Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Training Requirements for 4-H

YQCA is required for youth ages 8 to 21 who are exhibiting livestock at fairs or other shows that require a YQCA certificate. It is important to check with your county Extension office and review your fair’s specific rules to ensure all YQCA training requirements are met.

The YQCA certification is valid for one year from the date of completion.

Trainings are available in-person and online, with registration for both available on the YQCA website. Certificates earned through both in-person and online trainings are valid for one year from the date of completion.

In-person trainings available in your county

• First-time members will need to create an account, while returning members can log in to their existing account.
• Select “Instructor-Led Training” if you are attending an in-person session.
• Search for the training offered in your county and complete the registration.
• Pay the $3 in-person fee when you arrive at the training.

Online trainings

• Select "Web-Based Training" during registration
• Pay the $12 online course fee.
• Complete the interactive lessons and quizzes at your own pace.

The test-out option is available to youth who are exactly 12, 15, or 19 years old as of January 1 of the current year. This option allows eligible youth to test out of the annual YQCA training for their specific age division. To pass, participants must score 80% or higher. If successful, the certification is valid for three years covering ages 12 to 15, 15 to 19, and 19 to 21. Youth who are between these ages do not qualify for the test-out option. If the test is not passed, it cannot be retaken for that age division. The test must be completed in one sitting and is only available online through the YQCA website. For more information on registration and completing the “Test-Out option”, visit the “Youth and Parents” page on the YQCA website.

All youth (in-person and online) must complete the Pre-test before accessing the rest of the course content. Even if all required lessons are completed, your certificate will not be available until the pre-test is submitted. To access the pre-test:

• Log in to your account on the YQCA website.
• Select the course you are registered for.
• Click into the course module.
• The pre-test will appear as one of the first activities in the course

All youth (in-person and online) must also complete the post-test to receive their certificate. This test will only appear after all the required lessons are finished. To access the post-test:

• Log in to your account on the YQCA website.
• Go to your Dashboard.
• Click on the course you are enrolled in (the one you just completed).
• Make sure you’ve completed the pre-test, all lesson modules, and any interactive activities or videos.
• Once all lessons are marked complete, the post-test will automatically unlock. Click on the post-test to begin.

After completing the pre- and post-tests, you can access your certificate on the YQCA website. To access the certificate:

• Log in to your account on the YQCA website.
• Navigate to your dashboard.
• Find course certificates.
• From there, you can view, download, or print your certificate

If you do not complete the YQCA training and it is required for your event or fair, you may not be allowed to exhibit your animal and could be disqualified from the competition. Always check with your local fair board or extension office to confirm specific deadlines and requirements.