How to Become a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA)

The Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) program, offered by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), is a globally recognized standard for professionals advising farmers on agronomic practices. Certification requires meeting minimum standards for education, experience, and knowledge.

Four Key Requirements for Initial Certification

To earn the CCA designation, candidates must successfully complete the following four steps:

  1. Meet Experience Requirements

  2. Pass Two Comprehensive Exams

  3. Submit Transcripts and References

  4. Adhere to the Code of Ethics

1. Education and Experience Requirements

CCA candidates must prove a combination of academic background and practical experience in crop advising. The required experience is inversely related to the level of your degree:

Education Level Required Practical Experience
B.S. Degree or Higher Two (2) years of qualifying experience
A.S. or Technical Degree Three (3) years of qualifying experience
No Degree Four (4) years of qualifying experience

Defining "Qualifying Experience"

Qualifying experience is defined as hands-on involvement in providing crop advising services to farmers or growers, where you are directly applying knowledge in the four competency areas (Nutrient, Soil & Water, Pest, and Crop Management).

2.  Passing the CCA Exams

CCA candidates must pass two rigorous exams: the International (Global) CCA Exam and the Local Board CCA Exam.

A. International CCA Exam

  • Scope: Covers the core, universal principles of crop advising across the four main competency areas.

  • Format: Typically a multiple-choice exam, administered worldwide.

  • Recommendation: Candidates should study the CCA Performance Objectives handbook, which outlines the specific knowledge areas tested.

B. Local Board CCA Exam

  • Scope: Focuses specifically on the agronomic issues, regulations, climate, and soil types unique to the region (state or province) where you plan to practice.

  • Requirement: You must select the CCA Local Board (e.g., Midwest, Western Canada, Southeast) that corresponds to your intended area of practice.

  • Format: Varies by region, but is also typically multiple-choice.

Tip: You do not need to take both exams simultaneously, but both must be passed within a specific timeframe (usually 24 months) of submitting your application.

3. Application Submission

After passing both exams, you must submit a formal application to your chosen local CCA Board, which includes:

  • Official Transcripts: Verification of your educational background.

  • Letters of Reference: At least two letters from supervisors, clients, or peers who can attest to your qualifying work experience.

  • Work Experience Documentation: Detailed documentation of your practical experience.

  • Application Fees: Payment of the necessary application and first-year certification fees.

The local board will review all materials to ensure all education and experience requirements are met.

4. Adherence to the Code of Ethics

Finally, all CCA candidates must sign and agree to abide by the CCA Code of Ethics. This document confirms your commitment to practicing with integrity, maintaining confidentiality, upholding the law, and prioritizing both grower profitability and environmental stewardship.

Once the application is approved, you will officially be a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and enter the two-year maintenance cycle.


Source:  Gemini

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