Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series

The Principles of Golf Course Business Certificate is earned by completing the Principles of Golf Course Business exam. This is an online, open book exam and does not require a proctor. Candidates will have three hours to take the exam, which is administered in two sections. A five-minute break will be offered between part 1 and part 2.

Requirements for taking the exam:

You will need a computer with internet access and a printer. If you are using a laptop, you will also need a mouse to effectively use the drag and drop features on the exam.

You will be able to print a Certificate of Completion after successfully passing the exam.

Exam fees

• GCSAA members: $40
• Non-members: $60

You will have two attempts with each purchase of the exam.

Refer to the complimentary study guide to help you prepare for the exam.

Access to exam portal

GCSAA members

Non-members

To earn this certificate, a candidate must watch 14 webinars; 10 are pre-selected required webinars and four are electives that the candidate will choose. For the 10 required webinars, the candidate will need to successfully complete the associated quiz.

In addition to the webinars and quizzes, the candidate will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the competencies addressed by the certificate by completing two of the following ancillary activities:

• Work with a mentor and document the experience.
• Write and have published an article for a chapter newsletter or GCM.
• Volunteer on a GCSAA, chapter or golf organization task group or committee or participate in hosting a GCSAA First Green event at your course.
• Give a presentation and document the experience.

Successful completion of the Leadership and Communications certificate is applied toward criteria required in the Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) program.

Certificate fee

The fee to earn this certificate is:

• GCSAA members: $50
• Non-members: $75 plus $840 in webinar fees equals $915.

Access to the webinars for no additional charge is part of the GCSAA membership benefits. If you are not a GCSAA member, you will need to pay $60 per webinar in addition to the certificate fee at the time you register for the certificate. Learn more about other membership benefits and how to join.

Register for the certificate and begin.

To earn this certificate, a candidate must watch 10 webinars; eight are pre-selected required webinars and two are electives that the candidate will choose. For the eight required webinars, the candidate will need to successfully complete the associated quiz.

In addition to the webinars and quizzes, the candidate will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the competencies addressed by the certificate by completing one of the following ancillary activities:

• Successfully complete the GCSAA IPM exam.
• Participate in your state’s process to develop BMPs.
• Complete the facility BMP template for your course.

Certificate fee

• GCSAA members: $50
• Non-members: $75 certificate fee plus $600 in webinar fees equals $675

Access to the webinars for no additional charge is part of the GCSAA membership benefits. If you are not a GCSAA member, you will need to pay $60 per webinar in addition to the certificate fee at the time you register for the certificate. Learn more about other membership benefits and how to join.

Register for the certificate and begin.

GCSAA has partnered with John Deere Golf to award gift certificates to the first 100 participants who complete all four ASCS certificates.

• The first 50 participants will receive a $100 GCSAA gift certificate
• The next 50 participants will receive a $50 GCSAA gift certificate 

GCSAA and John Deere congratulate the following members who completed a certificate in the third quarter of 2023:

• Shane Arbet
• Aaron Badgett
• Reid Briney
• Travis Campbell
• Braden Carlisle
• Marcus Carty
• Gavin Chasteen
• Michael DeAngelo
• Clinton Edger
• Darryl Jackson II
• Justin King
• Michael Knoll
• Christopher Landon
• Seth Lepine
• Nicholas Lubold
• Julio Martinez
• Lawi Njeremani
• Nichole Parker
• Joseph Pitt
• Seth Strickland
• Ryan White

GCSAA member assistant superintendents who have completed all four certificates by June 30 each year are eligible for a scholarship to the Green Start Academy, on behalf of John Deere Golf. GCSAA will provide John Deere with a list of all qualifying assistants who meet the completion criteria. Continue to expand upon your knowledge with this elite professional development opportunity. Participants have up to two years from the completion of their ASCS to apply. Eligibility is for members from the United States or Canada. Assistants who qualify will receive more information in July.

Watch this video to learn more about Green Start Academy.