SOCIETY OF COMMERCIAL SEED TECHNOLOGISTS

 Membership Information

If you have any questions regarding membership applications or the exam process please contact Anita Hall, Executive Director, scst@twcny.rr.com, 607-256-3313

Registered and Certified Exam applications are due March 1st annually.  Please review the Study Guides and SCST Constitution and By-Laws for complete application, exam and membership information.  .

Membership Categories:
There are eight membership categories in the SCST.  Five of the membership categories (RST, RGT, CGT, CVT, CPT) require qualifying for examination, passing the examination, and completing continuing education in order to remain accredited .  Research members have to meet certain qualifications related to access to research facilities and research history in order to become members.  Association membership is open to all individuals with an interest in seed testing. 

1.Registered Seed Technologist: These are individuals who have successfully qualified for and passed the RST exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of two years work experience, and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience.  The RST exam includes written purity and germination exams as well as a germination practical exam, seed separations, and seed identification.  Detailed information on exam content is available from the RST Study Guide.  RSTs are required to complete continuing education in order to maintain membership and are required to pay annual membership dues.  They must sign a contract for Privilege of Use of the Societies name, logo, RST seal, and the title Registered Seed Technologist.  RSTs have one vote on all Society business and can vote on the amendments to the AOSA for Rules Testing Seeds.  RSTs are eligible to run for elected office and can chair or participate on committees

2. Registered Genetic Technologist: These are individuals who have successfully qualified for and passed the RGT exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of two years work experience, and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience. An RGT has passed three of the four genetic technology exams: herbicide bioassay, electrophoresis, immunoassay testing (ELISA), and PCR.  The RGT exam includes a required written molecular genetics and area specific written and practical exams in the four genetic technology areas. Detailed information on exam content is available in the RGT/CGT Study Guide. RGTs are required to complete continuing education in order to maintain membership and are required to pay annual membership dues.  They must sign a contract for Privilege of Use of the Societies name, logo, RGT seal, and the title Registered Genetics Technologist. RGTs are eligible to run for elected office and can chair or participate on committees

3.  Certified Genetic Technologist:  These are individuals who have successfully qualified for and passed the CGT exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of one year of work experience, and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience.  A CGT has passed one or two of the four genetic technology exams: herbicide bioassay, electrophoresis, immunoassay testing (ELISA), and PCR.  The CGT exam includes a required written molecular genetics exam and area specific written and practical exams in the four genetic technology areas. Detailed information on exam content is available in the RGT/CGT Study Guide.  CGTs are required to complete continuing education in order to maintain membership and are required to pay annual dues. They must sign a contract for Privilege of Use of the Societies name, logo, and the title Certified Genetic Technologist.  CGTs have one vote on all Society business and can vote on the amendments to the AOSA for Rules Testing Seeds.  CGTs are eligible to run for elected office and can chair or participate on committees.  

4. & 5. Certified Viability & Purity Technologist:  These are individuals who have successfully qualified for and passed the CVT or CPT exam. The current qualifications include a minimum of two years of work experience, and accumulation of 100 points from workshops, college courses, and work experience. The CVT exam includes written purity and germination exams as well as a germination practical exam.  The CPT exam includes the written purity exam, and seed separations, and seed identification practical exams.  Detailed information on exam content is available later in this document.

 CVTs and CPTs are required to complete continuing education in order to maintain membership and are required to pay annual dues. They must sign a contract for Privilege of Use of the Societies name, logo, and the title Certified Viability or Purity Technologist. Appendix E contains a sample contract, CVTs and CPTs have one vote on all Society business and can vote on the amendments to the AOSA for Rules Testing Seeds.  They are eligible to run for elected office and chair or participate on any committees. 

6. Research Member:  Individuals involved in teaching, research and outreach in the field of seed technology.  They are entitled to one vote on all Society matters, and are eligible to use the Name, Insignia (logo), title Research Member and hold elective office. They are entitled to an annual subscription of the Seed Technologist News, Proceedings, Board Notes, and reduced prices on AOSA publications.

7. Associate Member: Individuals interested in seed technology. They are entitled to an annual subscription of  the Seed Technologist News, Proceedings, Board Notes, and reduced prices on other AOSA publications.

8. Honorary Member: Honorary Members are persons who have rendered signal service in one or more of the fields of activity of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists. They are nominated for membership by a Registered, Certified or Research Member subject to approval of the Nominations Committee and subsequently elected by two-thirds (2/3) majority voted of returned ballots Honorary Members do not vote or hold an elective office. An Honorary Member receives a complimentary one (1) year subscription to the Seed Technologist News.

For complete information on SCST membership requirements please view  the SCST Constitution and By-Laws.