CSSE: Frequently Asked Questions about the Council of Soil Science Examiners (CSSE) Fundamentals and Professional Practice Soil Science Exams

Who should take the exam?

People who have a bachelor's degree in soil science or related science and are interested in professional certification or licensing. For requirements in a licensing program, please go to: https://www.soils.org/certifications/csse and contact the appropriate licensing board. If you are interested in soils certifications, please review: https://www.soils.org/certifications/cpss-cpsc/ for program requirements.

What is the exam format?

The exams are organized in a multiple-choice format with only one correct answer per question.

The multiple choice questions on the Professional Practice exam are based on several scenarios provided throughout the exam.

Are there study materials available?

Yes. The Performance Objectives (PO) for the Fundamental Soil Science Exam are available free of charge on-line at: https://www.soils.org/certifications/csse. There is also a study guide available on-line for a minimal fee. The study guide is just that, a guide. It is recommended that the exam candidate work through the performance objectives and use study guides as supplemental information.

Are calculators allowed during the exam?

Yes, calculators will be provided. The exam candidate will be given the variables needed for an equation, but he or she is expected to know the correct equation.

Who prepares the exam?

The exam is prepared by the Council of Soil Science Examiners (CSSE), which is a panel of soil scientists from across the USA. The CSSE has about 30 members. Membership is a balance of practicing professional soil scientists, state and federal government soil specialists, and university faculty. The educational background and level of experience of CSSE members range from BS to PhD and from as few as 5 to as many as 40 years, respectively. Membership is also balanced to represent the entire USA. An individual member is appointed to a three-year term. She or he may be reappointed once. All new members must be licensed and/or certified.

What is the exam based upon?

The exams are based entirely upon the Fundamentals and Professional Practice Soil Science Exams Competency Areas and Performance Objectives (see www.soils.org/csse). These documents are available free online or as paper copies. Paper copies may be obtained by calling 608-273-8085, or by writing CSSE, 677 South Segoe Road, Madison, WI. 53711.

The competency areas and performance objectives were developed by surveying soil scientists from across the USA asking what a minimally competent soil scientist needs to know. This survey also established the relative proportion of knowledge that professional soil scientists need in the different competency areas. The competency areas and performance objectives are periodically updated in order to insure they reflect the current knowledge necessary for any minimally competent soil scientist. The most recent update was in 2001. It was completed by the CSSE in conjunction with a review by soil scientists from across the USA.�

What is the balance of coverage among the Competency Areas and Performance Objectives?

Each exam is written to insure a balance of questions among the six competency areas: soil chemistry, soil physic, soil fertility, genesis and morphology, biochemistry and microbiology, and land use. Not all performance objectives are covered on any exam although the number of questions asked per competency area is in proportion to the guidelines developed from a national survey of practicing soil scientists. Pragmatically this means the exam is weighted approximately equal among the six competency areas.

How is the exam graded?

The examination is graded using the Angoff Method, which is a widely used criterion-referenced performance standard. The Angoff Method is well suited for objective examinations and allows for weighting of questions based upon their difficulties. It uses the expertise of the CSSE to identify the level of knowledge a minimally competent soil scientist holds and then uses a statistically sound procedure to set the passing score at that level.

Is the exam curved?

No. The exam is NOT graded on a curve.

What is the passing score?

The passing score changes depending on the difficulty of the exam. The passing score of a particular examination is released after the examination has been graded but only to individuals who took the examination as well as pertinent certification and licensing boards. Given the scoring methodology that is used, the passing score fluctuates from year to year. There is no set passing score.

When will I receive my exam scores?

Exam scores will be mailed within eight weeks of the exam date. You will receive the passing score, your score, and a pass/fail designation.

Can exam scores be given over the phone?

No. Exam scores are only mailed to the address specified on the candidate's exam application. Scores will not be given over the phone or sent by fax or email.

Will the exam scores be sent to anyone else?

For candidates taking the Fundamentals or Professional Practice Exams as part of their Agronomy or Soil Science certification requirements, the score will be mailed directly to the individual. The Soils Board is notified of your exam score.

For candidates taking the Fundamentals or Professional Practice Exams as part of state licensing requirements, the score will be mailed to the state board and then forwarded to the exam participant. Except for Texas, which requires the individual to notify the board of their exam scores.

Is an appeal of my exam score possible?

Appeal processes are handled by the Soils Board or by the state in which you are applying for licensure.

Which states use this exam for licensing soil scientists?

The following states use the Fundamentals Soil Science Exam: Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.

The following states use the Professional Practice Soil Science Exam: Minnesota, North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.

How often is the exam offered?

The Fundamentals and Professional Practice exams are each given twice a year. See www.soils.org/csse for exact dates.