INDUSTRY EDUCATION

If you ’ re a teacher or administrator in a career and technical education ( CTE ) program , chances are you ’ re looking for opportunities for your students to earn valued industry certifications . Earning an industry certification can make a difference in many career pathways , but particularly in agricultural science , where these credentials can help certification earners stand out to potential employers .

One such certification is the Sports Field Management Association ( SFMA ) Turfgrass Science Certification .

WHAT IS THE SFMA TURFGRASS SCIENCE CERTIFICATION ? As an entry-level industry certification , the SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification is designed to test learners on the basic knowledge and skills necessary for an entry-level position in the turfgrass industry . Individuals who earn this certification show that they have a solid understanding of basic industry principles and practices . They should stand out from other job candidates by proving that they have the skills necessary for a successful career in sports field management .

Hosted on the iCEV Testing Platform , the SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification is perfect for newcomers and students of turfgrass science .

HOW IS THE CERTIFICATION STRUCTURED ? The SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification is structured so that it can be pursued on its own or along with a program of study in agricultural science .

When aligned with one or more courses in an agricultural science program , learners can develop the knowledge and skills necessary for certification as part of their regular CTE curriculum . Certification candidates can also prepare for certification on their own .

The certification test itself consists of 100 questions that comprehensively assess an individual ’ s readiness for work in turfgrass science .

The exam is divided into five different sections that reflect significant aspects of industry work . They are weighted to reflect their relative importance to a successful turfgrass career :

Benefits of Turfgrass ( 5 %) Turfgrass Anatomy , Identification and Adaptations ( 20 %) Turfgrass Environment ( 25 %) Turfgrass Cultural Practices ( 30 %) Playing Surface Preparation ( 20 %)

BENEFITS OF TURFGRASS The Benefits of Turfgrass is the first and shortest of the five domains with five percent of content . Certification candidates are asked questions related to the three types of benefits that arise from the turfgrass industry : Environmental Benefits Community Benefits Economic Benefits Understanding the benefits of turfgrass will help individuals realize the greater purpose these careers play .

TURFGRASS ANATOMY , IDENTIFICATION AND ADAPTATIONS The Turfgrass Anatomy , Identification , and Adaptation section accounts for 20 percent of certification content . The questions test subject-specific knowledge relevant to the turfgrass industry , including : Turfgrass Anatomy Turfgrass Identification Climatic Adaptations Criteria for Selecting Turfgrass Species This certification section reveals learners ’ abilities to discern the differences between types of turfgrass , an essential skill for working as industry professionals .

TURFGRASS ENVIRONMENT The Turfgrass Environment section includes 25 percent of the certification . The questions concern factors affecting the growth and maintenance of distinct types of turfgrass . Candidates should expect questions about : Plant Growth Requirements Soil Types Soil Properties Choosing a Proper Growing Medium Drainage Compaction

28 SportsField Management | September 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com