Principles of Livestock Selection & Evaluation Certification

The National Collegiate Livestock Coaches’ Association is proud to offer the Principles of Livestock Selection & Evaluation Certification, which is designed to prepare individuals for careers in animal science. It verifies individuals have acquired the specialized skills necessary to excel in the livestock industry.

Meeting The Industry Need

The Principles of Livestock Selection & Evaluation Certification assesses industry-valued and industry-recognized standards produced by NCLCA. The certification validates the foundational competencies needed to begin animal science careers, specifically those related to the selection and evaluation of breeding and market animals. Those who earn the certification are more qualified and prepared to enter a variety of roles within the industry. Additionally, the certification allows employers to connect with more skilled candidates, filling gaps in the labor market and jump-starting individuals’ careers.

Industry Standards

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

Breed Identification

• Cattle
• Goat
• Sheep
• Swine

10%

Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) & Breeding Systems

• Parent Selection
• Types of Breeding Systems
• Crossbreeding Methods
• Mating Systems

15%

External Anatomy

• Terms & Terminology
• External Components of Livestock
• External Anatomy Identification

15%

Selection & Evaluation Criteria

• Cattle
• Goat
• Sheep
• Swine

60%

Why We Created This Certification

We work closely with professionals in the animal science field to lead the way in livestock evaluation. Because of our passion for developing a more productive livestock industry, we take great responsibility for sharing this knowledge and skill set through educational settings beyond traditional classrooms. We see countless individuals who would be better prepared for careers in animal science if they had the opportunity to exhibit a more thorough understanding of the livestock industry. This certification assesses individuals for an in-depth understanding of the principles of livestock selection and evaluation.

Testing Platform

National Collegiate Livestock Coaches’ Association utilizes iCEV as the certification testing platform. As the testing platform, iCEV fulfills the following responsibilities:

• Provides secure testing technology for certification exams
• Regulates testing environment
• Works with Secondary and Post-Secondary academic institutions, workforce development associations, and the public at large to offer certification options for career advancement.
• Provides certification verification to employers for potential job applicants
• Offers certification exam preparation materials.