THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Presentation for: (school image) CCA-Local Board

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Established in 1907 Primary goal: To enhance conservation and promote the wise use of natural resources for the production of food, feed, and fiber crops, while maintaining or improving the environment. Certification is the benchmark of professionalism. The purpose of a certification program is to protect the public and the profession. American Society of Agronomy Offers and Administers the CCA Program

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE History: Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) 20 th Anniversary of the CCA Program Established in 1992 by American Society of Agronomy (ASA) Testing began in 1993 Professional Designation Benchmark for Agronomy Professionals Non-partisan Based on Ethics Professional Accreditation Recommendation/Referral driven

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Today: Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) Largest voluntary, agriculturally- oriented certification program in North America! 13,000+ participants Students Agronomy Practitioners Employers Producers Farmer Demand Consumer Demand Government Mandates (positioned to implement)

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Tomorrow: Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) Grow CCA Numbers North American Reinforcement International Outreach (Canada, Mexico & India) Huge student growth initiative (Future of Agriculture) Employer preference for certification adds value to the credential

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Who should be certified? Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) Field Agronomists Agricultural Sales (chem/fert/seed) Consultants and Farm Managers Natural Resource conservation personnel Educators and Extension Govt./Academic scientists and researchers Technical Support Personnel Possible Career Paths

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Certification Requirements: Pass 2 exams (Local and International) Apply for CCA-Candidate Status: Code of Ethics & Credential Application Work towards gaining experience (documented grower references) 2 years with BS Degree 3 years with Associates Degree CCA-Candidate Student Program

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE School Involvement: 1. Put a CCA in the classroom or club activity (agronomy, agri-business, and other related majors) 2. Use existing curriculum to shape a Certified Crop Adviser Candidate (CCAC) Program 3. Qualify students for testing 4. Potentially contribute to discounting examination fees for enrolled students 5. Proctor the ICCA and Local-Board exams (closed just to students) 6. Receive and Evaluate the data received from ASA/ICCA CCA-Candidate Student Program

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Program Objectives : CCA-Candidate Align a student’s skills & knowledge base with their future professions Align a student’s career path with a professional credentialing program Help graduates skill sets meet the demand of future employers Evaluate graduates entering the workforce Put a system of uniform standards in place that are designed to maintain the quality of individuals giving qualified agricultural and environmental recommendations Enhance a students opportunities to enter the work force Student Program

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Educational Institution Benefits: CCA-Candidate Exams used as an Outcomes Assessment (no need to recreate a system and exams that are already in place) Evaluate Departmental Learning Objectives Data generated from student testing is sent back to the school Data categorized by 4 core areas (correlates with curriculum) Use data to aid in curriculum development Testing can be used as a tool to evaluate the department, major course work or program-track curriculum Aligns department objectives with education legislation Student Program

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Student Benefits: CCA-Candidate Enhanced Marketability to employers Increased Income Potential Creates opportunity for advancement Raised Reputation in the Community Student Program

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE “I tell those considering the merits of the CCA program that it enhances their image of professionalism in that it indicates they have taken the extra effort to excel above the norm…” “The CCA designation definitely catches the eye of my client companies and gives the potential candidate a competitive advantage for opportunities…” “When individuals are able to put the CCA designation on their business cards…it elevates their standing with their producers, peers and the industry.” -- Prominent Ag Recruiter, Don Van Lyssel CCA-Candidate Testimonials

THAT’S SOUND ADVICE Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) Board Contact-Phone-Number THANK YOU!