[gdlr_heading tag=”h3″ size=”22px” font_weight=”normal”]AOSA/SCST Consolidated Exam Committee[/gdlr_heading]

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The Consolidated Exam Committee, established in 2006, has achieved the goal set by AOSA and SCST members of developing a single accreditation standard for conventional seed analysts in the United States by Spring 2013.  The members of the AOSA Certification of Analysts Committee and the SCST RST Board of Examiners combined the best aspects of both exams to develop germination and purity exams that will be offered annually in each region (as needed).  The germination and purity exams each take one day and include both written and practical exercises.[/gdlr_styled_box]

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[gdlr_tab title=”Committee Chairs”]

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[gdlr_tab title=”2021 AOSA/SCST Examination Dates”]

Applications for examination are now being accepted for the following dates:

Region II: Midwest, August 11th and 12th 2021
Iowa State University will be hosting the AOSA/SCST exams in Ames, IA on August 11^th (germination) and August 12^th (purity). Applications must be submitted to the appropriate committee chair as well as the Executive Director no later than Friday June 25, 2021.

Region II: Midwest, September 16th and 17th 2021
SGS will be hosting the AOSA/SCST exams in Brookings, SD on September 16 (purity) and September 17 (germination). Applications must be submitted to the appropriate committee chair as well as the Executive Director no later than Friday July 30, 2021.

Please note:  An updated exam application is available for candidates on the AOSA/SCST website.  If you have previously saved a copy of the exam application, make sure to update your files.  Old versions of the exam application will be returned without being processed.

Applications will be considered in the order received. Applications that are unclear or contain incomplete information will be rejected. Due to the nature of the exam, space is limited.  For all examinations, applications are available from the AOSA/SCST website or from the AOSA/SCST Administrative Office.  Please submit applications to the appropriate exam co-chair and Executive Director at the following locations via scan and email to:

AOSA SCST Administrative Office
Email:  asoa@aosaseed.com or scst@seedtechnology.net
Phone:  (202) 870-2412

Leanne Duncan, AOSA Co-chair
Email: leanne.duncan@inspection.gc.ca
Phone: (306)385-4866

Sarah Graybill, SCST Co-chair
Email: sarah.graybill@sgs.com
Phone: (605)692-7611

No payment is required at time of application; invoices will be provided for the examination upon acceptance of your application.

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[gdlr_tab title=”SCST Membership Categories”]

Registered Seed Technologist

These are individuals who have successfully qualified for and passed the RST exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of two years work experience, two years of an active Associate Membership and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience.  The RST exam includes written purity and germination exams as well as a germination practical exam, seed separations, and seed identification.  RSTs are required to complete continuing education in order to maintain membership and are required to pay annual membership dues.  They must sign a contract for Privilege of Use of the Societies name, logo, RST seal, and the title Registered Seed Technologist.  RSTs have one vote on all Society business and can vote on the amendments to the AOSA for Rules Testing Seeds.  RSTs are eligible to run for elected office and can chair or participate on committees.  To find more detailed information on the RST examination please visit the SCST Exam Content and Preparation tab on this page.

Registered Genetic Technologist

These are individuals who have successfully qualified for and passed the RGT exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of two years work experience, two years of an active Associate Membership and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience. An RGT has passed three of the four genetic technology exams: herbicide bioassay, electrophoresis, immunoassay testing (ELISA), and PCR.  The RGT exam includes a required written molecular genetics and area specific written and practical exams in the four genetic technology areas. RGTs are required to complete continuing education in order to maintain membership and are required to pay annual membership dues.  They must sign a contract for Privilege of Use of the Societies name, logo, RGT seal, and the title Registered Genetics Technologist. RGTs are eligible to run for elected office and can chair or participate on committees.  To find more detailed information on the RGT examination please visit the RGT Board of Examiners HERE.

Certified Genetic Technologist

These are individuals who have successfully qualified for and passed the CGT exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of one year of work experience, two years of an active Associate Membership and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience.  A CGT has passed one or two of the four genetic technology exams: herbicide bioassay, electrophoresis, immunoassay testing (ELISA), and PCR.  The CGT exam includes a required written molecular genetics exam and area specific written and practical exams in the four genetic technology areas.  CGTs are required to complete continuing education in order to maintain membership and are required to pay annual dues. They must sign a contract for Privilege of Use of the Societies name, logo, and the title Certified Genetic Technologist.  CGTs have one vote on all Society business and can vote on the amendments to the AOSA for Rules Testing Seeds.  CGTs are eligible to run for elected office and can chair or participate on committees.  To find more detailed information on the CGT examination please visit the RGT Board of Examiners HERE.

Certified Viability & Purity Technologist 

These are individuals who have successfully qualified for and passed the CVT or CPT exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of two years of work experience, two years of an active Associate Membership and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience. The CVT exam includes written purity and germination exams as well as a germination practical exam.  The CPT exam includes the written purity exam, and seed separations, and seed identification practical exams.  To find more detailed information on the CVT or CPT examination please visit the SCST Exam Content and Preparation tab on this page.

