California Pesticide Applicator — Requirements & Free Practice
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Burrowing Vertebrate Pest Fumigation Certificate
Licensing authority: California Department of Pesticide Regulation
Additional burrowing vertebrate fumigation certification
All of the following:
- California Initial Private Applicator Certificate Examination
- Burrowing Vertebrate Pest Fumigation Examination (practice unavailable)
- Age
- At least 18; valid government-issued photo identification proving identity and age.
- Agricultural relationship
- Use or supervise restricted materials to produce an agricultural commodity on property owned, leased, rented, or operated by the applicator or employer; application identifies owner/operator, authorized representative, or employee.
- Application
- Submit LIC-045 to the county agricultural commissioner; no application fee.
- Passing score
- At least 70 percent.
- Permitted use
- Fumigants labeled to control burrowing vertebrate pests; other soil/non-soil fumigation requires the applicable QAL/QAC category.
- Prior certificate
- Meet the private applicator certificate requirements; passing the currently offered initial examination remains a requirement even when passed before this application.
Late renewal after 90 day window
Private Applicator Certificate Reexamination (practice unavailable)
- Certificate held
- A current private applicator certificate and burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation certification.
- Exam scope
- Reexamination covers 3 CCR 6580.1(a) and (b) for fumigation certification.
- Late application
- Not renewed within the statutory renewal window; reexamination is mandatory.
- Renewal window
- Submit LIC-045 no sooner than 120 days before and no later than 90 days after expiration.
Renewal by continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Continuing education
- Six hours during a 24–36 month certificate; four hours for 12–24 months, including two laws/regulations; fewer than 12 months exempt. Approved courses must be completed while the certificate is valid.
- Fumigation education
- Select education applicable to the fumigation certificate if renewing that additional certification.
- Renewal window
- Submit LIC-045 no sooner than 120 days before and no later than 90 days after expiration.
Renewal by reexamination
Private Applicator Certificate Reexamination (practice unavailable)
- Certificate held
- A current private applicator certificate and burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation certification.
- Exam scope
- Reexamination covers 3 CCR 6580.1(a) and (b) for fumigation certification.
- Renewal window
- Submit LIC-045 no sooner than 120 days before and no later than 90 days after expiration.
Private Applicator Certificate
Issued through the county agricultural commissioner; agricultural production on property owned, leased, rented, or operated by the applicator or employer; excludes fumigants without further certification.
Licensing authority: California Department of Pesticide Regulation
Initial certification
- Age
- At least 18; valid government-issued photo identification proving identity and age.
- Agricultural relationship
- Use or supervise restricted materials to produce an agricultural commodity on property owned, leased, rented, or operated by the applicator or employer; application identifies owner/operator, authorized representative, or employee.
- Application
- Submit LIC-045 to the county agricultural commissioner; no application fee.
- Passing score
- At least 70 percent.
Late renewal after 90 day window
Private Applicator Certificate Reexamination (practice unavailable)
- Certificate held
- A current private applicator certificate.
- Exam scope
- Reexamination covers 3 CCR 6580.1(a); subsection (b) is not applicable to nonfumigant certification.
- Late application
- Not renewed within the statutory renewal window; reexamination is mandatory.
- Renewal window
- Submit LIC-045 no sooner than 120 days before and no later than 90 days after expiration.
Renewal by continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Continuing education
- Six hours during a 24–36 month certificate; four hours for 12–24 months, including two laws/regulations; fewer than 12 months exempt. Approved courses must be completed while the certificate is valid.
- Fumigation education
- Select education applicable to the fumigation certificate if renewing that additional certification.
- Renewal window
- Submit LIC-045 no sooner than 120 days before and no later than 90 days after expiration.
Renewal by reexamination
Private Applicator Certificate Reexamination (practice unavailable)
- Certificate held
- A current private applicator certificate.
- Exam scope
- Reexamination covers 3 CCR 6580.1(a); subsection (b) is not applicable to nonfumigant certification.
- Renewal window
- Submit LIC-045 no sooner than 120 days before and no later than 90 days after expiration.
Burrowing Vertebrate Pest Fumigation Examination
Examination outline
- Knowledge of the format, instructions, and requirements specific to fumigant labeling for burrowing vertebrate pests.
