Advanced Purity Workshop
Workshop: May 4-7, 2026
Exam: May 8, 2026
Be the first to learn when registration opens!
Purity Week is an intensive, hands-on short course designed for seed analysts with prior experience in purity analysis who are preparing for the AOSA/SCST Purity Exam, offered at the end of the week. For many participants, the course serves as a focused study opportunity that reinforces exam-relevant concepts while working through more challenging aspects of the AOSA Rules.
Throughout the week, participants review purity principles from an exam-focused perspective while working with species and contaminants not commonly encountered in routine laboratory work. Instruction combines interactive lectures, open discussion, worksheets, and substantial hands-on lab time covering working samples, pure seed units, tolerances, dividing, seed identification, and reporting results. Practice exercises and optional lab time allow participants to apply concepts and prepare for both written and practical exam components.
This course is best suited for experienced purity analysts seeking exam preparation or expanded exposure to uncommon species and complex purity scenarios.
Note: Space is limited. If the event is full, we encourage you to still register for the Waitlist. If you are an exam candidate, please indicate in the special needs comment box. If / when space opens up, we will move waitlist individuals up in order of exam contenders first, then on first-come-first-served basis.
Note about AOSA & SCST Consolidated Exams: You MUST qualify to take either or both exams. This is done by contacting the AOSA SCST Executive Director, Jess Peterson. (scst@seedtechnology.net ; aosa@aosaseed.com ; 202-870-2412)
Participant Information
Advanced Purity Workshop: May 4-7, 2026
Exam Date: May 8, 2026
Note about AOSA & SCST Consolidated Exams: You MUST qualify to take either or both exams. This is done by contacting the AOSA SCST Executive Director, Jess Peterson. (scst@seedtechnology.net ; aosa@aosaseed.com ; 202-870-2412)
Cost: TBD
Be the first to learn when registration opens!
Note: Space is limited. If the event is full, we encourage you to still register for the Waitlist. If you are an exam candidate, please indicate in the special needs comment box. If / when space opens up, we will move waitlist individuals up in order of exam contenders first, then on first-come-first-served basis.
What to Bring
- We will have some copies of the rules available, but you are encouraged to bring your own set of the AOSA Rules Vol 1.
- Tools will be provided; however, you may wish to bring a pair of forceps or other hand tools which you are accustomed to using.
Lodging
- There are a number of hotels available throughout Ames. Find hotels in Ames on the Convention and Visitors Bureau website. We recommend the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center or the Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites because they are close to campus.
Parking
Short course attendees are not exempt from campus parking regulations.
Attendees will need to find their own way to campus and purchase parking permits ahead of the short course. Parking permits are $5 a day and available on the Iowa State website. Permits are for any of the staff parking lots, though Lots 41 and 79 are closest to campus.
TO RESERVE A VISITOR’S PARKING PERMIT:
- Create an account through the portal and “register” your vehicle. https://www.parking.iastate.edu/visitor/permit
- If you are driving a rental car, please email parking@iastate.edu once you’ve registered with your license plate to let them know you’re a rental car so they’re aware.
- You’re done!
You will be able to reserve your permit Monday morning of the short course if needed.
Note: If you park in the wrong lot, you will be fined a $50 parking ticket. Please take care to park in the correct lot – either by the greenhouses, or the horse barn.
Lunch Provided
- We will provide lunch for participants on each day of the workshop, Monday-Friday. A light breakfast and afternoon snacks are provided as well. If you have any dietary requirements or restrictions, please email Calli Sandahl, msandahl@iastate.edu as soon as possible to make arrangements in advance.
Weather
- April and May weather in Iowa can be quite unpredictable and may require a heavier coat, or light jacket. Please dress accordingly as some of the campus parking lots fill up quickly and it can be a 3-5-minute walk from the SSC.
- In case of inclement weather, the workshop will be delayed or cancelled only if classes on the Iowa State University campus are delayed or cancelled. Please check your email for any notices from staff.
Maps
The workshop will start each morning at the Seed Science Center on Iowa State University’s Campus
2115 Osborn Drive
Ames, IA
50010
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made more than one week before the short course date will receive a full refund, minus a $20 administrative fee.
- Cancellations made within one week of the short course date will receive a 50% refund.
- Registration Transfer:
- You may transfer your registration to another individual at no additional cost. To update the registrant name and information, email Calli Sandahl at msandahl@iastate.edu.
Questions?
Please contact Calli Sandahl (msandahl@iastate.edu) or Jessica Blake (jdwilker@iastate.edu).
WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS

Jess has been teaching portions of workshops and short courses since 2011. She has been a Registered Seed Technologist since 2012, and currently serves on the AOSA/SCST Consolidated Exam committee.

Event Coordinator
Calli has been coordinating events at the Seed Science Center for more than three years.