The Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) announced that its Turfgrass Science Certification, delivered through the iCEV platform, has been officially approved by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as an industry-recognized credential for the 2026–2027 school year.
Following a review process conducted in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, the SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification was recommended for inclusion on Ohio’s industry-recognized credential list. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, students who earn the certification will receive six graduation points in the Agriculture career field.
The approval process evaluated each credential’s alignment with Ohio’s Career Field Technical Content Standards, relevance to the state’s Top Jobs list, and feedback from industry professionals. This recognition underscores SFMA’s commitment to strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals in the turfgrass and sports field management industry.
The SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification is designed to prepare learners at all stages — from high school students to adults — for meaningful careers in sports field management. The credential validates essential knowledge and skills for maintaining athletic surfaces across a variety of venues, including:
- K–12 school districts
- Parks and recreation facilities
- Golf courses
- Colleges and universities
- Professional sports stadiums and complexes
With an estimated 300,000–750,000 sports fields in the United States, the demand for qualified turfgrass professionals remains high. The certification helps employers connect with candidates who have demonstrated fundamental competencies in turfgrass anatomy, environmental management, cultural practices, and playing surface preparation.
The certification exam, administered via iCEV, consists of 100 questions covering key industry topics:
- Benefits of Turfgrass (5%)
- Turfgrass Anatomy, Identification & Adaptations (20%)
- Turfgrass Environment (25%)
- Turfgrass Cultural Practices (30%)
- Playing Surface Preparation (20%)
By meeting these rigorous standards, candidates demonstrate they are ready to contribute to the safety, quality, and playability of sports fields nationwide.