The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a very widespread and damaging pest of soybeans in North America. And although SCN is widely known as a serious yield-reducing pest, many fields infested with the nematode go undiagnosed. SCN can drastically reduce soybean yields if not detected when population densities are low. In this presentation, the biology and life cycle of SCN are described. The various symptoms caused by SCN are explained and illustrated, and specific scouting guidelines are presented. Finally, various SCN management options are discussed. This presentation can be viewed in three parts. Part 1 offers an introduction to the soybean cyst nematode and its biology, Part 2 covers SCN scouting, and Part 3 discusses management of the soybean cyst nematode.