Pike County YQCA Information

WHAT IS YQCA?

The Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Program (YQCA) is a program that will provide quality assurance education on all livestock species. YQCA is a national quality assurance program for youth ages 8 to 21 with a focus on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development.

YQCA includes information for youth exhibiting, Swine, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Rabbits, and Poultry. YQCA is available as an online program or an in-person training. Youth may complete the training online (http://yqcaprogram.org/) at a cost of $12. Pike County 4-Hers can participate at one of the in-person trainings listed for free as the Pike County 4-H Livestock Committee has generously sponsored those indiviudals. 

Youth from other counties may participate at one of the Pike County 4-H YQCA Trainings for $3/youth. 

THE REQUIREMENTS:

Certification in YQCA is a requirement (and it is very good practice) for youth planning to exhibit an animal (Swine, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Rabbits, and Poultry) at the Pike County 4-H Fair (all other Indiana county fairs), the Indiana State Fair, and some open shows across the country.

HOW TO GET CERTIFIED:

There are two ways to complete your certification: in-person or online. Youth may complete the training online (http://yqcaprogram.org) at a cost of $12 or they can participate in an in-person training. Pike County 4-Hers may attend an in-person training at no cost due to the Livestock Committee generously sponsoring those youth and youth from other counties may attend any Pike County YQCA Training for $3/youth. Youth must register for their in-person training via 4-HOnline Events. 

ONLINE

  • Cost: $12
  • Timing: Youth can complete the course at their convenience online at any point. 
  • How to register: Go to http://yqcaprogram.org and log in using your email and password

IN-PERSON

  • Cost: Free for Pike County 4-H youth; Youth from other counties: $3/youth
  • Timing: Youth must attend one of the classes hosted by an instructor. Planned courses for 2023 will be released at a later date.
  • How to register: Log into 4-H Online and utilize the Events tab to select the training you wish to attend. After the training, the Pike County Extension Office will supply attendees with a code to then enter into http://yqcaprogram.org to complete their certification.  

Please contact the Purdue Extension- Pike County Office with any questions you may have. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  • Do Mini 4-H Members need a YQCA Certification?: No, YQCA is for 4-H members in grades 3-12.
  • When do I need to have my certification complete?: You must complete your YQCA Certification prior to May 15, 2023.
  • What if I show multiple animal species?: You only need to complete the certification once per year, and that will apply to each of your animals. 
  • How long does the in-person class take?: It is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. 
  • Can I attend a YQCA In-Person Training in another county?: Yes, if our schedule does not work for you, you can attend a class in any other county. You can find all classes listed at yqcaprogram.org when signing up. 
  • What if I still have a valid PQA Certification?: Currently, if you have a valid PQA Certification, it will be honored until it expires, even if you show multiple species. 
  • When should I register for a class?: As soon as possible! Space is limited in each class, and we recommend registering at least a week prior to the class being offered. 
  • How long is my certification valid?: In most instances, your certification is valid for one year from the completion date. 
  • What if I am not selling my animal in the Auction?: This is not an auction requirement, it is an exhibit requirement, so to show your animal, you must complete the certification. 
  • Is there a multi-year certification option?:  Yes, as of 2019 this is an option, but there are multiple requirements you must meet:
    1. You can only complete a multi year certification online, not at an in-person class.
    2. You can only complete a multi-year certification your first year in the intermediate or senior age divisions. If you do not obtain it in your first year as an intermediate (age 12) or senior(age 15), you must continue to complete annual certification until you get to the next age division.
    3. If you do not pass the test on the first attempt, you must complete the annual certification and will need to do so until you are eligible to attempt a multi-year certification again (when you enter a new age division). The test consists of 50 questions and requires a pass rate of 80% or better.
    4. The cost for the multi-year certification will only be charged after you have successfully passed the test. If you do not pass, you will not be charged, and you will need to take the annual training. The cost for the intermediate test-out course is $36 ($12 x 3 years of certification) and the cost for the senior test-out course is $48 ($12 x 4 years of certification). Once passed, the member will gain access to all of the online modules that correspond to the age levels in which they are now certified.