Crop inspector and seed certification

Crop inspector training

Niab has trained many generations of crop inspectors and seed analysts from across the UK agricultural industry. Our training, including refresher courses, is based around the seed certification schemes. We train more than 300 crop inspectors each year, who go on to officially check the various levels of certified seed that are sold in the UK, with 550 field plots set-aside specifically for training purposes. Courses are also available on seed sampling, grain variety identification, seed analysis and seed certification administration.

Download our flyer on Crop Inspector Training


Training courses 2025 and 2026

For further information and to book places email  [email protected]

Course Part & Location Course date Exam date Application Deadline  

Cereals crop training and examination

Cereals Initial Part I - Online        
Part II - Plot based      
Cereal initial optional dry material revision session      
Cereal Licensed & Licensed Higher Retest Part I - Online        
Part II - Plot based      
Cereal Offical Retest Part I - Online           
Part II - Plot based      
Compulsory Re-Attendance. INVITE ONLY Part I compulsory re-attendance for 2024 candidates - Online        
Part II compulsory re-attendance for 2024 Official Candidates - Plot based      
Part II compulsory re-attendance for 2024 Licenced/Licenced Higher Candidates - Plot based      

Herbage crop training and examination

Herbage Initial Part I - Online        
Part II - Plot based      
Herbage Licensed, Licensed Higher & Official Retest Part I - Online        
Part II - plot based      
Compulsory Re-Attendance. INVITE ONLY Part I compulsory re-attendance for 2024 candidates - Online        
Part II compulsory re-attendance for 2024 candidates - Plot based      

Pulse crop training and examination

Pulse Initial Part I - Online        
Part II - Plot based      
Pulse Lincesed, Licensed Higher & Official Retest Part I - Online        
Part II - Plot based      
Compulsory Re-Attendance. INVITE ONLY Part I compulsory re-attendance for 2024 candidates - Online        
Part II compulsory re-attendance for 2024 candidates - Plot based      

Fodder and Oilseed crop training and examination

Fodder & Oilseeds Initial Part I - Online 23/09/2025 23/09/2025 02/09/2025 Book here
Part II - Plot based 08/10/2025 08/10/2025 02/09/2025
Fodder & Oilseeds Licensed, Licensed Higher & Official Retest Part I - Online 23/09/2025 23/09/2025 02/09/2025 Book here
Part II - Plot based 08/10/2025 08/10/2025 02/09/2025
Compulsory Re-Attendance. INVITE ONLY Part I compulsory re-attendance for 2024 candidates - Online 23/09/2025 23/09/2025 02/09/2025 Invite only
Part II compulsory re-attendance for 2024 candidates - Plot based 08/10/2025 08/10/2025 02/09/2025

Other

Seed Certification Administration course 28/10/2025 N/A 07/10/2025 Book here

*Please note all part 2 plot based courses will start in the plot location as given in the pre course email.

All retest candidates and compulsory re attendance candidates will be sent an invitation to attend training