Measures to ensure safe use of fumigants for burrowing vertebrate pests and minimize adverse health effects
- How to prevent common problems and mistakes that can result in direct exposure
- Potential signs and symptoms of human exposure
- What air concentrations or application conditions require certified private applicators or handlers to wear respirators and when to exit the work area entirely
- Steps to take if an individual experiences sensory irritation
- Air monitoring requirements and procedures including when and where to take samples
- First aid measures in the event of exposure; and
- Requirements for transportation, storage, spill clean-up, and emergency response. This includes the management and safe disposal of containers and contaminated materials.
Chemical characteristics of fumigants for burrowing vertebrate pests
- How the fumigant changes to a gas
- Specific human exposure concerns
- How fumigants disperse in the application zone; and
- Compatibility with application equipment.
Selecting application methods and timing for fumigation of burrowing vertebrate pests
- Common application methods and equipment
- Site characteristics that can influence exposure
- Conditions that could impact the timing of application (including air stability, air temperature, humidity, and wind currents) and labeling statements limiting applications; and
- Pre-application inspection of the equipment and site.
Pest factors that influence fumigant activity for burrowing vertebrate pests
- Fumigant movement through the treated area and into the air
- Proper identification of burrowing vertebrate pests; and
- Proper application rate and timing for the targeted burrowing vertebrate pest population.
Required personal protective equipment for burrowing vertebrate pest fumigants
- Product labeling requirements and regulations for personal protective equipment
- Procedures for selecting, inspecting, using, caring for, replacing, and disposing of personal protective equipment
- When a respirator is required; and
- Requirements for respiratory protection including medical evaluation and fit testing prior to respirator use, training, and recordkeeping.
Recordkeeping requirements for burrowing vertebrate pest fumigants
- When a fumigant management plan is required, its elements, resources available to prepare it, the person responsible for verifying its accuracy, where it shall be during the application, who shall have access to it, and how long it must be on file.
Posting requirements for burrowing vertebrate pest fumigants
- Who is allowed or prohibited from being in an area during and after fumigation; and
- Posting requirements of fumigant labeling and section 6776, including proper signage, placement, and when signs shall be posted and removed.
California Initial Private Applicator Certificate Examination
Examination outline
Label and labeling comprehension
- 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 labeling requirements for supervising noncertified applicators working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
- 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 category to use restricted use pesticides for fumigation or aerial application, or predator control devices containing sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate, if applicable.
- Understanding the meaning of product classification as either general or restricted use, and that a product may be unclassified.
- Understanding and complying with product-specific notification requirements.
- Recognizing and understanding the difference between mandatory and advisory labeling language.
Safety
- Understanding the different natures of the risks of acute toxicity and chronic toxicity, as well as the long-term effects of pesticides.
- 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 pesticides and pesticide containers.
Environment
- 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 importance of correctly identifying target pests and selecting the proper pesticide product(s).
- Verifying that the labeling does not prohibit the use of the product to control the target pest(s).
Pesticides
- 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
- Types of equipment and advantages and limitations of each type.
- Uses, maintenance, and calibration procedures.
Application methods
- 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 all applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations, including understanding the Worker Protection Standard in 40 CFR part 170 and the circumstances where compliance is required.
- California pesticide laws and regulations
Responsibilities for supervisors of noncertified applicators
- Understanding and complying with requirements in § 171.201 of this part for private applicators who supervise noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides.
- Providing use-specific instructions to noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
- Explaining appropriate State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations to noncertified applicators working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
Stewardship
- Maintaining chemical security for restricted use pesticides.
- How to communicate information about pesticide exposures and risks with agricultural workers and handlers and other persons.
Agricultural pest control
- 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 pesticides are applied to animal or animal product agricultural commodities.
- Relative hazards associated with using pesticides on animals or places in which animals are confined based on formulation, application technique, age of animal, stress, and extent of treatment.
Examination sources
- Rules 3
3 CCR 6580.1(a)
- Federal Private
40 CFR 171.105(a), complete minimum competencies
- Cfr 2019 Private
40 CFR 171.105(a), July 1, 2019 edition, PDF p.2 header
- Rules 3
3 CCR 6580.2(a)
- Pac App
LIC-045 p.2, New Applicant
- Private Qa
ENF 23-03, initial examination released October 1, 2022
Private Applicator Certificate Reexamination
Examination outline
Label and labeling comprehension
- 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 labeling requirements for supervising noncertified applicators working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
- 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 category to use restricted use pesticides for fumigation or aerial application, or predator control devices containing sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate, if applicable.
