--- title: "Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification VS NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification: Which is Right For You?" description: Wondering if the Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management or the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification... image: https://www.icevonline.com/hubfs/DU_vs_NRCS_Certification.png --- [Skip to main content](https://www.icevonline.com/blog/ducks-unlimited-ecology-conservation-management-certification-vs-nrcs-fundamentals-conservation-sustainability-agriculture-certification#maincontent) [ Support ](https://www.icevonline.com/support) [ Sign In ](https://login.icevonline.com/login) [![www.icevonline.comapplicationfiles261646240061iCEV_Logo_NewColors_WEB-Oct-16-2023-08-55-35-3781-PM](https://www.icevonline.com/hubfs/iCEV_Logo_WEB.svg) ](https://www.icevonline.com) Solutions Curriculum - [CTE Curriculum](https://www.icevonline.com/curriculum) - [Justice Involved Education](https://www.icevonline.com/justice-involved) - [Adult Learner & Workforce Development](https://www.icevonline.com/workforce-adult-ed) Industry Certifications - [iCEV Testing Platform](https://www.icevonline.com/certifications/icev-testing-platform) - [Certification Alignments](https://www.icevonline.com/certifications/certification-alignments) Reporting & Analytics - [Eduthings](https://www.icevonline.com/eduthings) [ Find Your State ](https://www.icevonline.com/state-resources) Learning Center - [CTE Success Stories](https://www.icevonline.com/case-studies) - [Virtual Events](https://www.icevonline.com/icev-pd) - [Product Roadmap](https://www.icevonline.com/roadmap) - [Guides](https://www.icevonline.com/guides) - [White Papers](https://www.icevonline.com/white-papers) - [Infographics](https://www.icevonline.com/infographics) - [Posters](https://www.icevonline.com/posters) About Us - [About iCEV](https://www.icevonline.com/about-us) - [Meet the Team](https://www.icevonline.com/team-icev) - [Press Room](https://www.icevonline.com/pressroom) [ Contact Us ](https://www.icevonline.com/contact-icev) ** Open Search [ Schedule a Demo ](https://www.icevonline.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=613cef78-b59f-4e61-9c24-b22e7944b408&signature=AAH58kExEyMdPX4igf3GwkZzoyG4mlgjsA&pageId=12532931868&placement_guid=0bcfd003-02d6-424c-b62b-09dbf138884a&click=b0bcd927-a14d-4786-a22b-3464529a459f&hsutk=94b527790827b1e4ab5631634bb67b91&canon=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.icevonline.com%2F&portal_id=128824&redirect_url=APefjpFFLA0g6GVsRRgkFM3-1nrnZX2XiWl9qCaJ1o5knLA3YI44yFpJ_f0WvAaO8rqH0NCbn8uGKlmsY1hwg_i_osQdOtjuXxW14QJiCdb8TVGYqpjenCR0mAonRYMoaz-ypNAgm7ckwVLcCbFXEYBF8iLaosSjb-tU1HBxsxlmCSQIHbGBbfU0d8owkxF4EidAWO93J7URfqr6WYOYihFqpxi_S8qGsYKnpsO1q_0iP3o3_bvS92PzlDRosYjpCHNqa9yZSyRLD217k3LEx8BzkjBi4sxu7Q&__hstc=6129516.94b527790827b1e4ab5631634bb67b91.1679951650746.1698844638568.1698931042146.369&__hssc=6129516.5.1698931042146&__hsfp=1587771087&contentType=standard-page) Search for topics or resources Enter your search below and hit enter or click the search icon. ** Close Search Solutions Solutions [ Curriculum ](https://www.aeseducation.com/) Curriculum [ CTE Curriculum ](https://www.icevonline.com/curriculum) [ Justice Involved Education ](https://www.icevonline.com/justice-involved) [ Adult Learner & Workforce Development ](https://www.icevonline.com/workforce-adult-ed) [ Industry Certifications ](https://www.aeseducation.com/) Industry Certifications [ iCEV Testing Platform ](https://www.icevonline.com/certifications/icev-testing-platform) [ Certification Alignments ](https://www.icevonline.com/certifications/certification-alignments) [ Reporting & Analytics ](https://www.aeseducation.com/) Reporting & Analytics [ Eduthings ](https://www.icevonline.com/eduthings) [ Find Your State ](https://www.icevonline.com/state-resources) Learning Center Learning Center [ CTE Success Stories ](https://www.icevonline.com/case-studies) [ Virtual Events ](https://www.icevonline.com/icev-pd) [ Product Roadmap ](https://www.icevonline.com/roadmap) [ Guides ](https://www.icevonline.com/guides) [ White Papers ](https://www.icevonline.com/white-papers) [ Infographics ](https://www.icevonline.com/infographics) [ Posters ](https://www.icevonline.com/posters) About Us About Us [ About iCEV ](https://www.icevonline.com/about-us) [ Meet the Team ](https://www.icevonline.com/team-icev) [ Press Room ](https://www.icevonline.com/pressroom) [ Contact Us ](https://www.icevonline.com/contact-icev) [ Support ](https://www.icevonline.com/support) [ Sign In ](https://login.icevonline.com/login) [ Schedule a Demo ](https://www.icevonline.