Skip to content
Close
SEARCH
Get a FREE Trial
Get a FREE Trial

CURRICULUM

CTE Curriculum
Prepare learners with CTE curriculum aligned to industry standards.

Alternative Education
iCEV equips adult learners with the skills and knowledge needed for post-secondary education, training, or employment.

INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS

iCEV Testing Platform
Enhance your resume. Refresh your skills. Validate your knowledge.

Certification Alignments
iCEV can help prepare individuals for certification exams not hosted on the iCEV Testing Platform.

REPORTING & ANALYTICS

Eduthings
Specialized reports and functionalities tailored to the unique needs of CTE educators and students.

NavBarStatesResources_BG

Explore CTE Curriculum and Solutions for Your State

Find Your State

Tutorials

Step-by-step tutorials to help you master the iCEV Platform.

Guides

In-depth guides designed to maximize the success of your CTE program.

Hire Certified

Learn about resources to help your certification earners find success.

Blog

Discover strategies and resources to elevate CTE education.

White Papers

Dive into expert insights and explore the latest trends shaping the future of education.

Infographics

Visualize the impact of CTE with data-driven insights.

Posters

Download printable classroom posters that showcase the transformative power of CTE.

Virtual Events

Discover live and on-demand virtual events to enhance your skills as a teacher or administrator.

Product Roadmap

Explore new courses, certifications and features to elevate your CTE programs.

About iCEV

Learn how iCEV is impacting the next generation of skilled workers.

Careers_Header

Meet the Team

Get to know the passionate team dedicated to empowering educators and administrators.

iCEV Advisory Collective

Learn about the educators and industry experts shaping the future of iCEV.

Press Room

Stay updated with the latest iCEV news and developments involving CTE.

Careers

Help us make a difference in learners lives by joining our team.

NavBarStatesResources_BG

Looking for something else?

 Contact Our Team

SFMA_HorizontalLogo

SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification

The SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification verifies individuals have obtained foundational knowledge and skills in the areas of turfgrass science and management, as well as the ability to pursue a career in the turfgrass industry.

Request Information
Get a 15-Day Free Trial
 

Meeting the Industry Need

The certification assesses industry-valued and industry-recognized standards produced by the Sports Field Management Association. Comprised of sports field managers from across the country, SFMA serves as an official voice for green-industry professionals.

The certification validates individuals have acquired knowledge and skills in turfgrass development, turfgrass environment, preparation, practices and benefits. Those who earn the certification are more qualified and prepared to pursue a meaningful career in the turfgrass or sports field management industries. Additionally, the certification allows employers to identify and connect with more skilled candidates, filling gaps in the labor market and jumpstarting individuals’ careers.

SFMA_TurfgrassScience_Cert_Badge


Discover job opportunities aligned with the skills acquired through this certification.

There are estimated to be between 300,000 and 750,000 sports fields in the United States, which make up about 7 million maintained acres. With over 300 professional facilities, 3,500 colleges and universities, 7,800 parks and recreation districts and 20,000+ school districts, jobs in the sports field management profession are abundant.

Related Occupations

  • Agricultural Technicians
  • General and Operations Managers
  • Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

Industry Standards

The certification exam consists of 100 questions and assesses knowledge and concepts from the following weighted industry standards:

BenefitsTurfgrass

Benefits of Turfgrass
  • Environmental Benefits
  • Community Benefits
  • Economic Benefits

5%

TurfgrassAnatomy

Turfgrass Anatomy, Identification & Adaptations
  • Turfgrass Anatomy
  • Turfgrass Identification
  • Climatic Adaptations
  • Criteria for Selecting Turfgrass Species

20%

TurfgrassEnvironment

Turfgrass Environment
  • Plant Growth Requirements 
  • Soil Types
  • Soil Properties 
  • Choosing a Proper Growing Medium
  • Drainage
  • Compaction

25%

TurfgrassCulturalPractices

Turfgrass Cultural Practices
  • Mowing
  • Nutrient Management
  • Irrigation
  • Aeration
  • Topdressing
  • Seeding/Sodding/Sprigging
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Weeds, Insects & Diseases
  • Equipment/Tools
  • Establishment

30%

PlayingSurface

Playing Surface Preparation
  • Field Dimensions
  • Surface Playability 
  • Sports Specific Preparation
  • Field Marking & Logo Painting
  • Quality, Evaluation & Safety of Surfaces & Facilities
  • Seasonal/Annual Maintenance

20%

SFMA_Turfgrass_Pie
SFMALOS_Slider1
SFMALOS_Slider2
SFMALOS_Slider3

Featured Support Letters

View letters from businesses and organizations expressing their support of the certification.

Optional Cert Prep

 

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.

Explore Cert Prep Materials
View Certification Blueprint

About the Sports Field Management Association

The Sports Field Management Association is a non-profit, professional association for men and women who manage outdoor sports fields worldwide. Since 1981, SFMA has been providing education and practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. SFMA’s mission is to advance professionalism in sports field management and safety through education, awareness programs and industry development.

“This certification will give those interested in the turfgrass industry an excellent resource to prove they possess the base education necessary to be successful.”

Dr. Adam Thoms, Ph.D.
President-Elect
Sports Field Management Association

Interested in Verifying a Candidate’s Certification?

 If you’re an employer looking to verify a job applicant’s credentials, click the button below to be taken to a verification form. 

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.

Verify My Candidate