The Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) announced that its Turfgrass Science Certification, delivered through the iCEV platform, has been officially approved in Tennessee.
SFMA Certification state approvals are currently as follows:
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Ohio
- Maryland
- New York (Approved testing platform, which automatically makes SFMA approved. NY doesn’t keep an approved list of certs.)
- Tennessee
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.