Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg)

You must hold a current CCA certification to be eligible to apply for the CPAg certification.

A Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) is a qualified agronomy expert who has met the standards set by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). Any agronomist who advises growers on agronomic practices, conducts educational programs and /or does research in agronomy,  manages other agronomists, or provides technical support to field agronomists and can meet the standards of the program should be certified. Those holding the CPAg certification gain opportunities in employment and advancement, recognition with government agencies, and validation that one is qualified to practice – valuable when presenting credentials to current and future clients.

Steps to Certification:

The steps below are simply an overview of the process of becoming a CPAg. Anyone interested in becoming certified is encouraged to review the detailed documentation in the Credential Information Workbook and the 2023 Policy Manual before starting the process. The steps to certification are:

1. Be a Certified Crop Adviser in good standing.

2. Determine your experience level:

  • Have at least 5 years experience with a Bachelors degree in an agronomy related field
  • Have at least 4 years experience with a Masters degree in an agronomy related field
  • Have at least 3 years experience with a Ph.D. in an agronomy related field

3. Apply for the CPAg Credential

  • This application includes:

    • Documenting education and experience
      • Transcripts* used for the CCA application can be used if still applicable
    • Obtaining the five necessary references by sending them this link to the pdf: Reference Letter
      • References from the CCA application can be used if sent within two years. 
    • Signing and agreeing to uphold the Code of Ethics (included in application)

4. Download and Email your application materials to Send Message.

Maintaining Certification 

Once CPAg status is granted, the annual fee will be charged in addition to your CCA renewal to maintain both certifications, and a Professional Development CEU category requirement of 5.0 credits will be added onto your total CCA CEU requirements. 

Important Notes

This certification is not offered in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Mexico, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan at this time. 

*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.