Others already had a farm office operating. Their efficiency has improved and a number now wish to enrol in the Certificate in Rural Management which has operated in South Australia. since 1988. The skills students have developed during the course, and the recognition of skills they already possessed, together with regular communication with a larger number of people within their rural community, have led to increased self-confidence. Many students are now extending their study goals into other areas. Some have started on the Certificate in Commercial Studies, others will continue into the Certificate in Rural Management, and some have started studying towards the Associate Diploma in Accounting.
Students report better communication with their farming partners as result of the course.
They have increased responsibility for keeping records and sharing in farm business decisions. Some have even gained control of the cheque book. Often, debate about methods of education polarises lecturers between either attendance or external study. CROP's success is largely due to the way it captures the best aspects of both modes. In some States, CROP has challenged the approach of separate Colleges of external study and others that teach only in a classroom.