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.
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 Accommodations
Individuals Needing Exam Accommodations: Please see the exam accommodations information and instructions. You must use the fillable Exam Accommodations Request Form in PDF format for submission. Accommodations must be requested by submitting a completed Exam Accommodations Request Form no less than 30 days prior to the exam administration that is being registered for. Questions can be emailed Send Message or contact Michele Lovejoy at 608-268-4947 or Dawn Gibas at 608-819-3900.
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, i.e., the candidate's score is not compared to the scores of other candidates taking the same exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
View our Frequently Asked Questions for additional information on the exams.
Additional Questions?
Please contact Jessica Elliott at 608-278-8739 or Send Message with any additional questions.