Your Permaculture Design Certificate is an internationally recognized achievement that you have completed the required 72-hour permaculture curriculum in the Holistic Homestead Academy.
Certification Benefits:
- Giving you the complete picture to design and create sustainable gardens, homes, and communities
- Understanding how the individual can improve our global climate issues
- Adds credentials to your resume for those seeking to use permaculture professionally
- Gives clients confidence in your knowledge-base
- Eligible for a Permaculture Diploma
For those who wish to continue their permaculture education and take it an advanced or professional level, your PDC gives you eligibility to apply for a permaculture diploma from places such as PINA or The Permaculture Institute.
This course is SELF PACED but you will have four deadlines to choose between this year.
To receive your PDC, you need to complete the requirements below and submit your final project by the certification deadline listed on this page.
NOTE: We are now issuing DIGITAL certificates via email that you can choose to print (or not and save a tree).
Requirements
You need to complete 90% of these course video lessons* to qualify for your permaculture design certificate:
- Permaculture Literacy: Track 1
- Permaculture Design: Track 2
- Practical Application: Track 3
*Since not every lesson is helpful for every person you are allowed to skip 10% of the course video lessons, but we recommended of course watching as close to every lesson as you can 🙂
You need to complete these assignments to qualify for your permaculture design certificate:
- Holistic Goals Worksheet (Track 2 Module 1.5)
- A Site, Garden, Food Forest design which includes (in most cases):
- Site Assessment Worksheet (Track 2 Module 3.1)
- SWOT (Track 2 Module 3.2)
- Base Map (Track 2 Module 4.1)
- Field Map(Track 2 Module 5.1)
- Sector Analysis (Track 2 Module 5.2)
- Land Analysis Layers (Track 2 Module 6.1)
- Zone Analysis (Track 2 Module 6.2)
- Site Design
- Implementation Plan
Your goal of the Site Design is to gain an understanding of the design process and execute a site design from start to finish, incorporating the permaculture principles, tools and techniques learned in the HHA program to improve the sites sustainability, resilience or productivity.
Notes:
- Due to the unique nature of the design process, the individuals and the sites, not every portion of the site design will apply to everyone. If you feel something isn’t relevant to your design please contact Bret to discuss further.
- Designs can be hand drawn or digital
- You are NOT graded on artistic ability
How To Get Your PDC Certificate
- Step 1: Choose your desired graduation date / deadline (listed below). The program is 72 hours of work, so you can determine how many hours per week / month to devote to the program with that number.
- Step 2: Submit each assignment via the course dashboard as you progress though the program:
- 1) Complete your Holistic Goals worksheet (Track 2 Lesson 1.5)
- 2) Complete your basemap, fieldmap, sector analysis & observation layers (Track 2 Module 7.1)
- 3) Complete your Site Design (Track 2 Lesson 12.1)
- Step 3: Share your final design by one of the deadlines and summary in the Student Facebook Group!
Certification Deadlines:
December 1st, 2020
March 1st, 2021
June 1st, 2021
September 1st, 2021
PDC Certificates are issued at 4 times each year, listed above. You need to submit ALL your coursework by the deadline. PDC certificates will be issued within 5 business days of the deadline via email.
Dates:
Certification Deadlines:
December 1st, 2020
March 1st, 2021
June 1st, 2021
September 1st, 2021
December 1st, 2020
March 1st, 2021
June 1st, 2021
September 1st, 2021
hello Bret ive been mia for a minute my son was in hospital when i was vistiting him in arizona last week he had 3 siezures but hes doing better thank God. im home now and plan on gettn back into things next week. just keepn you posted …. my date is march 2021
Hi I would like to set my graduation date for March 1, 2021. Thank you 🙂 I have loved everything I’ve learned so far.
Hello,
I’ve signed up for the PDC Certification course but I have a few questions. 1. Is there a suggested order to watch the tracks? 2. It seems like there may be a document to download next to each video but I can’t figure out how to access it or downloand it. 3. How and where do I submit my desired graduation date.
