The Certified Professional Soil Scientist accreditation recognises high-level professional competence in soil science and management, derived from a broad soil science knowledge base.
You can find Certified Professional Soil Scientists (CPSS) employed as consultants; or working in utilities, in local, state and federal government policy and planning; and in research and academia.
If you are a soil science professional, you can become accredited to advance your career and standing in the field of soil science. Qualified and experienced soil professionals who gain CPSS accreditation know that their soil knowledge, expertise and work ethics have been recognised by their peers.
By engaging a Certified Professional Soil Scientist you can reduce risk, increase certainty and achieve better soil and land management outcomes.
All Certified Professional Soil Scientists maintain their professional skills and competencies through ongoing professional development that keeps them up to date with recent scientific and technological advances. In addition, they commit to uphold a Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct as part of their accreditation.
Once successfully accredited, CPSS applicants may use the post nominals after their name. They will receive an e-certificate and e-seal and can use the seal with their signature in email and other correspondence, and on business cards and printed stationery.
CPSS accreditation is available to members and non-members. (Find out more about Soil Science Australia membership).
All applications are confidential.
Information about accreditation fees can be found here.
If successful, applicants will pay the annual accreditation fee and receive a welcome letter and your business details will be added to the “Find a CPSS” page.
Certified Professional Soil Scientists need to regularly demonstrate that they have gained sufficient professional development hours to ensure their professional skills and competencies continue to develop in line with recent scientific and technological advances.
CPSS are required to provide evidence of 40 hours of ongoing professional development every two years to ensure that they are keeping their skills and knowledge current.
The Australian Soil Science Fundamentals Exam has been developed in partnership with, and is hosted by, the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).
The exam is offered every three months and you can register by visiting the SSSA registration page.
The exam is proctored, contains 100 multiple choice questions and takes up to 2 hours. It is completed online at a suitable time that you negotiate with SSSA and the proctor.
Questions are aligned with the Performance Objectives, set by our Australian Examinations and Procedures Committee (AEPC) and are considered to be the minimum professional competencies required by soil scientists working in Australia.
For more information please refer to the fact sheet.
Soil Science Australia is the national soil science body and a not-for-profit professional incorporated association for soil scientists and people interested in the responsible management of Australia’s soil resources.
