The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) created a Council of Soil Science Examiners whose purpose is to develop, maintain, and administer professional exams for Soil Scientists.  

The CSSE is responsible for "developing and maintaining an examination program that is representative of our body of knowledge...protects the health and welfare of the public and ....insures fairness to all candidates..."

This exam now has a dual purpose.  As of January 1998 the ARCPACS (A Federation of Certifying Boards in Agriculture, Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences) certification (as Soil Scientist, Soil Specialist and Soil Classifier)  program of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) will require a "pass" grade for the CSSE administered "Fundamentals" exam.

In Addition, this exam is now the basis for state licensing in: Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Texas, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Hopefully, other states will soon follow.

The University of Arizona,  Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science is an approved administrator site (code 031).

Check the web site below for exact dates, registration deadlines and exam locations

To obtain further information please access the SSSA-CSSE web site.  In it you can find:

-- Study guide Soil Science Competency Areas and Performance Objectives (downloadable).
-- Registration Form for the CSSE Fundamentals and Professional Practice Soil Science Examination (downloadable and secure).

 If you are interested in obtaining a certification from ARCPACS , please access its web site to obtain a registration form.

I would urge you to support this SSSA-CSSE program.  If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Janick Artiola or call at: 520-621-3516.

Last Updated:10/18/2004