Thank you,
-Kayla
{HHA Coach} Hi, Kayla! We’re so happy you’re with us on this awesome permie-journey! 🙂
1. It’s suggested to watch Video 1 of each module & then move on the Video 2 of each module next, watching them videos in order of all three modules at once. But that’s just the recommendation, please do whatever feels the best to you personally.
2. If there is an accompanying download, it will be easy to see/click on the same page as you access the video.
3. You just keep track of it on your own! Once you’ve completed all of the homework for each of the 3 modules, shoot Bret a message at [email protected] & give him a head’s up. The new dates after December should be released soon!
Let me know if I can help you with anything else!
Hi Bret, Beth & Jesscy
I am looking to submit my final assignment here soon fr the December graduation date. Will I need to resubmit the parts of the site assessment I did as part of the second assignment Or do I just need to submit one map of where everything goes? I know in the future there may be more changes to the site, do I need to include a discussion or a list of those?
Thanks
Hello. I started my courses day before yesterday. And I am very excited to learn and use this knowledge. Brett , I finished the first lesson and I’m starting into II lesson but I have not done any worksheets or test. And i have not turned in deadline date. Not sure where to do that at. I want to make sure I’m doing everything right. I will go back on my dashboard and see If i can see the worksheets on the lessons. please let me know if Im doing anything wrong or need to do something. Thank you so much for your time. Soo looking forward to completing this course and utilizing my knowledge to help create a better world for Mother Earth and everything on her.
Hello Everyone. I began my course about a week and a half ago, I had a few issues in the beginning but with help from Bret and community fb page i have re evaluated my start day and schedule and I will be completing my course by the 1st December 2020, this is my graduation date!!! I feel confident and excited… Lets go!!!
To Whom It May Concern:
I had previously committed to September 1, 2020 for my graduation date anticipating that I would have more time available to me to complete the work within that time frame. I just began training for massage therapy in-person and do not have as much time on my hands as I thought I would!
I’m hoping to change my graduation date, if possible, to March 1st, 2021. The in-person training I’m taking runs until February, and is about 20 hours/week. This should leave me enough time to complete my PDC as well. Please let me know if it’s possible to switch dates! Thank you!!
{HHA Coach} Sounds great, Karri! Thanks for the head’s up.
Hi,
I intend to graduate March 1, 2021! It’s been a busy year holy smokes. Thanks for all the support!
Hello,
I intend to certify with the Dec 1, 2020 deadline. Thanks!
Hi, so excited to start this course! I am aiming for the December 1 graduation date. Thank you!
I’m shooting for March 1st 2020 for my graduation date, I’m so thrilled for this experience!
Is this where I send in my date ?
Hi guys!
I need to change my graduation date from Sept 1 2020 to March 1 2021! I’m moving from the prairies to the rainforest so my new average will be my perfect fit submission. Thanks!
Hi Bret!
I’ve submitted the goals, assignments and design. Thank you for a really transformative experience!
Mark
Hi guys! I need to change my graduation date from September 1st to March 1st 2021! I am going through some changes regarding the property I’ll be creating my design for. Is it possible to submit my Holistic Goals again? Sorry about that and thank you so much!
{HHA Coach} Hi Ariel!
We’ve done away with the old way off notating graduation dates. Your change has been noted! 🙂
Just resubmit the homework in the same section of the course as you did before.
Thanks!
I need to change my Grad date from Sep 1 2020 to Dec 2020. Please advise how to make this change. Thanks so much in advance
{HHA Coach} You’re good to go, Jennifer! Thanks for the head’s up.
Hello I was wondering if I can change my graduation date from September 1st 2020 to March 1st 2021??? I recently put an offer in on a piece of property and I want to be able to use it for my assignments.
Thank you
Lara
{HHA Coach} Of COURSE! Got you down, Lara. <3
Thank you so much!
