THE TWO CCA EXAMS
To complete the certification process, an individual must pass two exams:
One regionally focused exam
One international exam
The detailed questions and structure of the certification exams are designed to evaluate an individual’s comprehensive expertise in numerous subject matters necessary for crop advisory.
The core competencies for these exams are:
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
CROP MANAGEMENT
SOIL & WATER MANAGEMENT
PEST MANAGEMENT
Ongoing Improvement To Maintain Expertise
Every 3 years a group of agronomy experts:
Review exam questions
Evaluate tests to ensure scoring is achievable yet challenging
Guarantee the test reflects the most current grading standards
This meticulous evaluation emphasizes the expertise that those who pass must possess.
Exam Registration
Western Region & International CCA examS
As of September 2023 the Western Region and International CCA Exams are available during testing windows. Exams are administered online with a remote proctor.
Next CCA Exam Registration Dates:
February 21st, 2024 - March 18th, 2024
June 19th, 2024 - July 15th, 2024
September 25th, 2024 - October 21st, 2024
EXAM Periods:
March 27th, 2024 - April 8th, 2024
July 24th, 2024 - August 5th, 2024
October 30th, 2024 - November 11th, 2024
Exam Registration is only available during the dates listed above, and only for the next Available Exam Date. For example, if you want to take your exam in the July 24th to August 5th exam period, you would register in the June 19th to July 15th period.
Student Exams
Student exams are conducted during all regular exams at a discounted cost for individuals enrolled at an accredited college or university. Students must provide proof of enrollment in order to receive the discount. Proof of enrollment should be sent to admin@wrcca.org. Upon approval instructions for receiving the discounted rate will be communicated.
Exam Pricing
International CCA Exam - $205.00 (Exam Only)
Western Region (CA, AZ) Exam Fee - $95.00 (Exam Only)
Western Region (CA, AZ) Retest Exam Fee - $75.00 (Exam Only)
CCA Specialty Exams - $105.00 (Exam Only)
Register to take the exams on the International CCA Website
Specialty Certification Exams
CALIFORNIA NITROGEN MANAGMENT SPECIALTY (CA-NSP)
The CA-NSp specialty certification is for CCAs who who work in CA and desire to provide nitrogen management planning services to clients. Passing the CA-Nsp exam is required to certify Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Plans for clients. A separate self-certification program is available through California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for growers /landowners.
NEXT CALIFORNIA NITROGEN MANAGEMENT SPECIALTY (CA-NSP) EXAM DATES:
November 01, 2023 - November 13, 2023
REGISTRATION PERIOD:
September 27, 2023 - October 23, 2023
OTHER CERTIFICATION SPECIALTIES AND PROFESSIONAL AGRONOMIST CERTIFICATION
A variety of specialties can be added your certification, or if you would like to pursue the next step of your agronomy career you may consider becoming a Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg).
Exam Preparation
International CCA Exam
Please click here to be guided to a list of resources to help you prepare for the International portion of the exam.
Western Region CCA Exam
Please click here to be guided to a list of resources to help you prepare for the Western Region portion of the exam.