Soil Science Australia

Soil Science Australia (SSA) in collaboration with the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) have developed the Australia Soil Science Fundamentals Examination. The exam is a required part of the application process to become a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) in Australia.

Performance Objectives

The Performance Objectives (PO) are intended to help prospective soil science professionals to prepare for the Fundamentals Exam, which was developed by Soil Science Australia (SSA) in collaboration with the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). Soil Science Australia considers the performance objectives to be the minimum professional competencies required by soil scientists working on environmental and agricultural problems in Australia. To download a copy of the performance objectives, please click here.

Exams Offered via a Remote Proctor

You are now able to take the exam in the comfort of your own home or office.
You are now able to take the exam when it best fits your schedule.
You can take your exam anytime during a five-day period.
Once registered, you will receive more information regarding how to schedule your exam.

Exam Accomodations

Individuals Needing Exam Accommodations: Please see the exam accommodations information and instructions. Accommodations must be requested by submitting a completed Exam Accommodations Request Form no less than 60 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.

To take the exam you will need the following:

Below is a list of things that you will need to have to take the exams via remote proctor:

Desktop computer or laptop computer running Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX (Tablets, iPads, Chromebooks and smartphones do not meet our requirements).
A working built-in or external webcam and microphone.
A quiet and clean workspace cleared of any books, papers, phones, drinks, etc. where there will be no interruptions.
You must use Chrome, Firefox or Edge. Chrome is the most compatible. Do not use Safari or Internet Explorer.
Reliable internet connection. Hot spots should not be used.
Internet speed must be at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. 10 download/3 upload is recommended.
Test your internet speed at: http://www.speedtest.net.
A valid government issued photo ID must be presented. The first and last name that you register under must match your ID.

Computer Compatibility Check

To take the exam, the proctor will be connecting to you using GoToMeeting or Zoom. Before your scheduled exam date/time, use the computer and internet connection you will use when you take your exam and verify that both GoToMeeting and Zoom run correctly. Be sure to do the test from the location where you will take your exam.

The following links are test/sample meetings to verify that you can install the meeting software on your computer and that your firewall allows an online meeting connection:

GoToMeeting Test Meeting

Zoom Sample Meeting

NOTE: Once you successfully join a test/sample meeting, you can close the meeting software. If you have any troubles installing either meeting software or if you cannot connect to the test/sample meetings, then you will need to work with your IT department to resolve the issues, or you will need to use a different computer and/or testing location.

Time Allowed for Exams: 3 Hours