OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Idaho Pesticide Applicator — Requirements & Free Practice

US-ID · License preparation

120 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Private Applicator License

Restricted-use pesticide use for agricultural commodities or forest crops on the applicant or employer property, or on another producer property in exchange for personal services.

Licensing authority: Idaho State Department of Agriculture · Application information

Private applicator certification for aerial or fumigation operations

All of the following:

  • Private Applicator (PA) Examination

  • At least one of the following alternatives:

    • Aerial Pest Control (AA) Examination (practice unavailable)
    • Aerial UAS Pest Control (AU) Examination (practice unavailable)
    • Non-Soil Fumigation (NS) Examination (practice unavailable)
    • Soil Fumigation (SF) Examination (practice unavailable)
Additional Categories
PA is prerequisite to every private category; aerial manned, aerial UAS, non-soil fumigation and soil fumigation require the applicable additional category examinations.
Additional Competency Methods
Under 150.02.b, ISDA or its authorized agent may use additional competency methods such as performance testing; no separately identified assessment is established.
Application
Submit the prescribed ISDA application and applicable fee; governmental agencies are exempt from licensing fees under Idaho Code 22-3404(8)(b).
Eligible Work
Restricted-use pesticides for agricultural commodities or forest crops on land owned or rented by the applicant or employer, or uncompensated use on another producer property except exchanged personal services.
License Term
Five-year certification period beginning the next April 1 after initial licensure and expiring March 31 of the fifth year.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Prior Private Certification
Hold or obtain PA certification before additional categories. Select each additional category appropriate to the planned activity.
Score Validity
Department examination scores are valid for 12 months; minimum passing score is 70% and exams are proctored.
Initial private applicator licensure by examination
Private Applicator (PA) Examination
Additional Categories
PA is prerequisite to every private category; aerial manned, aerial UAS, non-soil fumigation and soil fumigation require the applicable additional category examinations.
Additional Competency Methods
Under 150.02.b, ISDA or its authorized agent may use additional competency methods such as performance testing; no separately identified assessment is established.
Application
Submit the prescribed ISDA application and applicable fee; governmental agencies are exempt from licensing fees under Idaho Code 22-3404(8)(b).
Eligible Work
Restricted-use pesticides for agricultural commodities or forest crops on land owned or rented by the applicant or employer, or uncompensated use on another producer property except exchanged personal services.
License Term
Five-year certification period beginning the next April 1 after initial licensure and expiring March 31 of the fifth year.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Score Validity
Department examination scores are valid for 12 months; minimum passing score is 70% and exams are proctored.
Licensure by reciprocity without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Letter Of Good Standing
The current ISDA licensing application requires a Letter of Good Standing from the home licensing jurisdiction for the reciprocal application.
Nonresident Eligibility
Nonresident licensed or certified in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements; examination-free issuance is at the Director discretion under Idaho Code 22-3410.
Remaining Requirements
Submit the appropriate Idaho application, fees and supporting financial-responsibility or chemigation-equipment documents applicable to the license; other-jurisdiction certification is applicant evidence, not an Idaho examination leaf.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Examination recertification of additional private aerial or fumigation categories

All of the following:

  • Private Applicator (PA) Examination

  • At least one of the following alternatives:

    • Aerial Pest Control (AA) Examination (practice unavailable)
    • Aerial UAS Pest Control (AU) Examination (practice unavailable)
    • Non-Soil Fumigation (NS) Examination (practice unavailable)
    • Soil Fumigation (SF) Examination (practice unavailable)
Category Coverage
A PA-certified private applicator seeking renewed aerial or fumigation certification passes PA and every applicable additional category examination.
Examination Window
Within 12 months before renewal; examination scores valid for 12 months.
Renewal Window
Renewals are permitted up to 12 months after expiration.
Renewal by continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Dealer Link
Maintain the applicant license requirements.
Recertification Credits
15 Department-accredited credits during the five-year certification period; excess credits do not carry over.
Renewal Window
Eligible no earlier than 45 days before expiry; licenses may be renewed up to 12 months after expiry.
Transition
The ISDA July 1, 2026 transition guidance states: Credit Requirement Change • Current licensed applicators needing to renew will need to have met the previous requirements (16 credits for Professional Applicators and 7 credits for Private Applicators) The renewed license will be good for a 5- year license term and will then be subject to the 5-year credit requirements • New Professional Applicators will need to obtain 40 CEU’s during the license term • New Private Applicators will need to obtain 15 CEU’s during the license term

