Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Certification Process
The Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credential is administered by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and is based on four core pillars: Examinations, Experience, Education, and Ethics.
Phase 1: Meeting the Prerequisites & Passing the Exams
1. Meet Education and Experience Requirements (or Apply as a Candidate)
Before or after passing the exams, you must be able to demonstrate a minimum combination of education and experience:
| Education Level | Minimum Required Crop Advising Experience |
|---|---|
| No College Degree | 4 years of documented experience |
| Associate's Degree (in an Agronomy-related field) | 3 years of documented experience |
| Bachelor of Science Degree (in an Agronomy-related field) | 2 years of documented experience |
CCA Candidate Status: If you pass the exams but do not yet meet the experience requirement, you can apply for "CCA Candidate" status. You will have a limited time (typically five years) to gain the necessary experience to achieve full certification.
2. Pass Two Required Comprehensive Exams
You must pass two separate exams, which are typically offered a few times per year via remote proctoring or at physical testing centers.
- International Exam: A standardized exam covering general agronomic knowledge across four core areas:
- Nutrient Management
- Soil & Water Management
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Crop Management
- Local Board Exam: A region-specific exam based on the local conditions, regulations, soils, and crops of the state or province where you will practice.
Tip: Register for the exams through the official CCA website (administered by the ASA). You can take the exams in any order.
Phase 2: Application and Certification
3. Complete the Credential Application (Credential Packet)
Once you have passed both exams, you must submit a formal application within six months. This packet includes:
- Proof of Education: Official college transcripts (if applicable) sent directly from the college/university to the CCA office.
- Documentation of Experience: Detailed documentation of your crop advising experience.
- Grower/Client/Employer References: You must submit contacts for those who can verify your experience and competence as a crop advisor.
- Code of Ethics: You must sign and agree to adhere to the CCA Code of Ethics, which requires you to provide sound, science-based advice while focusing on both grower profitability and environmental protection.
4. Local Board Review and Approval
Your completed credential packet is forwarded to your local CCA Board (e.g., California CCA Board, Midwest CCA Board). The board reviews the documentation of your education, experience, and references.
5. Receive Certification
Upon successful review and approval by the local board, you will be granted the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credential. You will receive an official certificate and wallet card.
Entering the CCA Maintenance Track (Recertification)
The Maintenance Track is the formal requirement to maintain your professional standing and credential. Your maintenance cycle begins the day your certification is effective.
1. Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
The central requirement is earning 40 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years.
| CEU Requirement | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Total CEUs per 2-Year Cycle | 40 |
| Minimum in Each Core Area | 5 (Nutrient Mgt., Soil & Water Mgt., IPM, Crop Mgt.) |
| Minimum Board-Approved CEUs | 20 (for activities pre- or post-approved by a local board) |
Sources for Earning CEUs:
- Approved Events: Attending conferences, workshops, field days, and webinars that are explicitly pre-approved for CCA CEUs.
- Academic Courses: Completing relevant college or university courses.
- Self-Study: Completing approved self-study materials, such as technical articles or computer-based modules.
2. Annual Renewal Fee
- You must pay an annual renewal fee to maintain your active status.
3. Uphold Ethical Standards
- You must continue to uphold the CCA Code of Ethics as a condition of your certification.
4. CEU Reporting
- Most CEUs earned at board-approved events are automatically reported. For other activities (self-study, university courses), you must self-report the credits through your online CCA account.
Failure to meet the minimum CEU requirements and pay the annual fee by the deadline will result in your certification becoming inactive, and you may have to pay reinstatement fees or potentially re-take the exams to return to active status.