CVTs and CPTs are required to complete continuing education in order to maintain membership and are required to pay annual dues. They must sign a contract for Privilege of Use of the Societies name, logo, and the title Certified Viability or Purity Technologist. Appendix E contains a sample contract, CVTs and CPTs have one vote on all Society business and can vote on the amendments to the AOSA for Rules Testing Seeds.  They are eligible to run for elected office and chair or participate on any committees.

Professional Member

Qualifications include evidence of employment in a business that has a seed testing laboratory, oversight of quality control,or seed analysis, with a current Registered or Certified Membership, or Registered/Certified Member Inactive for three years or less.  They are entitled to one vote on all Society matters and are eligible to use the Name, Insignia (logo), title Professional Member and hold elective office.

Research Member

Individuals involved in teaching, research and outreach in the field of seed technology.  They are entitled to one vote on all Society matters, and are eligible to use the Name, Insignia (logo), title Research Member and hold elective office. They are entitled to an annual subscription of the Seed Technologist News, Proceedings, Board Notes, and reduced prices on AOSA publications.

Associate Member

Individuals interested in seed technology.

SCST Associate Membership Application

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[gdlr_tab title=”AOSA Analyst Certification Exam Categories”]

Certified Seed Analysts

Employees of public sector seed laboratories that have successfully qualified for and passed the RST/CSA exams in germination and purity. The current qualifications include work experience and accumulation of 100 points from workshops or college courses.

Certified Seed Analyst-Germination (CSA-G)

Employees of public sector seed laboratories that have successfully qualified for and passed the Germination exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of two years of work experience, and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience. The Germination exam includes a written and a practical exam.

Certified Seed Analyst – Purity (CSA-P)

Employees of public sector seed laboratories that have successfully qualified for and passed the Purity exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of two years of work experience, and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience. The Purity exam includes the written purity exam, seed separations, and seed identification practical exams.

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[gdlr_tab title=”Consolidated Exam Content & Preparation”]

Analysts preparing for the purity and germination exams should download the Consolidated Exam Content Information document and the Seed Identification List.  The SCST and AOSA Study Guides contain excellent and useful information that can be used to prepare for the exams while the Consolidated Exam Study Guide is finalized. There is also Practice Tests, Webinars, Mentoring and Study Hall information available on the Teaching and Training web page.

Consolidated Exam Content Information

Seed Identification List – version 2.0 (sorted by family)

Seed Identification List – version 2.0 (sorted by scientific name)

Seed Identification List – version 2.0 (list of changes)

RST-CVT-CPT-CSA Study Guide

UBP & Mixing and Dividing Checklist

How to Study For The Examinations – Video Presentation

Studying for the AOSA SCST Exams PDF

Teaching and Training Committee Web Page

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[gdlr_tab title=”How to Apply for the Examination”]

AOSA
Analysts who wish to become CSA, CSA-G or CSA-P need to fulfill the requirements to qualify to take the exam and submit the application to AOSA.

CSA, CSA-G or CSA-P Examination Application

Please submit your completed application to:

Association of Official Seed Analysts
8919 W 21st St. N
Suite 200, #246
Wichita, KS 67205
Phone: (202) 870-2412
Email: aosa@aosaseed.com

SCST
Analysts who wish to become RST, CVT, or CPT members of SCST need to fulfill the requirements to qualify to take the exam and submit the application to SCST.

RST, CVT or CPT Examination Application

Please submit your completed application to:

Society of Commercial Seed Technologists
8918 W 21st St. N
Suite 200, #246
Wichita, KS 67205
Phone: (202) 870-2412
Email: scst@seedtechnology.net

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[gdlr_tab title=”Re- Examination Policy and Procedure”]

If you are needing to re-take any examinations please read the AOSA/SCST Re-Examination Policy

View/Download the AOSA/SCST Re-Examination Policy:

AOSA
Analysts who are needing to re-take an exam for any reason, should download the CSA, CSA-G or CSA-P Re-Exam Application and submit it to AOSA.

CSA, CSA-G or CSA-P Re-Examination Application

Please submit your completed application to:

Association of Official Seed Analysts
8919 W 21st St. N
Suite 200, #246
Wichita, KS 67205
Phone: (202) 870-2412
Email: aosa@aosaseed.com

SCST
Analysts who are needing to re-take an exam for any reason, should download the RST, CVT or CPT Re-Exam Application and submit it to SCST.

RST, CVT or CPT Re-Examination Application

Please submit your completed application to:

Society of Commercial Seed Technologists
8918 W 21st St. N
Suite 200, #246
Wichita, KS 67205
Phone: (202) 870-2412
Email: scst@seedtechnology.net

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[gdlr_tab title=”Have you let your SCST membership lapse?”]

Applications for reinstatement must be made in writing to the Executive Director, please include payment of current and outstanding dues (will be prorated). Applicant must verify compliance with Continuing Education requirements.

Application for Registered or Certified Member Inactive Reinstatement

Please submit your completed application to:

Society of Commercial Seed Technologists
8918 W 21st St. N
Suite 200, #246
Wichita, KS 67205
Phone: (202) 870-2412
Email: scst@seedtechnology.net

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[gdlr_heading tag=”h3″ size=”14px” color=”#68ad91″ font_weight=”bold”]*The rest of this website is still under construction.[/gdlr_heading]