The purpose of the NMCCA program is to certify that individuals working in agronomy and advising others on agronomic principles, have a professional level of expertise. The NMCCA program also provides up-to-date information that affects New Mexico growers. With the diversity of crops grown in New Mexico, the NMCCA program will help provide a broad diversity of cropping information to you through both active programs around the state and through accredited programming on the Internet.

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Qualifications

To qualify for the certification:

• You must have at least two years of advising experience with at least a bachelor of science degree from an accredited university OR four years of advising experience with no degree.
• You must document your education and crop advising experience with supporting references and transcripts.
• You must pass an International exam and a state exam. The International exam is a generalized 100-question exam that tests comprehension on agronomic principles. The state exam tests your knowledge on agronomic principles pertinent to New Mexico.
• You must also sign and agree to uphold the CCA Code of Ethics.

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Certification

Once you become a certified crop adviser you can maintain your certification through continuing educational credits (CEUs) and an annual, professional certification fee. The number of CEUs required to keep current on agronomic practices in New Mexico are 40 hours every two years. CEUs can be earned through self-directed study or certified New Mexico Educational Programs.