Certified Crop Adviser Program - International
Welcome to the CCA application process for individuals who live and work outside of North America. If you live and work within the United States, Canada, or Mexico, please visit those certification pages.
The International Certified Crop Adviser (ICCA) Program was established in 1992. Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) is a voluntary, professional designation for individuals who advise farmers and landowners on crop and soil science or agronomy. It raises the level of professionalism among the advising community. The ICCA Program sets the benchmark for agronomy knowledge as outlined in the performance objectives. It identifies those who have met the standards set by the ICCA Program so farmers, employers, landowners, government agencies, and others can find the people with the professional expertise they need.
The ICCA Program implemented Internet Based Testing (IBT) for all its exams. In doing so, it allows the program to offer certification to individuals who understand English, do not live or work in North America, and have agriculture in their home country that is similar to North America.
Background about the process:
Language – English is the primary language of the program. All documents and communications will be in English, including exams.
Agriculture and Agronomy – The International CCA Exam Performance Objectives and ICCA Exam are based on agriculture and agronomic principles in the United States and Canada. You may need to familiarize yourself with the type of crops, soils, management practices, and climate in the United States and Canada in order to understand what will be referenced in the exam. The performance objectives packet lists the concepts you will need to know to pass the exam.
Fees – All fees are in US dollars. Depending on the country where you live, we will determine an equivalent fee structure for your home country if it is different than the United States. The fee will be determined using World Bank Country and Lending Groups information.
Who should be certified?
Any adviser/consultant that spends most of their time advising farmers, managers, and operators on agronomic practices and can meet the standards of the program.
Steps to Certification:
1. Review the International CCA Exam Performance Objectives.
The performance objectives list all of the potential subject matter areas that the CCA International Certification Exam could cover. Reviewing the performance objectives will help to determine if the agriculture is similar to your home country and, therefore, if the certification will apply to you.
2. Complete the CCA Application and Credential Information Booklet.
You will need to complete these forms documenting your education and experiences as well as sign the code of ethics. You can email the forms to the ICCA office using the contact information listed on the forms. These documents will be reviewed by the International Committee to determine if you meet the requirements of the ICCA Program.
3. If your application is approved, you will be allowed to take the exam.
You will be notified by email from the ICCA Office with exam registration information. Upon passing the exam, you will be granted CCA certification, and you will receive an email with a certificate and information about how to maintain your certification.
What is needed to maintain certification?
40 CEUs Every 2 Years
Continuing Education Units is how we measure the amount of continuing education you have earned. One CEU equals about 60 minutes of time. The CCA program requires 40 CEUs of education every two years, with at least 5 CEUs in each of the categories of nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management, and crop management. CEUs can be earned online or in-person. At least 20 of the 40 total CEUs must be earned through the ASA online library.
Pay the Annual Renewal Fee
You will receive an invoice near the end of each year to pay your renewal fee. If we determine the equivalent fee structure for your home country is different than the United States, the renewal fee will be also be determined using the World Bank Country and Lending Groups information.
Keep Your Account Information Up to Date
All communications about your CCA certification will be done electronically. It is critical that we always have your current email address on file. Your profile can be updated at under My Account.
Please email Penny Magana with any questions.