Ames, Iowa, USA
January 14, 2026
Registration is open for the Genetic Testing Super Workshop, February 2-6, 2026, at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center. Sponsored by the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists, this workshop is a premier, immersive training experience offered every other year, and it lives up to its name. Designed as the equivalent of five individual workshops in one intensive week, the program delivers both depth and breadth in modern seed genetic testing. Get registered here.
The workshop is ideal for professionals preparing for the Registered Genetic Technologist (RGT) or Certified Genetic Technologist (CGT) exams, as well as those seeking a comprehensive refresher or just beginning their careers in genetic testing. Participants benefit from a balanced format that combines expert-led lectures, hands-on laboratory activities, and take-home materials that extend learning beyond the classroom. Dedicated sessions also address exam preparation strategies, current genetic testing challenges, emerging technologies, and trusted training resources and information sources for testing products.
Topics covered include:
- Molecular Biology
- Herbicide Bioassay
- Immunoassay (ELISA, Lateral Flow Strips)
- Electrophoresis
- PCR
Exam categories
- Genetic Purity
- Adventitious Presence
- Trait Confirmation (Biotech Trait Purity)
- Molecular Biology
Hosting the workshop at the SSC elevates the experience even further. As one of the most comprehensive university-based seed testing and research facilities in the United States, the SSC offers state-of-the-art laboratories, industry-relevant equipment, and staff with deep expertise in applied seed science. Participants train in an environment where molecular diagnostics, genetic purity testing, and quality assurance are part of daily operations, using real-world protocols aligned with industry and regulatory standards.
The SSC’s strong connections to the seed industry, certification bodies, and global seed systems ensure that workshop content reflects current practices and future needs. By pairing an intensive, exam-aligned curriculum with a world-class training facility, the Genetic Testing Super Workshop provides participants with the skills, confidence, and professional preparation needed to advance in the rapidly evolving field of seed genetic testing.
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