- Understanding the meaning of product classification as either general or restricted use, and that a product may be unclassified.
- Understanding and complying with product-specific notification requirements.
- Recognizing and understanding the difference between mandatory and advisory labeling language.
Safety
- Understanding the different natures of the risks of acute toxicity and chronic toxicity, as well as the long-term effects of pesticides.
- 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 pesticides and pesticide containers.
Environment
- 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 importance of correctly identifying target pests and selecting the proper pesticide product(s).
- Verifying that the labeling does not prohibit the use of the product to control the target pest(s).
Pesticides
- 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
- Types of equipment and advantages and limitations of each type.
- Uses, maintenance, and calibration procedures.
Application methods
- 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 all applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations, including understanding the Worker Protection Standard in 40 CFR part 170 and the circumstances where compliance is required.
- California pesticide laws and regulations
Responsibilities for supervisors of noncertified applicators
- Understanding and complying with requirements in § 171.201 of this part for private applicators who supervise noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides.
- Providing use-specific instructions to noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
- Explaining appropriate State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations to noncertified applicators working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
Stewardship
- Maintaining chemical security for restricted use pesticides.
- How to communicate information about pesticide exposures and risks with agricultural workers and handlers and other persons.
Agricultural pest control
- 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 pesticides are applied to animal or animal product agricultural commodities.
- Relative hazards associated with using pesticides on animals or places in which animals are confined based on formulation, application technique, age of animal, stress, and extent of treatment.
- Burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation (when applicable): Knowledge of the format, instructions, and requirements specific to fumigant labeling for burrowing vertebrate pests.
Burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation (when applicable): Measures to ensure safe use of fumigants for burrowing vertebrate pests and minimize adverse health effects
- How to prevent common problems and mistakes that can result in direct exposure
- Potential signs and symptoms of human exposure
- What air concentrations or application conditions require certified private applicators or handlers to wear respirators and when to exit the work area entirely
- Steps to take if an individual experiences sensory irritation
- Air monitoring requirements and procedures including when and where to take samples
- First aid measures in the event of exposure; and
- Requirements for transportation, storage, spill clean-up, and emergency response. This includes the management and safe disposal of containers and contaminated materials.
Burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation (when applicable): Chemical characteristics of fumigants for burrowing vertebrate pests
- How the fumigant changes to a gas
- Specific human exposure concerns
- How fumigants disperse in the application zone; and
- Compatibility with application equipment.
Burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation (when applicable): Selecting application methods and timing for fumigation of burrowing vertebrate pests
- Common application methods and equipment
- Site characteristics that can influence exposure
- Conditions that could impact the timing of application (including air stability, air temperature, humidity, and wind currents) and labeling statements limiting applications; and
- Pre-application inspection of the equipment and site.
Burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation (when applicable): Pest factors that influence fumigant activity for burrowing vertebrate pests
- Fumigant movement through the treated area and into the air
- Proper identification of burrowing vertebrate pests; and
- Proper application rate and timing for the targeted burrowing vertebrate pest population.
Burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation (when applicable): Required personal protective equipment for burrowing vertebrate pest fumigants
- Product labeling requirements and regulations for personal protective equipment
- Procedures for selecting, inspecting, using, caring for, replacing, and disposing of personal protective equipment
- When a respirator is required; and
- Requirements for respiratory protection including medical evaluation and fit testing prior to respirator use, training, and recordkeeping.
Burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation (when applicable): Recordkeeping requirements for burrowing vertebrate pest fumigants
- When a fumigant management plan is required, its elements, resources available to prepare it, the person responsible for verifying its accuracy, where it shall be during the application, who shall have access to it, and how long it must be on file.
Burrowing vertebrate pest fumigation (when applicable): Posting requirements for burrowing vertebrate pest fumigants
- Who is allowed or prohibited from being in an area during and after fumigation; and
- Posting requirements of fumigant labeling and section 6776, including proper signage, placement, and when signs shall be posted and removed.