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal or recertification by examination
Private Applicator (PA) Examination
Category Coverage
Pass the core/private examination and examinations for all categories in which the applicant intends to remain licensed; select every applicable category, not unrelated categories.
Examination Window
Recertification examinations may be taken during the 12 months preceding renewal; passing scores remain valid for 12 months.
Missing Credits
Applicants who fail to obtain required education credits by expiration must retake and pass the applicable examinations.
Renewal Window
Eligible no earlier than 45 days before expiry; licenses may be renewed up to 12 months after expiry.
Recertification with an approved variance
Private Applicator (PA) Examination
Category Coverage
Maintain every category applicable to the licensed operations.
Variance
Request a variance on the Department-prescribed form stating its grounds. All other statutory and rule responsibilities remain applicable. The variance terms control applicant requirements; the currently offered identified recertification examinations remain referenced.

Aerial Pest Control (AA) Examination

Provider
Idaho State Department of Agriculture or authorized testing agent
Passing score
70%
Examination outline
  • Labeling.
    • Spray volumes.
    • Buffers and no-spray zones.
    • Weather conditions specific to wind and inversions.
    • Labeling-mandated recordkeeping requirements for aerial pesticide applications including application conditions if applicable.
  • Application equipment.
    • The importance of inspecting application equipment to ensure it is in proper operating condition prior to beginning an application.
    • Selecting proper nozzles to ensure appropriate pesticide dispersal and to minimize drift.
    • Knowledge of the components of an aerial pesticide application system, including pesticide hoppers, tanks, pumps, and types of nozzles.
    • Interpreting a nozzle flow rate chart.
    • Determining the number of nozzles for intended pesticide output using nozzle flow rate chart, aircraft speed, and swath width.
    • How to ensure nozzles are placed to compensate for uneven dispersal due to uneven airflow from wingtip vortices, helicopter rotor turbulence, and aircraft propeller turbulence.
    • Where to place nozzles to produce the appropriate droplet size.
    • How to maintain the application system in good repair, including pressure gauge accuracy, filter cleaning according to schedule, and checking nozzles for excessive wear.
    • How to calculate required and actual flow rates.
    • How to verify flow rate using fixed timing, open timing, known distance, or a flow meter.
    • When to adjust and calibrate application equipment.
  • Application considerations.
    • Weather conditions that could impact application by affecting aircraft engine power, take-off distance, and climb rate, or by promoting spray droplet evaporation.
    • How to determine wind velocity, direction, and air density at the application site.
    • The potential impact of thermals and temperature inversions on aerial pesticide application.
  • Minimizing drift.
    • How to determine drift potential of a product using a smoke generator.
    • How to evaluate vertical and horizontal smoke plumes to assess wind direction, speed, and concentration.
    • Selecting techniques that minimize pesticide movement out of the area to be treated.
    • Documenting special equipment configurations or flight patterns used to reduce off-target pesticide drift.
  • Performing aerial application.
    • Selecting a flight altitude that minimizes streaking and off-target pesticide drift.
    • Choosing a flight pattern that ensures applicator and bystander safety and proper application.
    • The importance of engaging and disengaging spray precisely when entering and exiting a predetermined swath pattern.
    • Tools available to mark swaths, such as global positioning systems and flags.
    • Recordkeeping requirements for aerial pesticide applications including application conditions if applicable.
Examination sources

