GCSAA launches first-ever certification program for turf equipment managers

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) puts forth the Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM) program, the first-ever certification program for turf equipment manager professionals.

Turf equipment management professionals can earn the CTEM title after demonstrating a high degree of knowledge and proficiency in their profession. Turf equipment managers and educators, under the guidance of a professional psychometrician, developed the designation.

The CTEM program is the culmination of an ever-expanding list of programs for equipment managers since GCSAA added the Equipment Manager membership classification in 2015. Two years later, the Equipment Manager Certificate Program (EMCP) began, which demonstrates key competencies in eight different areas on two different levels.

In addition to completing Levels 1 and 2 in the EMCP program, CTEM applicants must be employed as a turf equipment manager and have three or more years of experience.

“Our certified golf course superintendent designation is widely recognized as the pinnacle achievement in the profession and we are proud to expand that tradition to turf equipment managers,” Rhett Evans, CEO of the GCSAA, said. “Ever since equipment managers became a part of the GCSAA family, we have continually expanded our resources and opportunities for them to grow their careers and CTEM is that commitment realized.”

Once an eligible individual submits his or her application and gets accepted into CTEM, he or she will have 12 months to complete the attesting process. The attesting, conducted by two equipment managers who have already earned their CTEM designation, can take place in person or virtually. To pass the attesting, an applicant must demonstrate a minimal competency level over the entire attesting content.

Once an individual becomes certified, he or she must earn a combination of 5.0 points through continuing education and service every five years to remain certified.