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Agricultural Biotechnology

SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION

Exam Overview

Agricultural Biotechnology encompasses the study of biotechnology applications, laboratory safety and skills, scientific investigation and application, genetic principles, tissue and cell culture techniques, quality control procedures and regulatory guidelines as applied to agricultural biotechnology.

By Industry… For Industry

Certifications were developed through comprehensive needs assessments and job analysis within the agriculture industry. AEST Certifications are meeting industry needs by identifying workers with specific, employer-demanded knowledge, skills and abilities to support hiring practices and fill the gap in employment needs.

“As a business owner, I am very supportive of the industry certifications by the Agriculture Education Services & Technology, Inc. as this is a very valuable tool for employers in verifying knowledge and skill sets through the certification process that employment candidates undertake.” -Mark Wilson, Greendale Nursery, Inc.

See what industry is saying about the Biotechnology Specialist Certification

Industry Support Letters

Industry Readiness Indicators

Industry partners have identified the industry readiness indicators that are measured on the Agricultural Biotechnology certification exam.  Based on the industry needs and assessment of each indicator, the number of exam items per area have been determined and are noted on the exam guide.  Additionally, where applicable, the industry readiness indicators have been correlated with current educational frameworks.

Exam Specifics

Exams are delivered online and must be administered by an approved AEST proctor. Candidates have a two-hour window during a single session to complete the exam. Exams are 100 questions in length and include multiple choice options for all items. Candidates are required to achieve a passing score on the exam to earn certification.  Reduced price retake exams are available to candidates who do not meet the minimum passing score on the initial attempt.

60

Minimum Passing Score

85

Initial Exam Fee

50

Retake Exam Fee

Exam Guide

The exam guide is designed to assist candidates to prepare to sit for the Agricultural Biotechnology certification exam. It includes information about the exam, exam objectives, recommended references and sample items – all with the intent of helping candidates achieve a passing score. AEST recommends a combination of classroom instruction and self-study to maximize a candidate’s chance of earning industry certification.

Knowledge Focus References

AEST provides Knowledge Focus References (KFR) documents that detail specific content on which to focus for questions that may be asked on the exam.

Primary Recommended Resources

  1. Introduction to Biotechnology: An Agricultural Revolution, 2nd Edition
    Author: Ray V. Herren ISBN-13: 9781435498372
  2. Additional optional Secondary Resources are designed to be optional tools for reenforcing industry readiness concepts measured on this exam.
  3. Content alignment with current national and state educational frameworks are provided. Please contact AESTleader@ffbf.org if your state is not listed.