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Certification Programs
Certified Professional Soil Scientist
sponsored by the Soil Science Society of America
www.soils.org/certifications/
CPSS CPAg
Other Licensed professional (related to Soil Science)
______________________________________________
Soil Science Faculty
When finished, download and email to: certification@sciencesocieties.org.
*Reference letters sent through the applicant will not be considered.
Certified Professional
Soil Scientist
CPSS
The above-named individual is applying for certification and has requested that you act as a reference.
Once completed, please download and email to certification@sciencesocieties.org. An applicant must provide at
least five references (including at least one that is a CPSS or CPAg, a licensed soil scientist, or a faculty member
familiar with the applicants work experience in soil science, as referenced in I.B.3 of the CPSS Policy
Document), and others who are familiar with their experience. By completing this form you will be acting as a
reference for the applicant named above.
Please answer the questions on the back of this form, and include any additional comments that you feel
may be helpful. This form will be reviewed by the Certifying Board to ensure that the applicant has the necessary
education and experience to be certified.
Prospective applicants must meet rigorous educational, experience, and ethical standards. They must
have a minimum of an bachelor degree, meet certain course requirements, and adhere to the code of ethics.
Because we want to certify only individuals who meet the professional standards, we solicit your confidential and
frank opinion of this applicant.
Experience: Applicants for Certified Professional status (no experience is needed for APSS) must have at least
five years of professional experience beyond the BS degree in each area of certification. An advanced degree will
substitute for two years professional experience; for example, three years of professional experience at both the
MS and/or PhD level.
Applicant’s Name
Applicant’s Email
Reference Name
Reference’s Address
Phone
Email
Please consider not printing out this
document and instead type and
digitally sign in this fillable form.
Check if reference is:
Reference Letter
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Please respond to the following items and include any pertinent information that you feel will aid
in the evaluation of the applicant’s credentials.
1. In what capacity have you had association with the applicant (family members/relatives not valid references)?
I am/was the applicant’s: Supervisor Subordinate Academic Advisor Colleague Classmate Client
Other as: ____________________________
2. What length of time have you known the applicant in the above capacity? ________ years
3. For what period of time are you familiar with the applicant’s professional work experience?
From (month/year): _________________ to (month/year): ________________
4. Knowing the minimum requirements for certification, do you feel qualified to recommend this applicant to become certified
in the area of certification as stated on the reverse side? Yes (please proceed and complete the reference.)
No (Please give a brief statement in # 7 below of your reason(s); sign and return this letter immediately.)
5. How would you characterize the applicant’s professional reputation and attitude?
Professional Title __________________________________
6. What particular strengths do you feel the applicant has that may be important?
7. Do you feel that the applicant is fully qualified at this time for the certification listed? Yes
No--If not, how could the applicant overcome any weaknesses or deficiencies?
8. Please comment on the applicant’s knowledge and application of soil science.
9. Please comment on the applicant’s ability to analyze and solve problems.
10. Please comment on the applicant’s professional judgment, growth, and development.
11. As it relates to your experience with the applicant, please list the type of work the applicant has performed and provide details
of their responsibilities.
12. Please make any additional comments which will aid in making a fair evaluation of this applicant. Attach additional pages if
necessary.
13. Do you recommend this applicant to be certified as a Certified/Associate Professional Soil Scientist? Yes No
Signature _________________________________________ Date ______________________________________
Organization Name _________________________________
Location __________________________________
When finished, download and email to: certification@sciencesocieties.org.
*Reference letters sent through the applicant will not be considered.
(Type or Digitally Sign)