Hi Brett and team, is it possible to do a graduation date switch from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1, I was being extra ambitious when I selected Sept. 1 but Dec. 1 will be best. Thank you!
{HHA Coach} No problem, Esey! 🙂
Hi Bret,
I would like to move my graduation date from 1st of September to 1st of December because I have a big move ahead of me from London, UK to Hungary (home). Over there I have a piece of land not too big but I can start practicing on it. Hope your transition go in good direction, and thank you for everything you teach us, is such an amazing think and very important to a lot of us. It will change so many people life for good!
Take care guys and hope to hear from you soon! 🙂
Hey! Since I couldn’t make it to the property throughout quarantine, I’m looking to change my graduation date to December 1st. Now that I can get to the observing of this lot, it’s going to be much easier. Thank you for the flexibility, and I look forward to submitting a quality project. Hope your transition went well! Stay safe. -Leann
Hi Brett,
I have a new job opportunity and I am moving from PA to NC in August. The move and job transition has been pretty time-consuming. My original graduation date was September 1st but I would like to change this to December 1st. Please let me know if this works. Thank you so much and take care!
Amanda
{HHA Coach} Howdy! I’ve made note of this for you, Amanda. Have fun! 🙂
hey Bret
been out of touch for a while as we are moving in the next month out of Italy. I had committed to august in the previous sheet there was…now I have to commit to a new date, the 1st of December 2020.
please let me know if this is where we write it down thanks
matteo
I need to change my graduation date please! Spending more time in the garden these days has put me a bit behind with the course work. Aiming for December 1, 2020 for graduation. Thanks so much!!
I’m not sure if this is where I commit to a deadline, but I want to let you know I’m committing to the September 1st deadline.
I am committing to a December 1, 2020 graduation! So much information to soak up!
Hello!
Now feel confident to set a finish deadline as I have found a piece of land to use for my design 🙂
We have managed to escape lockdown in Italy and are now at a family property in France that will be ideal!
Therefore please add me to the 1st September graduation list
Thank you 🙂 Kate
Hi there! I just began my course, and I am committing to the September 1st, 2020 graduation date! So grateful and excited to be part of this community!
Hi, instead of July, I am committing to graduating September 2020
{HHA Coach} Awesome! Thanks for the update, Jahneen. 🙂
You are welcome and thank you for your reply
Hi , Im committing to finish the course December 1st 2020. I see other comments about a google doc sign up list. I Don’t see a link for that or maybe it was in an email I missed ? If there is a list I have to add my name too, where I can find that ? Thanks 🙂
Super excited about this course.
Hi guys! Just signed up for the course and commiting to September for graduation! Woo woo!
Signed up and ready to go! My graduation date is December 1st. I’m not using FB so much these days so thought I would leave that here. Thanks so much
All in!!! Signed up last night and my graduation and certificate date is September 1, 2020. I am so stoked to be here this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank you!
I had started, but had to put everything on hold for a bit but I am back on track now and would like to try and complete it by September.
Hey Bret, 1st September is when I plan to complete and the course by and to graduate, hopefully!! I’m really enjoying the course in what it is offering and having my eyes opened to what Permaculture is actually about. Thanks Cat
Sweet!!
Hey Bret,
I think I’d be able to get the PDC done by June 1st but to be on the safe side I was thinking Sept. 1st. Would there be any issue if I complete it before September?
Cheers
Dis regard the above comment. I re read through all the comments below and found the answer.
Hey Aaron, the dates are simply a goal for you to try to achieve, as this program is self-paced. Yes you can complete ahead of time, however, I don’t go through and review final designs or issue certificates until the quarterly dates listed out on the graduation google doc 🙂
Hey Bret,
I’m pumped about this class, I know it will be life-changing. The simple, yet profound idea of closed vs open loops had me feeling like I was waking up out of a haze I have been walking around in. I’m going to declare that I will finish the course by June, 1st 2020 for my certification! Thanks, CJ
Sounds great CJ!
