Institute of North America (PINA). Teachers Andrew Millison and Marisha Auerbach are well-respected in the industry.
You will need to purchase the textbook for this course, Practical Permaculture by Jessi Bloom + Dave Boehnlein. However, this book is under $25.
Cost: $900, save 5% with discount code BCPerm5%
Learn more about OSU'S Permaculture Certification
This comprehensive 200 hour advanced course is quite affordable, at $600 USD. Even better, the payment plan is very accessible at $50/month. The books necessary for the training are included in the cost.
This course is taught by the enthusiastic Matt Powers. He is well-versed in the microbiology of soil science, regenerative principles, and sustainable permaculture. With a Master's Degree in Education, he has created the first permaculture program for students under 18 years old as well.
If you're serious about permaculture and want to soak up all of the information that you can, this course is what I'd recommend taking.
There's a mix of recorded lessons and live tutorials, in addition to a peer discussion board.
At the end, you'll receive both your PDC and AdPDC credentials.
While this course has been reviewed by many top experts in the permaculture world, like Geoff Lawton, it does not seem to be endorsed by an outside association.
Cost: $600 USD
Learn about the Permaculture Student's Certification Training
The Permaculture Women's Guild is run by Heather Jo Flores. She is well-known in the sustainable gardening world as the founder of the Food Not Lawns movement. She is also the teacher of the free permaculture training mentioned at the beginning of this article.
If you do not identify as a woman, you can get access to the same course with Heather at Eco Design Hive.
Regardless of where you purchase the 72-hour course, the cost is the same sliding scale.
Everything is pre-recorded with a range of videos, audios, and handouts. The course includes a portfolio clinic to help you achieve your certification requirement, and a peer discussion board.
This course is endorsed by the Permaculture Association.
Cost: $500 - $700 USD or 6 payments of $100USD
Learn more about the Permaculture Design Certification here
This 72-hour training is available in English, Spanish, or German.
A great option for those who speak Spanish or German, or who want to take an affordable online certification in English. You will need to complete the course within 1 year of registration.
This program is taught by Dr. Philipp B Schuster, Miguel RuizVillalobos, and Alessandro Ardovini.
You'll earn your permaculture certification with a mix of pre-recorded trainings and involvement in the peer discussion board.
This training is endorsed by the Academy of Iberian Permaculture
Cost: Around $640 USD, or 6 payments of around $110 USD/month
Learn about the PDF from Seeds for Sustainability
This is a truly self-paced course taught by Permaculture Education teachers Alan Enzo, Steve Cran, Saniya Malhotra, and others.
Like other certifications, this course is the standard 72-hour training.
All of the course content is pre-recorded, but the teachers do offer 1-1 email support as a part of the program. The course textbook is included with the program.
Once you register, you have access to the material for 1 full year. It is not clear if this course is endorsed by a Permaculture association.
Cost: $550 or $250 down and 6 payments of $50/month
Learn more on Permaculture Education
This PINA-endorsed course is taught by Koreen Brennan.
Koreen has taught permaculture all of the American and European continents over the past 17 years.
Her method of teaching is great for those who are worried about information overwhelm. Koreen is experienced with alternative education practices and teaches in a very practical way.
If you are interested in herbalism or tending to a permaculture orchard, she currently works with both of these types of gardens in her personal permaculture farm.
This class is on the OpenedX platform and Zoom meetings. The textbook, Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison and Reny Mia Slay, needs to be purchased separately.
Cost: $595 USD or 4 payments of $150 with Paypal
Quail Springs is a fantastic resource for sustainable living and ecological improvement. They are actively engaged in research, outreach, and advocacy.
Even though this course is online, Quail Springs is very intentional about building community during the program. You'll get access to a Slack channel with your fellow students, and will connect with them in live breakout sessions in trainings.
All live course material is recorded, so you can watch at your own time if you're not able to attend.
There are a range of teachers who offer instruction in this class, each with their own unique realm of expertise.
If you live in an area that experiences droughts, this course is a great choice as they focus on dryland permaculture.
Scholarships are available, especially for BIPOC and other historically underrepresented students students.
Cost: $600-$1500 USD, depending on income
Learn more about Quail Springs PDC
This 72-hour course is offered for students to begin anytime.
Quarterly, the teachers offer a 9-week review session that you can attend to support you with the course material and final project.
Midwest Permaculture is well-versed in teaching the certificate program, with over 93 PDCs taught and counting!
The teachers have a great teaching style that is direct, practical, and supportive.
You have the option to just take the course for $495, or to earn your certificate for a total of $695.
Cost: $695 for full PDC
Learn about Midwest Permaculture's Training
Whether you are a seasoned farmer or a hopeful gardener who is just beginning, these courses will help you to move towards sustainable methods of working with the land, growing food, and becoming a land steward.
