Consultant Recertification Process - Nutrient Management Act
What You Need to Know to Renew Your NMA Consultant's Certificate

Consultant Recertification Process

The first Agricultural Operation Strategy/Plan Development (AOSPD) certificates were issued in September 2004. The first renewals will be due in September 2009.

As a certified consultant, it is your responsibility to know when your certificate expires and to plan for certificate renewal. The expiry date is printed on your certificate.

To maintain your certified status, we suggest you start planning for your renewal one year in advance of your expiry date. We recommend that you follow the process below to have your certificate renewed:

1. Check your expiry date
2. Request a study package from the Nutrient Management Information Line (NM Info Line) by calling 1-866-242-4460
3. Study for the exam
4. Call the NM Info Line to schedule an exam
5. Write the exam six months in advance of your expiry date
6. When you pass, submit your application to the Guelph office at least three months in advance of your expiry date.

Attached are a number of questions and answers surrounding the renewal process. These are designed to help clarify the process you need to follow to renew your certificate. If you have any further questions please contact your local Environmental Specialist or the NM Info Line at 1-866-242-4460.

What is involved in renewing an Agricultural Operation Strategy or Plan Development Certificate?

The Nutrient Management Regulation states three criteria must be met to renew your certificate (s.100 (5):

• Certificate must be in good standing and not have been revoked or suspended
• Pay a fee to write the exam
• Write and pass an exam

What will the exam be like?

The exam will test practical application and theoretical information. All questions will be multiple choice or True and False. Exam writers will be given three hours in which to complete the exam. A passing grade is 75 percent.

What if I have language, learning or health issues that make writing exams difficult for me?

For individuals who have language, learning, comprehension or health issues that affect their ability to write an exam, there is a process to arrange accommodations.

What if I fail the exam?

Candidates for recertification will have up to three opportunities to pass the exam. Each attempt will require that you pay a fee. A study guide is available from the NM Info Line to help you prepare.

What happens if I fail all three attempts?

You will be required to demonstrate that you have taken current versions of the certification courses, Introduction to Nutrient Management, Regulations and Protocols and How to Prepare a NMS/P Using NMAN. You will have to complete three fictitious case studies and then you will have an opportunity to rewrite the exam.

What happens if my certificate expires before I get around to renewing it?

If your certificate has expired you will have to begin the certification process again. This would include:

• Taking the suite of three courses
• Completing three fictitious case studies
• Passing the written exam.

How can I ensure that my certificate does not expire before I renew?

This is our suggested timeline for renewal:

• Check your expiry date on your certificate

• Note on your calendar one year in advance of this date to start working on renewal of your certificate

• Obtain the study package for the exam – by contacting your local field staff, or by calling the Nutrient Management Information Line at 1-866-242-4460

• Study using the OMAFRA study guide

• Register for an exam at least 6 months in advance of your expiry date

• Write the exam. If you should fail the exam, study and retake the exam allowing yourself enough time to submit your renewal application 3 months in advance of your certificate expiry date

• When you receive your passing grade on the exam, fill out an application for renewal – available on the OMAFRA website and forward it to the Training and Education unit, at 1 Stone Rd in Guelph

• Send in your application no less than three months in advance of your expiry date to guarantee no interruption in your certified status

Do I have to pay a fee to apply for my renewal?

No, there is no application fee.

What is the exam fee?

You have to pay $150 each time you write the exam.

Will OMAFRA be contacting me to let me know when my certificate is going to expire?

No. It is your responsibility as a certificate holder to be aware of when your certificate expires and follow the renewal process.

If my certificate expires but I intend to renew it, can I still submit Nutrient Management Strategy/Plan's for approval?

Only holders of valid certificates can produce Nutrient Management Strategy/Plan's for approval. If your certificate expires you may no longer submit NMS/P's for approval.

If I decide not to renew my certificate can I can still produce Nutrient Management Strategy/Plan's for farmers?

Any NMS/P submitted by a non-certified preparer is out of compliance and will not be approved. It is your professional responsibility to let your clients know that you are no longer certified to produce Nutrient Management Strategy/Plan's for approval under the Nutrient Management Act.

I would like to recertify now even though my certificate does not expire for two years. Is that allowed?

You can recertify when you wish. The regulatory requirement is every five years. If you choose to recertify before your expiry date then your next recertification date will be calculated five years from the date of issue. So if you recertify two years early, your certificate is extended for five years not seven years.

Can I take my recertification exam now but not apply until closer to my recertification date?

According to the Nutrient Management Regulation, the exam results are valid for one year. As long as you apply for recertification within one year of writing the exam your results are valid.