Hello everyone,
I’m new to the course and since I don’t use FB, I just wanted to announce I’m going to get my PDC on november 1st : )
Thanks Rosmely!
Hi Bret,
I’ve added my graduation date as November. I’ve only have the weekends to study so I’m hoping that will give me plenty of time. I’m really excited about doing this course, what I have completed so far has been eye opening and inspiring. I’m already thinking of ways to redesign my tiny little garden in the UK. Having connections to everything makes so much sense to me including open and closed loops these have had a big impact so far. 🙂
Sound great Jill! Glad the idea of closed and open loops was impactful 🙂
Signed my name for the 1st of June. Very excited to be a part of this course, and this movement!
Awesome Zach!
Good day to all of you, I am on day one! And have signed up to complete by September 2020. Unfortunately I do not have facebook or any other social media outlet so is this the best way to communicate with everyone?
Hey Patrick! Yes comments are a great way to interface if not using the private FB group 🙂
I’m still not sure how long it will take me to complete everything… by when do I have to commit to a date? Or is there even a deadline? PS: I’m having a blast with the course! Thank you!
Hey Nadia 🙂
The course is self-paced so no there isn’t a deadline, simple a self imposed deadline. If you can finish 1 modules in all 3 tracks each month that means it would take 12 months to complete, or if you can do 2 modules in all 3 tracks it would take 6 months to complete. Also if you select a graduation date and don’t make it you can always move it later. Nothing hard and concrete here – just something to help people manage time and shoot for a date to ensure they complete the program.
Ok, thanks! Your response raises another question. My plan was to complete all modules in Literacy, then complete all in Design, and then complete all Application modules. And then I would finish whatever the last requirements are for the PDC Certificate (along with doing the bonus modules). Are you suggesting that it’s best to move through all three main Tracks at the same time?
Hey Nadia, Yes the course is designed to go through all three tracks at the same time, similar to how you take several classes during a semester of school. So they tie together and often support one another. Let me know if there are any more questions!
I’ve gone through probably 25% to 35% of the course and planning on getting back online hopefully this winter/ spring time to finish the rest. So, I decided I’m going to try and it the September 2020 deadline.
Hiii, I added my name to the September 2020 deadline 🙂 I can’t seem to tag you in the Facebook group Bret James, so figured I’d leave a heads up here.
hi just entered September 2020 just want to make sure it saved.
thanks Krystal
Krystal – Yes it did!
If I choose the 9/1/2020 deadline but finish early enough to qualify for an earlier deadline, can I get my certification at the earlier deadline?
Yes Rebecca, just move your name in the Google doc so that I know 🙂
In submitting your work step 3, it states to submit your work for feedback when it is requested. I am past some of the lessons listed above yet I did not see where it is requested, or will I get those once I commit to a date (obviously March but I have not done it on the facebook group yet)?
Thank you
Hey Angela,
To clarify, there are 3 points when you need to hand in work:
1) Completing your Holistic Goals worksheet (Module 1)
2) Completing your basemap, fieldmap, sector analysis & observation layers (Module 7)
3) Completing your Site Design (Anticipating Module 11 as of this moment)
So you are on target!
Hi Bret! If I finish the assignments for example in June, will it be evaluated after the Autumn deadline or once I’m ready with everything? What I’m thinking is whether you give certificates before the deadline as well or only after everyone aiming for the deadline has submitted their work. March might be a bit early for me and August feels too far for my self-discipline 😉 Thank you for the clarifications regarding the requirements of the certificate!
Hey Linda, in your example if you finished the coursework in June yes you would have to wait until the next certification deadline. BUT I hear your feedback so I have added a third deadline in the middle 🙂
Thanks for reacting to my feedback! 🙂
I cant work out how to write my name on graduation commitment list.. technology has won.
Hey Danielle,
It’s a Google doc which is just like any word editing program on your computer. Just move the cursor to where you want to add your name and type and it should work! Let me know if there are any issues.