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Private Core exam — Information & Free Practice

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Private Core exam

Provider
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; Everblue for remote proctored delivery
Format
Closed-book multiple-choice examination
Passing score
75% or higher
Exam fee
$25 per in-person exam; $60 per online exam
Examination outline
  • Label and labeling comprehension. Ability to read and understand pesticide labels, labeling, and their functions, including:
    • The general format and terminology of pesticide labels and labeling.
    • Understanding instructions, warnings, terms, symbols, and other information commonly appearing on pesticide labels and labeling.
    • Understanding that it is a violation of Federal law to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
    • Understanding when a certified applicator must be physically present at the site of the application based on labeling requirements.
    • Understanding that applicators must comply with all use restrictions and directions for use contained in pesticide labels and labeling, including being certified in the appropriate subcategory to use a pesticide for fumigation or aerial application.
    • Understanding the meaning of product classification.
    • Understanding and complying with product-specific notification requirements.
    • Recognizing and understanding the difference between mandatory and advisory labeling language.
  • Safety. Measures to avoid or minimize adverse health effects, including:
    • Understanding the different natures of the risks of acute toxicity and chronic toxicity, as well as the long-term effects of a pesticide.
    • Understanding that a pesticide's risk is a function of exposure and the pesticide’s toxicity.
    • Recognition of likely ways in which dermal, inhalation, and oral exposure may occur.
    • Common types and causes of pesticide mishaps.
    • Precautions to prevent injury to applicators and other individuals in or near treated areas.
    • Need for, and proper use of, protective clothing and personal protective equipment.
    • Symptoms of pesticide poisoning.
    • First aid and other procedures to be followed in case of a pesticide mishap.
    • Proper identification, storage, transport, handling, mixing procedures, and disposal methods for pesticides and used pesticide containers, including precautions to be taken to prevent children from having access to a pesticide and pesticide containers.
  • Environment. The potential environmental consequences of the use and misuse of pesticides, including the influence of:
    • Weather and other climatic conditions.
    • Types of terrain, soil, or other substrate.
    • Presence of fish, wildlife, and other non-target organisms.
    • Drainage patterns.
  • Pests. The proper identification and effective control of pests, including:
    • The importance of correctly identifying target pests and selecting the proper pesticide product(s).
    • Verification that the labeling does not prohibit the use of the product to control the target pest(s).
  • Pesticides. Characteristics of pesticides, including:
    • Types of pesticides.
    • Types of formulations.
    • Compatibility, synergism, persistence, and animal and plant toxicity of the formulations.
    • Hazards and residues associated with use.
    • Factors that influence effectiveness or lead to problems such as pesticide resistance.
    • Dilution procedures.
  • Equipment. Application equipment, including:
    • Types of equipment and advantages and limitations of each type.
    • Uses, maintenance, and calibration procedures.
  • Application methods. Selecting appropriate application methods, including:
    • Methods used to apply various forms and formulations of pesticides.
    • Knowledge of which application method to use in a given situation and that use of a fumigant, aerial application, or predator control device containing sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate requires additional certification.
    • How selection of application method and use of a pesticide may result in proper use, unnecessary or ineffective use, and misuse.
    • Prevention of drift and pesticide loss into the environment.
  • Laws and regulations. Knowledge of applicable State and federal laws and regulations, including understanding the Worker Protection Standard in 40 CFR part 170 and the circumstances in which compliance is required.
  • Stewardship. Understanding the importance of:
    • Maintaining chemical security for pesticides.
    • How to communicate information about pesticide exposures and risks with agricultural workers and handlers and other persons.
  • Agricultural pest control. Practical knowledge of pest control applications to agricultural commodities including:
    • Specific pests of relevant agricultural commodities.
    • How to avoid contamination of ground and surface waters.
    • Understanding pre-harvest and restricted entry intervals and entry- restricted periods and areas.
    • Understanding specific pesticide toxicity and residue potential when a pesticide is applied to animal or animal product agricultural commodities.
    • Relative hazards associated with using a pesticide on animals or places in which animals are confined based on formulation, application technique, age of animal, stress, and extent of treatment.
Examination sources