NCLCA Principles of Livestock Selection & Evaluation Certification
The National Collegiate Livestock Coaches’ Association (NCLCA) Principles of Livestock Selection & Evaluation Certification verifies individuals have acquired the specialized skills necessary to excel in the livestock industry.
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Meeting the Industry Need
The certification assesses industry-valued and industry-recognized standards produced by NCLCA, an organization known for providing individuals with applicable knowledge of the livestock industry and honing important employability skills such as communication, character and leadership, with the goal of making students more marketable to potential employers.
The certification validates the foundational competencies needed to begin animal science careers, specifically those related to the selection and evaluation of breeding and market animals. Those who earn the certification are more qualified and prepared to enter a variety of roles within the industry. Additionally, the certification allows employers to identify and connect with more skilled candidates, filling gaps in the labor market and jump-starting individuals’ careers.
The need for qualified workers within the agriculture industry is evident and exists at all levels. According to Miranda Driver of CalAgJobs, an organization that works to connect farm businesses with employees, there are two jobs available in agriculture for every new job seeker. In some states, there are four jobs open for every applicant.
Related Occupations
- Livestock Grader
- Livestock Judging Coach
- Livestock Industries Program Coordinator
Industry Standards
The certification exam consists of 100 questions and assesses knowledge and concepts from the following weighted industry standards:
Breed Identification
- Cattle
- Goat
- Sheep
- Swine
10%
External Anatomy
- Terms & Terminology
- External Components of Livestock
- External Anatomy Identification
15%
Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) & Breeding Systems
- Parent Selection
- Types of Breeding Systems
- Crossbreeding Methods
- Mating Systems
15%
Selection & Evaluation Criteria
- Cattle
- Goat
- Sheep
- Swine
60%
Optional Certification Preparation Materials
The iCEV online curriculum platform offers a variety of preparatory content and resources designed to prepare individuals to earn industry certifications.
Multimedia Presentations
Prepare for the certification exam with engaging video and PowerPoint® presentation lessons. Each lesson is developed through collaboration with industry experts in order to address industry standards within each certification.
Interactive Coursework
iCEV's interactive activities, projects and assessments are based on real-world scenarios and reinforce comprehension of the industry standards assessed within each certification exam.
Featured Support Letters
View letters from businesses and organizations expressing their support of the certification.
About the National Collegiate Livestock Coaches' Association
The National Collegiate Livestock Coaches’ Association provides unique opportunities to develop student knowledge of the livestock industry through educational settings beyond traditional classrooms. The association is comprised of coaches from various universities throughout the United States.
"...it’s extremely critical that we continue to develop competent agricultural career-ready students, both coming straight out of high school and at the college level."
Ryan Rathmann, Ph.D.
National Collegiate Livestock Coaches' Association
Employer Certification Verification
If you are an employer looking to verify a potential applicant's credentials, please fill out the form to the right. We will contact you with the status of the certification number you provide.
If you do not have a certification number, please contact our customer support team to verify your candidate at: customersupport@icevonline.com or 1-800-922-9965.