Aerial UAS Pest Control (AU) Examination

Provider
Idaho State Department of Agriculture or authorized testing agent
Passing score
70%
Examination outline
  • Labeling.
    • Spray volumes.
    • Buffers and no-spray zones.
    • Weather conditions specific to wind and inversions.
    • Labeling-mandated recordkeeping requirements for aerial pesticide applications including application conditions if applicable.
  • Application equipment.
    • The importance of inspecting application equipment to ensure it is in proper operating condition prior to beginning an application.
    • Selecting proper nozzles to ensure appropriate pesticide dispersal and to minimize drift.
    • Knowledge of the components of an aerial pesticide application system, including pesticide hoppers, tanks, pumps, and types of nozzles.
    • Interpreting a nozzle flow rate chart.
    • Determining the number of nozzles for intended pesticide output using nozzle flow rate chart, aircraft speed, and swath width.
    • How to ensure nozzles are placed to compensate for uneven dispersal due to uneven airflow from wingtip vortices, helicopter rotor turbulence, and aircraft propeller turbulence.
    • Where to place nozzles to produce the appropriate droplet size.
    • How to maintain the application system in good repair, including pressure gauge accuracy, filter cleaning according to schedule, and checking nozzles for excessive wear.
    • How to calculate required and actual flow rates.
    • How to verify flow rate using fixed timing, open timing, known distance, or a flow meter.
    • When to adjust and calibrate application equipment.
  • Application considerations.
    • Weather conditions that could impact application by affecting aircraft engine power, take-off distance, and climb rate, or by promoting spray droplet evaporation.
    • How to determine wind velocity, direction, and air density at the application site.
    • The potential impact of thermals and temperature inversions on aerial pesticide application.
  • Minimizing drift.
    • How to determine drift potential of a product using a smoke generator.
    • How to evaluate vertical and horizontal smoke plumes to assess wind direction, speed, and concentration.
    • Selecting techniques that minimize pesticide movement out of the area to be treated.
    • Documenting special equipment configurations or flight patterns used to reduce off-target pesticide drift.
  • Performing aerial application.
    • Selecting a flight altitude that minimizes streaking and off-target pesticide drift.
    • Choosing a flight pattern that ensures applicator and bystander safety and proper application.
    • The importance of engaging and disengaging spray precisely when entering and exiting a predetermined swath pattern.
    • Tools available to mark swaths, such as global positioning systems and flags.
    • Recordkeeping requirements for aerial pesticide applications including application conditions if applicable.
Examination sources

