MAMI Wild-foraged Mushroom Certification In-person Workshops

Michigan law requires organizations and businesses such as restaurants, grocers and farmers markets, either buying directly from mushroom sellers or providing space to sellers of wild-foraged mushrooms, do so in accordance with Federal and State law.

MAMI is proud to provide training for certification in the Michigan Wild-foraged Mushroom Certification Program. Successful completion of the program is recognized by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) as sufficient to qualify for an Expert Mushroom Identifier Card. MDARD issues the card with a unique number to each successful participant. Certification as an Expert Mushroom Identifier lasts for five years; recertification is necessary to extend certification status.

Our programs are designed to ensure a participant will, upon successful completion, qualify to meet the requirements of Michigan to harvest, broker and sell wild-harvested mushrooms in Michigan; whether you sell directly to the public, restaurants, or retailers.

We are aware there are private citizens and professionals such as chefs, farmers market managers and purchasing agents for grocers who may have an interest in being educated in this curriculum, but may not necessarily desire the certification. To meet this need, we offer the workshop, without certification, at a reduced cost.

Typical Workshop, One-day Format

Registration, continental breakfast

Part I:

  • Lectures on MDARD Food Codes and requirements
  • Fungal biology
  • Morphological characteristics of mushroom identification

Lunch – One hour (included in the program)

Part II:  Review all species of wild-foraged mushrooms approved for sale in Michigan. (Please see our Mushroom Study Guide page for the list of mushrooms covered.)

Part III: Exam and Mushroom Identifier Card issued to eligible participants, Recertification Exam*

There is time allowed for a review of fresh and herbarium specimens, as well as interaction with mycologists to address questions participants may have.

*Recertification Exams are only available to Certified Mushroom Expert Identifiers who’s Certifications expired in 2021 and 2022. Workshop attendance is required for certifications which have been expired longer than one year. Updated study materials are emailed upon receipt of registration. The cost of Recertification is $75 (EXAM ONLY); for those participants who must attend, or simply wish to attend, the Workshop, the charge is $175.

The Test

The test is stringent and thorough to ensure wild-foraged mushrooms are correctly identified; the number one priority is to avoid poisonous mushrooms in the food supply.

An Expert Mushroom Identifier Card will not be issued unless an individual passes the test with a score of 80% or higher.

It is imperative for participants to study all the material, and any other material like field guides, before attending the Workshop. The Workshop should be considered a review session to confirm what has already been studied and to clarify, with mycologists, any unclear information after reviewing the study material. Those who are not prepared before the workshop should reconsider attending, as those who do not pass the test will neither be issued a card nor a refund. However, the registration fee includes the initial exam and 2 additional retest attempts.

The test consists of approximately 50 questions that include multiple choice, fill in the blank, true/false and short answer. The questions also relate to mushroom specimens displayed during the Workshop.

A sample test can be found on our Sample Test page.

2023 In-person Workshops

March 19, 2023, 8:00am-5:00pm: Michigan State University, East Lansing

April 15, 2023, 8:00am-5:00pm: YMCA Storer Camp, Jackson

April 29, 2023, 8:00am-5:00pm: Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling

late July/August 2023: Upper Peninsula (date and location TBD)

October 1, 2023, 10:00am-6:00pm: Proud Lake Recreation Area, Commerce Township (Immediately follows the MMHC Fungus Fest)

Ready to register for a workshop? Click here to register.

The workshop cost is:

New certification: $175.00

Recertification + Workshop: $160.00

Non-certification: $85.00

New certification, Morel Certificate Holders: $100.00

Recertification (Exam only, no workshop): $75.00

Pre-registration with payment is required; registration closes 3 days before the day of the Workshop.  

No exceptions or walk-in registrations will be accepted.