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=613cef78-b59f-4e61-9c24-b22e7944b408&signature=AAH58kExEyMdPX4igf3GwkZzoyG4mlgjsA&pageId=12532931868&placement_guid=0bcfd003-02d6-424c-b62b-09dbf138884a&click=b0bcd927-a14d-4786-a22b-3464529a459f&hsutk=94b527790827b1e4ab5631634bb67b91&canon=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.icevonline.com%2F&portal_id=128824&redirect_url=APefjpFFLA0g6GVsRRgkFM3-1nrnZX2XiWl9qCaJ1o5knLA3YI44yFpJ_f0WvAaO8rqH0NCbn8uGKlmsY1hwg_i_osQdOtjuXxW14QJiCdb8TVGYqpjenCR0mAonRYMoaz-ypNAgm7ckwVLcCbFXEYBF8iLaosSjb-tU1HBxsxlmCSQIHbGBbfU0d8owkxF4EidAWO93J7URfqr6WYOYihFqpxi_S8qGsYKnpsO1q_0iP3o3_bvS92PzlDRosYjpCHNqa9yZSyRLD217k3LEx8BzkjBi4sxu7Q&__hstc=6129516.94b527790827b1e4ab5631634bb67b91.1679951650746.1698844638568.1698931042146.369&__hssc=6129516.5.1698931042146&__hsfp=1587771087&contentType=standard-page) - Categories ** - Follow Us ** - ** [Subscribe](https://info.aeseducation.com/subscribe) - [Recent](https://www.aeseducation.com/blog) - [Health Science](https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/topic/health-science) - [Business Education](https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/topic/business-education) - [Computer Applications](https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/topic/computer-applications) - [Career Readiness](https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/topic/career-readiness) - [Teaching Strategies](https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/topic/teaching-strategies) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/icevonline) - [**](https://twitter.com/icevonline) - [**](https://twitter.com/icevonline) - [**](https://www.youtube.com/cevmultimedia) - [**](https://www.pinterest.com/icev_online) [«  View All Posts](https://www.icevonline.com/blog) [Agricultural Science](https://www.icevonline.com/blog/topic/agricultural-science) | [Industry Certifications](https://www.icevonline.com/blog/topic/industry-certifications) # Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification VS NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification: Which is Right For You? - Share This Article - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.icevonline.com/blog/ducks-unlimited-ecology-conservation-management-certification-vs-nrcs-fundamentals-conservation-sustainability-agriculture-certification) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Ducks+Unlimited+Ecology+Conservation+%26+Management+Certification+VS+NRCS+Fundamentals+of+Conservation+%26+Sustainability+in+Agriculture+Certification%3A+Which+is+Right+For+You%3F&url=https://www.icevonline.com/blog/ducks-unlimited-ecology-conservation-management-certification-vs-nrcs-fundamentals-conservation-sustainability-agriculture-certification&via=) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://www.icevonline.com/blog/ducks-unlimited-ecology-conservation-management-certification-vs-nrcs-fundamentals-conservation-sustainability-agriculture-certification&title=Ducks+Unlimited+Ecology+Conservation+%26+Management+Certification+VS+NRCS+Fundamentals+of+Conservation+%26+Sustainability+in+Agriculture+Certification%3A+Which+is+Right+For+You%3F&summary=Wondering+if+the+Ducks+Unlimited+Ecology+Conservation+%26+Management+or+the+NRCS+Fundamentals+of+Conservation+%26+Sustainability+in+Agriculture+Certification...) - [**](mailto:?body=https://www.icevonline.com/blog/ducks-unlimited-ecology-conservation-management-certification-vs-nrcs-fundamentals-conservation-sustainability-agriculture-certification) September 26th, 2023 | 4 min. read ![Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification VS NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification: Which is Right For You?](https://www.icevonline.com/hubfs/DU_vs_NRCS_Certification.png) [Subscribe](https://info.aeseducation.com/subscribe) ![McKenna Garrison](https://www.icevonline.com/hubfs/Blog%20Media/Imported_Blog_Media/McKennaGarrison_WEB-3.png "McKenna Garrison") [McKenna Garrison](https://www.icevonline.com/blog/author/mckenna-garrison) McKenna Garrison joined the iCEV marketing team in 2022 as the Content Marketing Specialist. Originally from a small town on the Gulf of Mexico, Garrison attended Texas Tech University from which she graduated with a B.A. in Public Relations & Strategic Community and an M.A. in Mass Communication & Media Studies. Garrison looks forward to bringing more of a storytelling element to iCEV social media pages. She also hopes to connect other CTE educators from around the country to the incredible curricula and resources iCEV has to offer. ** Print/Save as PDF If you’re a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, you know the importance of implementing industry certifications into your program. But when two certifications seem similar, it can be difficult to know which is best to implement for your students.  