Physicians, attorneys, and accountants approach certification in different ways, but all have established a process for assuring the public that the members of their profession are competent. The National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants has done the same for those who are providing crop management recommendations to agricultural clients. These may include crop consultants, farm managers, Extension personnel, retailers, and others.

Do I Qualify to Certify?

The Certified Professional Crop Consultant (CPCC) and Certified Professional Crop Consultant--Independent (CPCC-I) programs are open to any individual who meet the following standards:

• Has a BS or BA degree in an agricultural discipline. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in a non-agricultural discipline and 10 years of experience as a crop consultant or advisor may petition the NAICC Certification Board for a qualification review.

• Has a minimum of six years' experience providing crop management recommendations with a bachelor's degree, five years with a master's, or four years with a doctorate. Two years of farming, scouting, or other agricultural experience may be substituted for 1 year of consulting.

• Passes one of the following examinations: the licensing examination for the state where he or she practices, the state or regional CCA exam, or, if neither of the first two is available, the national CCA exam.

• Submits an acceptable written case study to demonstrate an ability to integrate various types of technology to solve a problem faced by a client.

• Submits names of five clients for which he or she has performed consulting services, three of whom must respond in writing.

• Maintains 36 continuing education units (CEUs) each year.

• Confirms in writing acceptance of the NAICC Code of Ethics.

• Documents Pesticide Safety Training.

In addition, those who wish to attain the CPCC-I designation must answer a series of questions concerning source of income, and have the answers to those questions reviewed by the NAICC Certification Board.

How to Apply

Candidates for CPCC or CPCC-I certification should contact NAICC headquarters for an application. The application must be submitted in its entirety, including the written essay, and the candidate must contact all institutions of higher education where degrees were granted and request that original or notarized copies of his or her transcripts be sent to NAICC headquarters. Processing of the application will begin within 48 hours of receipt of the completed application.

Annual Renewal

To remain certified, individuals must renew their certification annually. The renewal process is on a calendar year basis. All certified individuals will be invoiced by NAICC in September, with the renewal fee and documentation of CEU credits due by February 1. Updated certificates will be issued by March 1.

The Cost of Certification

Fees for CPCC and CPCC-I are $160 for NAICC members and $280 for non-members. Certification must be renewed annually and fees are $40 for NAICC members and $90 for non-members.

Continuing Education Units

The CPCC CEU program was designed to meet the needs of those who are providing crop management recommendations to agricultural clients. Attendance at state and national consultants association meetings, Extension training sessions, and university short courses all qualify for CEU credit, with units usually tied to hours of attendance. For example, a one-day university short course would net the certified individual 6 CEUs. In addition, credit is available for professional service such as holding office in professional societies and organizations, guest lecturing at universities, etc. Each certified individual is responsible for acquiring documentation for CEU activities. NAICC provides forms and information sheets that make the process as simple as possible, and accepts forms from other certification programs. Documentation is due at time of renewal, and CEU information is kept on file at NAICC headquarters. Verification of CEUs will be made on a random basis.

So--Why Certify?

The NAICC certification process was designed to meet the needs of those who are providing crop management recommendations and the clients they serve. Because the CPCC and CPCC-I programs have rigorous standards, they have been enthusiastically received by Washington policy makers and are becoming more widely known among farmers.

Those providing crop management recommendations to agricultural clients who want to gain a professional edge should give serious consideration to becoming certified.

For more information, contact:

NAICC
349 East Nolley Drive
Collierville, TN 38017
Phone: 901-861-0511
Fax: 901-861-0512

CEU Renewal Form [pdf]

Print Application for Certification [pdf]