By Greg LaBarge and Lee Beers
Why become a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA)? Being certified adds credibility and shows you are serious about the agronomic profession. When you become certified, you join more than 13,000 of your peers in North America's largest, most recognized agriculturally-oriented certification program. This program's professional standards are recognized by industry, academia, and government and referenced in statutes. Through certification, you tell your clients, employer, and the public you have gone above and beyond to ensure their success. The Ohio AgriBusiness Association administers the Ohio CCA program. For more Ohio Program information, see https://oaba.net/aws/OABA/pt/sp/cca
The first step to becoming a CCA is to pass two exams. The international test covers general agronomic concepts. The local exams are specific to regional crop production issues. Both exams are offered online with the examinee at their computer, monitored by a proctor. The examinee's computer needs an operating webcam and microphone. The exam can be taken 24 hours a day, including Saturday and Sunday, 365 days a year. Examinees must register and schedule their exam time at least 24 hours before they plan to complete the exam by registering at https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/exams/
Ohio State University Extension's online Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) exam preparation course is now open for enrollment through May 3, 2023. Registrants will have access to course content through October 15, 2023. It is a good review for recent graduates beginning their careers or seasoned agronomists who have been away from the classroom preparing for the International and Local CCA Exams.
Topics covered include an overview of the four performance areas of crop management, nutrient management, pest management, and soil and water management tested on the International and local exams. Presentations, links to free study references, and practice quizzes highlight key concepts. To register and make the secure online payment of the $155 course fee, use the link https://go.osu.edu/ccaonline.