Industry Certifications

Why Become Certified?

Certification programs are similar to licensing programs but are voluntary. A license is essentially the state s certification that you are qualified to practice your profession. Certification programs are a voluntary way to show that you have met the knowledge, skills, and professional ethics requirements of the certifying agency. Obtaining a certification gives employers and clients the assurance that you know what you are doing. In addition, since certification programs are voluntary, they indicate that you have made a commitment to maintaining and improving your professional knowledge and skills.

Irrigation Specialist
3 years irrigation related experience plus series of specific exams
   or
BS and 2 years irrigation related experience plus series of specific exams

See: www.irrigation.org/certification.html

Certified Irrigation Designer
BS including C or better and B average in the following courses: SW2, SW100, SW100L, SW104, SW111, SW114, and MeAg53 plus 750 hours work experience plus exam.

See: www.irrigation.org/certification_CID.html

Certified Arborist
BS plus one year experience plus examination

See: http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/certification.aspx

California Certified Nursery Professional
18 months full time or 3,120 cumulative hours part-time in a California nursery
   or
BS in Ornamental Hort and 2,080 hours work exp. in a nursery.

See: http://www.cangc.org/certification/ccnpro.asp

Certified Crop Adviser (CCA)
BS plus two years experience plus international and state/regional exams

See: https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/certifications

Certified Professional Agronomist
BS plus specific units in soil science, chemistry, computer applications, physics, geology, climatology, speech, and economics

See: http://www.agronomy.org/certification/

Certified Entomologist
BS plus three years experience plus general and specialty exams in entomology

See: http://www.entsoc.org/Certification/bce/index.htm

CA Department of Pesticide Regulation Certification
DPR has several certification programs including Agricultural Pest Control Advisor and Qualified Applicator

See: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/lictypes.htm