The first step is to determine the number of years of experience you need as a golf
course superintendent, and the total number of points you need to attain. Both are
based on the level of higher education you have completed.
Sliding scale
Use the sliding scale below to determine the number of years of experience and points
you need to become a Class A member. Find the highest level of formal education
you have completed in the column to the left, then moving across to the right you
will see the number of years and points needed.
Education
|
Years of superintendent experience
|
Points required
|
Category 1
Bachelor's degree in turf/or plant science
|
3
|
3 (minimum of 2 education points)
|
Category 2
Other bachelor’s degree plus: associate's degree in turf/plant science or equivalent two-year turf
certificate (i.e., Michigan State, Penn State)
|
3
|
3 (minimum of 2 education points)
|
Category 3
Other bachelor's degree
|
4
|
5 (minimum of 3 education points)
|
Category 4
Associate's turf/plant science degree or equivalent two-year turf certificate (i.e., Michigan
State, Penn State)
|
4
|
5 (minimum of 3 education points)
|
Category 5
Turf certificate/short courses (400-hr. minimum) (i.e., Rutgers, Penn State World Campus)
|
5
|
10 (minimum of 6 education points)
|
Category 6
Other associate's degree
|
6
|
10 (minimum of 6 education points)
|
Category 7
No degree or recognized certificate
|
7
|
40 (minimum of 32 education points)
|
Notes:
* If you were an SM or C member on July 1, 2003, only three years of experience
are required, regardless of your level of formal education. In addition, you are
only required to attain a total of three points with a minimum of two education
points.
* Individuals seeking Class A status under the "No Degree or Recognized Certficate"
category may retroactively receive a maximum of 30 education points from previous
golf course management related college experience, as well as for extended turf
short courses greater than four days and less than 40 contact hours.
Verify your requirements
To confirm your individual requirements, please provide GCSAA with an official transcript
from the school/university you attended showing the highest level of formal education
you have completed.
Transcripts can be sent to:
GCSAA Membership Department
1421 Research Park Dr.
Lawrence, KS 66049-3858
