New curricula develop competency through experiential problem solving. Moreover, they foster understandings about the process of learning itself that promote active and lifelong learning. A Certification Process Certification is a process based on professionals meeting core educational standards and credential requirements, pursuing on-going professional development, and maintaining standards of conduct. Initial educational standards, followed by a commitment to professional development that comprises continuing education and other aspects of lifelong learning, ensures that agrologists have and maintain the levels of knowledge, skill and competency necessary to meet the challenges of a changing profession. On-going scrutiny by other professional bodies and the public demands the highest standards of knowledge and competence, standards that can be made more evident through a certification process.
Certification assures an identifiable level of competence and professional standing.
It provides an opportunity to learn things missed before, or to study topics that are brand new. Continuous learning is especially important for agrologists because the profession is constantly extending the boundaries of practice beyond the traditional core. Too, many of the things we are involved in are subject to critical public scrutiny. We must be knowledgeable about topical issues and have current information. Professional development is critical in ensuring greater acceptance of who we are and what we do by the public, by allied professionals, and by decision-makers.