Enhancing the Opportunity for Practicing Professionals to Become a Certified Crop Adviser.

A two day seminar has provided the opportunity to deliver plant and soil science information to enhance participates’ success when taking the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) exam.  The seminar was designed to help students understand the principles necessary to become a certified crop adviser and to assist in preparation for the international and tri-state exams.  It was not a crash course that covered all specific information necessary to pass the CCA exam.  However, it has provided better direction for independent study.  The seminar content focused on the four competency areas of Nutrient Management, Soil and Water Management, Integrated Pest Management, and Crop Management.  Within each competency area many of the International and Tri-State Performance Objectives were addressed.  Information was delivered in a two-day format such that one-half day was devoted to each competency area.  Student interaction has been critical to success of the program; therefore, multiple methods of presentation have been employed including lecture, question/answer, and “hands-on”.  Each seminar has been scheduled three weeks prior to the exam date.  Participation has included students from Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.  Average attendance has been fifteen individuals per class which has provided excellent instructor to student ratio which facilitated greater student interaction.