Ensuring your students are prepared for their agriculture certification exams can be daunting. Your students not only need to be ready for success on the exam but should possess the knowledge and skills that they can take well into their careers.
As a certification preparation curriculum provider, Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers like you often ask how they can best prepare their students for the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification.
In this article, you’ll explore the most common questions teachers like you have in regard to preparing their learners for the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification exam, including:
- What is the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification?
- What do my students need to know for the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification exam?
- How do I prepare others for success on the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification exam?
By the end of this article, you’ll have a full picture of what your students can expect on the exam and how you can equip them to be successful.
What is the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification?
The NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification, hosted on the iCEV Testing Platform, was created in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services and Texas Corn Producers.
In an effort to create a world with clean and abundant water, healthy soils and resilient landscapes, all while feeding a growing population with healthy, nutritious food, the goal of the certification is to build a strong organizational support system, work with advocates to further the interest of the industry and promote thriving agricultural communities through voluntary conservation.
For the agriculture industry, earners of this certification are more qualified to enter various roles within the conservation and sustainability job sector, such as conservation scientist, agriculture engineer, landscape architect and many other careers.
What Do My Students Need to Know for the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification Exam?
The NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification exam, hosted on the iCEV Testing Platform, consists of 100 questions and assesses knowledge and skills from the following weighted industry standards:
- Soil - 25%
- Water - 25%
- Plants - 20%
- Animals - 20%
- Air - 10%
Since each industry standard is weighted, it’s essential to implement a preparatory curriculum that is structured to reflect the industry standard weights. By mastering these topics, your students can rest assured that they are prepared for success on the certification exam.
Soil
The first industry standard explores soil and its importance including the functions of soil, how it’s formed, soil health and how human activities and natural events impact it.
The soil industry standard includes 25 questions covering the following:
- Formation & Processes
- Properties
- Functions & Values
- Health & Quality
- Conservation & Management
Water
The second industry standard analyzes water through its properties, sources and cycle, as well as how humans impact this resource.
The water industry standard includes 25 questions over the following:
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Sources
- Hydrologic Cycle
- Quality & Pollution
- Regulations & Standards
- Treatment & Conservation
Plants
The third industry standard places importance on the role of plants and their impact on the environment and how human activities can harm as well as protect plants and our ecosystems.
The plants industry standard covers 20 questions over the following:
- Physical Structures & Functions
- Growth & Reproduction
- Nutrient Cycling
- Annuals & Perennials
- Natives & Invasives
- Crop Production
- Conservation & Management
Animals
The fourth industry standard introduces the importance of animals and how they are vital for our environment. The industry standard also explores ways for human activities to conserve and protect animals and their habitats.
The animal industry standard includes 20 questions focusing on the following:
- Morphology & Physiology
- Food Web & Trophic Levels
- Habitats
- Terrestrial & Marine
- Reproduction
- Conservation & Management
Air
The fifth and final industry standard focuses on the components of air and its importance to all agricultural and non-agricultural environments. It also explores the role air quality management and conservation play in sustaining life on Earth.
The air industry standard includes ten questions covering the following:
- Quality & Components
- Contaminants
- Sources
How Do I Prep Others for the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification?
Helping your students understand what is included in the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification is only half the battle. The second crucial piece is preparing them for success on their exams. To do that, you need the right prep resource.
If you need help preparing your learners to take the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification exam, then consider iCEV’s preparational exam materials!
In this prep material, you’ll find comprehensive, pre-built lesson plans, multi-media videos, slide presentations, projects and activities relevant to the certifications standards. In addition, learners have access to review materials and two practice exams to ensure they are ready for exam day.
Interested in implementing iCEV into your classroom? Explore the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification prep materials.
