Agricultural Scientists

Certification or Licensing

Certification is not required for most agricultural scientist careers, but it can improve a candidate's chances of landing a job in this field. The American Society of Agronomy certifies agronomists and crop advisers, the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists certifies animal scientists, and the Soil Science Society of America certifies soil scientists and soil classifiers. In general, requirements include meeting a minimum education level and having a certain amount of work experience (for example, a bachelor's degree and five years of work experience or a master's degree and three years of experience), passing an exam, and having appropriate references. Recertification requirements typically include the completion of a certain amount of continuing education credits every two years in addition to payment of dues and adherence to a code of ethics.