Get Certified

The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Program is established as a benchmark for agronomy professionals that provides base-level standards for agronomic knowledge through a national and regional testing process and raises those standards through continuing education. Being certified emphasizes credibility and recognizes that you are committed and experienced in what you do.  

 

When you become certified, you join more than 13,000 of your peers in the largest, most recognized agriculturally oriented certification program in North America that validates your commitment. The CCA program’s professional standards are widely respected by industry, academia, and government agencies and are referenced in statutes.   

 

The goal of the program is to enable agriculture as an industry to meet its environmental stewardship objective. Get the recognition, opportunities, and respect you deserve.

Certified Crop Advisor Experience Requirements

You must meet one of the following experience requirements to apply for and become a CCA:

  • Have at least two years of experience with at least a Bachelor of Science Degree in an agronomy related field
  • Have at least three years of experience with an Associates Degree in an agronomy related field
  • Have at least four years of experience with no degree
Steps to Become a Certified Crop Advisor

If you meet the experience requirements, the following outlines the appropriate steps and information to apply for certification. Anyone interested in becoming certified is encouraged to review the detailed documentation in the CCA Application and Credential Information Booklet and the 2023 Policy Manual before starting the process. The steps to certification are:

  1. Create an account.
  2. Pass the two required comprehensive exams:
    • International Exam: standardized general exam
    • Local Board Exam: based on the geographic location (state/province) that you mainly live or work in
  3. Apply for the CCA Credential
    • This application includes:
      • Contact Information
    • Documenting education and crop advising experience
      • Transcripts* must be sent directly from the college or university you attended to the CCA office
    • Obtaining the necessary references by sending them links to the correct pdf: Employer or Client
    • Signing and agreeing to uphold the CCA Code of Ethics 
    • Maintenance requirements upon becoming certified.
  4. Download and Email your application materials to certification@sciencesocieties.org.

 

*Please note that if you are submitting transcripts they must be in English and based on the United States educational standard. If you need assistance in the translation process, you may use Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services.

 

Performance Objectives

ICCA Performance Objectives

Local CCA Performance Objectives

 

Become Certified with a Specialty Certification!

You must hold a current CCA certification to be eligible to add on any specialty certifications.
4R Nutrient Management Specialty (4R NMS) Certification
California Nitrogen Management (CA-NSp) Certification
Precision Agriculture Specialty (PASp) Certification
Resistance Management Specialty (RMS) Certification
Sustainability Specialty (SSp) Certification
Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) Certification

After Becoming Certified:

Earn a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) every two years and pay an annual renewal fee to maintain certification.