As a dedicated host of industry certifications, educators often ask about the differences between the Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management certification and [NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification](https://www.icevonline.com/blog/what-is-nrcs-fundamentals-conservation-sustainability-agriculture-certification). **In this article, you’ll explore some of the most common questions educators ask when comparing the two resources:** 1. What is the purpose of each certification? 2. How are the exams structured? 3. How much does each certification cost? 4. What prep materials are available? 5. Which certification is right for me? After, you’ll have all the information you need to be able to decide which certification best fits your learners’ needs.  ## 1. What Is the Purpose of Each Certification? ### The Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification The [Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification](https://www.icevonline.com/ecology) verifies** individuals have the necessary knowledge and skills in the areas of ecological principles and wildlife management, as well as habitat, forest, grasslands, wetlands, and waterfowl conservation and management. ** Designed with students in grades 9-12 in mind, educators can easily implement the certification for students interested in wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation. Additionally, the Ducks Unlimited Certification can be used to train employees and members of the workforce. Earners are more qualified and prepared to pursue a meaningful career in wildlife conservation management.  ### The NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification The [NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification](https://www.icevonline.com/NRCS) was created in collaboration by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Texas Corn Producers. This credential verifies **individuals have obtained exceptional knowledge and skills in the areas of conservation and sustainability of various natural resources including soil, water, plants, animals, and air.** Also designed for grades 9-12, students interested in environmental sciences or natural resources could benefit from the certification and gain a foundation for furthering their education or pursuing a career in the conservation workforce. Additionally, those currently in the workforce or looking to make a career change to conservation can also distinguish themselves by earning the certification.  ## 2. How Are the Exams Structured? Both of the certification exams are hosted on the [iCEV Testing Platform](https://icevonline.com/certifications) and **consist of 100 questions** that evaluate an individual's knowledge and skills. However, each certification tests learners on a different set of specific criteria.  Below, we’ll consider the breakdown of each certification exam. ### Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification Exam Structure **The Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management certification assess several weighted industry standards including:** - Ecological Principles - 20% - Species Identification - 10% - Wildlife Conservation & Management - 30% - Habitat Conservation & Management - 40% With these weighted industry standards in mind, the certification mainly focuses on wildlife and habitat conservation and management so you will most likely want to spend the majority of your prep time focusing on those two industry standards. However, it is always a good idea to still implement ecological principles and species identification to ensure your learners are fully prepared. ### NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture Certification Exam Structure **The NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification tests for the following weighted industry-recognized standards:** - Soil - 25% - Water - 25% - Plants - 20% - Animals - 20% - Air - 10% Because these industry standard weights are all different, it is best to spend more time discussing the higher-weighted industry standards at length to ensure your students are best prepared for their exams. But, it is always important to spend time covering all industry standards so your student are not only fully prepared for success on the certification exam but also have a foundational base of knowledge to continue to build upon as they continue in their education or career. ## 3. How Much Does Each Certification Cost? Since each certification is hosted on the iCEV Testing Platform, the [pricing](https://www.icevonline.com/pricing) of each certification is the same.  