Certified Crop Adviser Program

The Certified Crop Adviser Program is a certification program of the American Society of Agronomy. In North America, there are more than 14,000 Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) providing information to farmers on agronomic practices. These certified advisers have met standards set by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) including examination, education and experience. You will find CCAs working in public, private and commercial positions as field sales or agronomists, natural resource conservation, extension, consulting and farm management firms.

Certification is the criteria developed by a profession to confirm that an individual meets the minimum qualifications to practice the profession. It is a standard of excellence used in many professions, including law, accounting and engineering. With the CCA program, you can demonstrate your valuable agronomic expertise to the farmers you advise.

Following are some of the most commonly asked questions about the CCA program:

What is the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program?

CCA is designed to establish base standards of knowledge for individuals who advise growers on crop management and production inputs. It's a way for our industry to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to help growers produce economical and environmentally sound crops.

Is certification mandatory?

The CCA program is a voluntary effort to establish base standards of knowledge, skills and abilities for crop advising. Participating in the CCA program is a positive step for both you and your industry.

What are the benefits of certification?

Many professions use certification to promote a high degree of professionalism and instill public trust. Take, for example, accounting. Think how much more comfortable you feel working with an accountant who is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). That's the expectation your customers will have of a Certified Crop Adviser, as well.

Who is behind this program?

CCA is one of the certification programs of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). It is being coordinated by the Federation of Certifying Boards in Agriculture, Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences (ARCPACS)--which is a membership service of the ASSA. Certification of the CCA credentials and development of CCA exam questions are being handled by state/regional/provincial (local) boards composed of representatives from agribusiness, agricultural consulting, universities and government agencies.

What are the requirements for certification?

First, you must have two years of crop advising experience and a BS degree in agronomy OR four years of post high school experience. An applicant must also pass a CCA local and international exam plus sign a code of ethics.

Why is a local board necessary?

The CCA local boards are needed to provide direct linkage between the registrants and state agencies which have oversight of agricultural environmental compliance.

What will the international and local CCA exams cover?

Four areas are covered in each exam:

• soils and soil fertility;
• soil and water management;
• plant growth and development;
• pest management (weeds, insects and diseases).

How can I prepare for the exams?

Obtain the International CCA Performance Objectives from lsmith@agronomy.org and the Rocky Mountain CCA Board Performance Objectives from clainj@montana.edu.

Materials to review the agronomic information covered in the exams are available from many excellent sources, including your local Extension Service, and colleges and universities offering agronomy courses. Study materials for the Rocky Mountain CCA exam are available from MABA. The cost is $50. Email mabamgea@bresnan.net or mail the check to: MABA, 1806 Capital, Helena, MT 59601.

When will the exam be offered?

Exams in Montana have typically been offered the first Friday in February in Great Falls or Billings.