Beef Quality Assurance Examination

Test Administration

Test Site:

• School: Online

Paper & Pencil

No

Can the instructor take this test?:

No

Number of Test Items:

25

Time Allowed (minutes):

45

Passing Score (percent):

75

Cost Per Test:

$30

Test Specifics:

https://www.bqa.org/beef-quality-assurance-certification

Additional information:

The Beef Quality Assurance High School Credential Curriculum is updated annually to provide a comprehensive and inclusive learning opportunity for students. The curriculum must be delivered prior to students taking the exam and must be delivered by a BQA-certified trainer who has been certified under the guidance and approval of the Virginia Extension youth animal science specialist and using approved Beef Quality Assurance trainer modules. Training requirements are established by the National Beef Quality Assurance Program and the extension youth animal science specialist.

Teachers may receive their trainer certification by completing the BQA Trainer Certification program under the direction of the extension youth animal science specialist at Virginia Tech and using the trainer modules created by the National Beef Quality Assurance Program, in addition to required supplemental trainings via Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Tech Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences. Once certified, teachers will receive access to the curriculum and associated resources. Instructor re-certification is required every three years or more frequently if substantial curriculum or program administration changes are implemented. Virginia Cooperative Extension field faculty (4-H and ANR agents) who are BQA-certified trainers are eligible to deliver the curriculum with approval from the extension youth animal science specialist and after completing the BQA High School Credential Training.

***Instructor certification can only be completed through the two-step process offered by the Virginia Extension youth animal science specialist. Teachers are not allowed to take the student credential exam before, during, or after their students have sat for the exam.

The 10-module format requires time to deliver, taking several class periods for complete and effective delivery. Modules have associated hands-on activities that support the information presented in the modules and expand the students' opportunities to retain the information. Hands-on activities are considered a critical part of the curriculum and should be included to adequately prepare students for testing.

An online testing format, through a third-party company, is used for the credential exam. Students who successfully pass the exam will have knowledge of the beef cattle industry and the Beef Quality Assurance Program and will receive industry certification that provides for continuing education and the opportunity to maintain this certification through recertification opportunities offered by the National Beef Quality Assurance Program.