How to Get Certified as a Crop Advisor (CCA)
Continuing Education Maintenance Track
The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program, administered by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), is the internationally recognized professional credential for agronomists, consultants, and advisors who provide crop production, nutrient management, pest management, and soil & water recommendations to growers.
Requirements can vary slightly by region — always confirm with your local or provincial CCA board.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a CCA
1. Verify Eligibility
- Hold at least a two-year degree in agronomy or a closely related field (four-year degree strongly preferred)
- Have 2–4 years of documented crop-advising experience
- Spend the majority of your time giving agronomic recommendations to growers
2. Pass the Required Exams
Two exams are required:
- International CCA Exam – covers the four core competency areas
- Local/Regional (or Provincial) Exam – specific to your area’s crops, soils, climate, and regulations
Exams are multiple-choice, online, and remotely proctored. You may take one competency area at a time.
Study resources → certifiedcropadviser.org
3. Submit Your Credentials Package
- Application/booklet
- College transcripts
- Detailed work experience
- Two professional references (one from a grower/client, one from a colleague)
- Signed Code of Ethics
Local board review usually takes 4–8 weeks.
4. Receive Certification
You receive the official CCA credential, digital badge, and listing in the public directory.
| Step | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Eligibility check | 1–2 weeks |
| Exam prep & testing | 1–6 months |
| Credentials review | 4–8 weeks |
| Total time to certify | 3–9 months (average) |
Continuing Education (CEU) Maintenance Track
Certification is valid for two calendar years. Renew by earning 40 CEUs every cycle.
CEU Requirements (2-Year Cycle)
- Nutrient Management → 6 CEUs (minimum)
- Soil & Water Management → 4 CEUs
- Integrated Pest Management → 4 CEUs
- Crop Management → 4 CEUs
- Remaining 22 CEUs → any category
Ways to Earn CEUs (1 hour = 1 CEU)
- Conferences, field days, winter meetings
- Webinars & online courses
- Self-study modules with quizzes
- Teaching/presenting (double credit)
- Licensed pesticide applicators in most states automatically get 10 Pest Management CEUs per cycle
Tracking & Renewal
- Use your personal portal or the free CCA CEU app
- Renewal deadline: December 31 of even-numbered years
- Re-sign Code of Ethics each cycle
| Category | Min. CEUs | Common Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Management | 6 | 4R training, soil fertility workshops |
| Soil & Water | 4 | Conservation, irrigation, drainage |
| Pest Management | 4 | IPM conferences, pesticide credits |
| Crop Management | 4 | Variety trials, scouting schools |
| Any category | 22 | Mix of events & online courses |
| Total | 40 |
Quick Tips
- Start earning CEUs the day you get certified
- Join your local CCA chapter — great events & mentorship
- Use the CEU calendar & mobile app year-round
Official website (applications, study guides, CEUs, local boards):
www.certifiedcropadviser.org