SFMA has created a multi-step approach to online education, which includes the Turfgrass Management 101 course, Turfgrass Science Certification, CSFM certification, and ongoing professional development.
Step 1: Turfgrass Management 101
The Turfgrass Management 101 course hosted through Canvas (https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/knowledge_center/turfgrass-science-curriculum/) is set up to provide basic knowledge in the core areas of turfgrass science.
The curriculum offers comprehensive training in 5 Units:
- Unit 1 – Introduction to Turfgrass Science: Students learn about the economic, environmental and community benefits turfgrass surfaces provide. Students will also learn about the various careers available in the green industry.
- Unit 2 – Turfgrass Growth and Development, Anatomy and Identification: Students learn about turfgrass germination and growth. They will also learn about different anatomical features and how to use those features to identify turfgrass plants. Adaptations and use of turfgrass species is also covered.
- Unit 3 – Turfgrass Soils: Students learn about the importance of soil properties in a turfgrass system. Soil texture, compaction, and drainage and how they influence turfgrass health is the focus.
- Unit 4 – Turfgrass Cultural Practices: Students learn about the cultural practices essential for maintaining healthy turfgrass. Mowing, fertility, irrigation, aeration and topdressing, and integrated pest management are discussed in detail.
- Unit 5 – Turfgrass Establishment: The final unit utilizes all of the information presented in the course to give students a broader picture of the requirements to manage turfgrass from start to finish. Successful establishment cannot take place without a firm understanding of turfgrass species and adaptations, soil requirements, and essential cultural practices.
Step 2: Turfgrass Science Certification – Introduction to the industry iCEV course
This entry-level certification (https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/turfgrass-science-certification/) is designed to build a pipeline of skilled turfgrass industry professionals. The certification can be earned by learners in all stages of their education and career and verifies individuals are prepared to pursue a career in the field of turfgrass science.
The certification exam, tested on the iCEV platform, consists of 100 questions and assesses knowledge and skills for the following weighted industry standards:
- Benefits of Turfgrass: 5%
- Turfgrass Anatomy, Identification and Adaptations: 20%
- Turfgrass Environment: 25%
- Turfgrass Cultural Practices: 30%
- Playing Surface Preparation: 20%
Step 3: CSFM Certification
Attaining Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) status means you will be looked upon as a leader in the industry. It will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment and it can even improve your current or future employment prospects.
Becoming a CSFM is meant to challenge your knowledge of managing sports fields and to draw upon all aspects of your background in education and experience to prove that you are one of the best in the industry. Meeting the challenge can contribute to your professional advancement in sports field management.
Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) Information and Application Packet:
- CSFM Credentialing Information
- CSFM Competency Outline
- CSFM Detailed Competency List
Next Steps: Ongoing professional development offerings/resources
Ongoing professional development includes education on Interpersonal Skills; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Dynamic Meetings; and the SFMA Mentorship Program
Online Courses Coming soon include Turfgrass Math Resource Center; Field Painting Resource Center; Synthetic Turf Management 101; and Budgeting 101
Course costs:
101 level courses are free to SFMA members and $60 for nonmembers; resource centers are free for SFMA members and $75 for nonmembers; all other professional development resources are $50 for SFMA members and $75 for nonmembers.
The CSFM application fee is $250 for SFMA members and $350 for nonmembers. The CSFM testing fee is $100 for both members and nonmembers. The annual CSFM renewal fee is $100 for SFMA members and $200 for nonmembers. And the retest fee is $45 for both members and nonmembers. (Assessment center fees to be borne by the applicant.)
For more information concerning the CSFM program, contact Leah Craig at lcraig@sportsfieldmanagement.org. For more information concerning all other educational offerings, contact Jennifer McLendon at jmclendon@sportsfieldmanagement.org.