With iCEV, you can purchase a certification voucher for each student that not only grants you access to the certification exam but also includes preparation material. **Each certification voucher costs $40 per student.** ## 4. What Certification Prep Materials Are Available? Since the Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management certification and the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture certification are both hosted on the iCEV Testing Platform, you will gain access to similar prep materials. **The preparation materials consist of a playlist, which includes a combination of video and PowerPoint lessons** created in collaboration with industry partners to teach and reinforce the industry standards tested for by each [agricultural science certification](https://www.icevonline.com/blog/sfma-turfgrass-science-certification). You also gain access to** media-rich presentations featuring real-world demonstrations as well as student handouts, vocabulary exercises, project-based learning activities, and assessments.** ## Which Certification is Right for Me? Each certification provides valuable information and prepares earners for lifelong success in thriving industries. However, deciding which certification best suits the needs of your learners is dependent on a few key factors. While the Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management certification focuses mainly on wildlife and habitat conservation and management and the NRCS Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability focuses on sustaining and conserving our natural resources, **determining which is best for you comes down to the goals of your program, student goals, and the needs of your community**.  Still unsure which certification is best for your classroom? **Put yourself in your learners’ shoes and **[**earn a free certification**](https://info.aeseducation.com/certification-promo)** to best understand the differences between the two certifications to help you make the best choice.** [![Earn Your Free Certification on the iCEV Testing Platform](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/128824/2fb5d850-e807-4b45-8d2d-2cd9b4e6048c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/128824/2fb5d850-e807-4b45-8d2d-2cd9b4e6048c) Share this post: [Contact Us ](https://www.icevonline.com/contact-us) 1500 Broadway, Suite 202 Lubbock, TX 79401 (806) 745-8820 Social - [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/icevonline) - [X ](https://x.com/icevonline) - [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/icevonline) - [Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/icev_online) Company - [About iCEV](https://www.icevonline.com/about-us) - [Meet The Team](https://www.icevonline.com/team-icev) - [Careers](https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/646acf7b-3795-46d1-8ec6-8ec7238debd9/CEV-MULTIMEDIA-LTD) - [Success Stories](https://www.icevonline.com/case-studies-new) Solutions - [CTE Curriculum](https://www.icevonline.com/curriculum) - [Industry Certifications](https://www.icevonline.com/certifications) - [Reporting & Analytics](https://www.icevonline.com/eduthings) Resources - [Learning Center](https://www.icevonline.com/learning-center) - [Blog](https://www.icevonline.com/blog) - [Professional Development](https://www.icevonline.com/icev-pd) - [Accommodations](https://www.icevonline.com/accommodations) - [Proctoring Guidelines](https://www.icevonline.com/proctoring-guidelines) © 2026 iCEV All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://www.icevonline.com/privacy-policy) | [Terms of Use](https://www.icevonline.com/terms) | [System Requirements](https://www.icevonline.com/system-requirements) | [Accessibility](https://www.icevonline.com/icev-accessibility) | [Trust Center](https://trust.icevonline.com/) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "alternateName" : "iCEV Online", "description" : "iCEV offers a comprehensive solution designed to make life easier for teachers and administrators through online CTE curriculum and certifications.", "email" : "customersupport@icevonline.com", "logo" : "https://www.icevonline.com/hubfs/iCEV_Logo_NewColors_WEB.png", "naics" : "611710", "name" : "iCEV", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/icevonline", "https://x.com/icevonline", "https://www.instagram.com/icevonline", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/icevonline", "https://www.youtube.com/cevmultimedia" ], "telephone" : "8067458820", "url" : "https://www.icevonline.com/" } ```