How to Get Certified as a Certified Crop Adviser (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.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a CCA

1. Verify Eligibility

• Hold at least a two-year degree in agronomy or 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

• International CCA Exam – covers the four core competency areas
• Local/Regional (or Provincial) Exam – specific to your area

Exams are online • Take one section at a time if you want • All study materials at certifiedcropadviser.org

3. Submit Your Credentials Package

• Application • Transcripts • Work experience • Two references (one grower + one colleague) • Signed Code of Ethics

Local board review: 4–8 weeks

4. Receive Certification

Official CCA credential • Digital badge • Listed in public directory

Step	Typical Timeline
Eligibility check	1–2 weeks
Exam prep & testing	1–6 months
Credentials review	4–8 weeks
Total time	3–9 months

Continuing Education (CEU) Maintenance Track

Valid 2 years • Renew with 40 CEUs every cycle

Minimum CEUs Required

• Nutrient Management → 6
• Soil & Water Management → 4
• Pest Management → 4
• Crop Management → 4
• Remaining 22 CEUs → any category

Easy Ways to Earn CEUs

• Conferences • Webinars • Field days • Online courses
• Teaching = double credit
• Licensed pesticide applicators automatically get 10 Pest CEUs most cycles

Category	Min. CEUs	Common Activities
Nutrient	6	4R, fertility workshops
Soil & Water	4	Conservation, irrigation
Pest	4	IPM, pesticide credits
Crop	4	Variety trials, scouting
Any	22	Anything above
Total	40