Exam Information
The exams for the Certified Professional Soil Scientist certification and state Soil Scientist licensing programs are developed and maintained by the Council of Soil Science Examiners (CSSE). The certification program, in its entirety, is overseen by the Soils Certifying Board of the Soil Science Society of America.
Quarterly Exam Calendar
Exam Registration Dates
2024
Q4. September 25 - October 21, 2024
2025
Q1. January 2 - January 27, 2025
Q2. February 26 - March 24, 2025
Q3. July 2 - July 28, 2025
Q4. October 1 - October 27, 2025
Available Exam Dates
Exams will be conducted during this time frame.
2024
Q4. October 30 - November 11, 2024
2025
Q1. February 5 - 19, 2025
Q2. April 2 - 16, 2025
Q3. August 6 - 20, 2025
Q4. November 5 - 19, 2025
Exam Registration is only available during the dates listed above, and only for the corresponding Available Exam Date. For example, if you want to take your exam in the July 24 - August 5, 2024 exam period, you would register in the June 20 - July 15, 2024 period.
Examinees in Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin must be approved to register for the exam, please contact your state's licensing board.
Study Materials and Resources
Soil Science Performance Objectives
The exams are based on performance objectives developed by the Council of Soil Science Examiners. It is recommended that the exam candidate work through the performance objectives and additional resources as supplemental information.
Additional Study Suggestions/Resources
Note that SSSA and CSSE do not endorse any specific publication, website or material for study.
Exam Information
You will need a valid government issued ID. The first and last name on your ID must match the name we have for you in our system, and you will be required your ID to the remote proctor.
You must be 18 years old in order to register for an exam.
Exams are administered via internet based testing (IBT) with a remote proctor. Please visit the remote proctor page to learn more.
You will receive detailed information about the exam and proctor process via email from certification@sciencesocieties.org, so make sure our email isn’t marked as spam.
Exam Accommodations
Individuals Needing Exam Accommodations must fill out the Exam Accommodations Request Form 30 days prior to taking the exam. This form must be completed in the fillable PDF format in order for it to be accepted.
The Exam Accommodations Information and Instructions Sheet contains detailed information on determining accommodations, completing the request form, and what documentation is needed.
If you have questions on exam accommodation, please contact us by calling 608-268-4947 or emailing Exam Accommodations.
Passing Score
The minimum passing score is calculated using a criterion-referenced procedure called the Angoff Method. Experts in soil science review each of the exam questions and evaluate them according to how successful a minimally competent candidate would be in answering each question. This process statistically maintains a passing score from year to year that is independent of each candidate's level of expertise. The candidate's score is not compared to the scores of other candidates taking the same exam.
Soil Science Australia
Become a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) in Australia.
Questions?
View our Frequently Asked Questions for additional information on the exams, or reach out to Michele Lovejoy.
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