Experience Requirements to Become a Certified Crop Adviser
You must meet one of the following experience requirements to apply for and become a CCA:
- Have at least two years of experience and a Bachelor of Science Degree, Master's Degree or PhD in an agronomy related field
- Have at least three years of experience and an Associates Degree in an agronomy related field
- Have at least four years of experience with no degree
- If you do not yet meet the experience requirements, you are still able to take the exams and apply under CCA Candidate status. More information is available in the credential booklet.
Steps to Become a Certified Crop Adviser
If you meet the experience requirements, the following outlines the appropriate steps and information to apply for certification.
If interested in becoming certified, we recommend you 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.
- This will be used for qualifying your experience requirements and registering for exams.
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.
- Your application must be sent within 6 months of passing both exams.
4. Download and email your completed application materials to certification@sciencesocieties.org.
*To become certified in the Mid-Atlantic Region (DE, MD, NJ, VA, WV), you must also pass the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia or West Virginia Nutrient Management Exam. For more information, please contact the correct agency.
**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.
International applicants include anyone living outside of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