Non-Soil Fumigation (NS) Examination

Provider
Idaho State Department of Agriculture or authorized testing agent
Passing score
70%
Examination outline
  • Label & labeling comprehension.
  • Safety.
    • Understanding how certified applicators, noncertified applicators using fumigants under direct supervision of certified applicators, and bystanders can become exposed to fumigants.
    • Common problems and mistakes that can result in direct exposure to fumigants.
    • Signs and symptoms of human exposure to fumigants.
    • Air concentrations of a fumigant that require applicators to wear respirators or to exit the work area entirely.
    • Steps to take if a fumigant applicator experiences sensory irritation.
    • Understanding air monitoring, when it is required, and where and when to take samples.
    • Buffer zones, including procedures for buffer zone monitoring and who is permitted to be in a buffer zone.
    • First aid measures to take in the event of exposure to a fumigant.
    • Labeling requirements for transportation, storage, spill clean up, and emergency response for non-soil fumigants, including safe disposal of containers and contaminated materials, and management of empty containers.
    • Understanding how certified applicators, handlers, and bystanders can become exposed to fumigants.
    • When air concentrations of a fumigant triggers handlers to wear respirators or to exit the work area entirely.
    • Steps to take if a person using a fumigant experiences sensory irritation.
  • Non-soil fumigant chemical characteristics.
    • Chemical characteristics of non-soil fumigants.
    • Specific human exposure concerns for non-soil fumigants.
    • How fumigants change from a liquid or solid to a gas.
    • How fumigants disperse in the application zone.
    • Compatibility concerns for tanks, hoses, tubing, and other equipment.
  • Application.
    • Application methods and equipment commonly used for non-soil fumigation.
    • Site characteristics that influence fumigant exposure.
    • Conditions that could impact timing of non-soil fumigant application, such as air stability, air temperature, humidity, and wind currents, and labeling statements limiting applications under specific conditions.
    • Conducting pre-application inspection of application equipment and the site to be fumigated.
    • Understanding the purpose and methods of sealing the area to be fumigated, including the factors that determine which sealing method to use.
    • Calculating the amount of product required for a specific treatment area.
    • Understanding the basic techniques for calibrating non-soil fumigant application equipment.
    • Understanding when and how to conduct air monitoring and when it is required.
    • Conditions that could impact timing of non-soil fumigant application, such as air stability, air temperature, humidity, and wind currents, and labeling statements limiting applications when specific conditions are present.
  • Pest factors.
    • Influence of pest factors on fumigant volatility.
    • Factors that influence gaseous movement through the area being fumigated and into the air.
    • Identifying pests causing the damage and verifying they can be controlled with fumigation.
    • Understanding the relationship between pest density and application rate.
    • The importance of proper application rate and timing.
  • Personal protective equipment.
    • Following labeling directions for required personal protective equipment.
    • Selecting, inspecting, using, caring for, replacing, and disposing of personal protective equipment.
    • Understanding the types of respirators required when using specific non-soil fumigants and how to use them properly, including medical evaluation, fit testing, and required replacement of cartridges and canisters.
    • Labeling requirements and other laws applicable to medical evaluation for respirator use, fit tests, training, and recordkeeping.
    • Understanding the types of respirators required when using specific soil fumigants and how to use them properly, including medical evaluation, fit testing, and required replacement of cartridges and canisters.
  • Fumigant management plans and post-application summaries.
    • When a fumigant management plan must be in effect, how long it must be kept on file, where it must be kept during the application, and who must have access to it.
    • The elements of a fumigant management plan and resources available to assist the applicator in preparing a fumigant management plan.
    • The person responsible for verifying that a fumigant management plan is accurate.
    • The elements, purpose and content of a post-application summary, who must prepare it, and when it must be completed.
  • Posting requirements.
    • Understanding who is allowed in an area being fumigated or after fumigation and who is prohibited from being in such areas.
    • Distinguishing fumigant labeling-required posting and treated area posting, including the pre-application and post-application posting timeframes for each.
    • Proper choice and placement of warning signs.
Examination sources

Private Applicator (PA) Examination

Provider
Idaho State Department of Agriculture or authorized testing agent
Passing score
70%
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.
  • 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

Soil Fumigation (SF) Examination

Provider
Idaho State Department of Agriculture or authorized testing agent
Passing score
70%
Examination outline
  • Label and labeling comprehension.
    • Labeling requirements specific to soil fumigants.
    • Requirements for certified applicators of fumigants, fumigant handlers and permitted fumigant handler activities, and the safety information that certified applicators must provide to noncertified applicators using fumigants under their direct supervision.
    • Entry-restricted periods for tarped and untarped field application scenarios.
    • Recordkeeping requirements.
    • Labeling provisions unique to fumigant products containing certain active ingredients.
    • Requirements for certified applicators of fumigants, fumigant handlers and permitted fumigant handler activities, and the safety information that certified applicators must provide to noncertified applicators using fumigants under the direct supervision of certified applicators.
    • Entry-restricted period for different tarped and untarped field application scenarios.
    • Recordkeeping requirements imposed by product labels and labeling.
    • Labeling provisions unique to products containing certain active ingredients.
    • Labeling requirements for fumigant management plans, such as when a fumigant management plan must be in effect, how long it must be kept on file, where it must be kept during the application, and who must have access to it; the elements of a fumigant management plan and resources available to assist the applicator in preparing a fumigant management plan; the person responsible for verifying that a fumigant management plan is accurate; and the elements, purpose and content of a post-application summary, who must prepare it, and when it must be completed.
  • Safety.
    • Understanding how certified applicators, noncertified applicators using fumigants under direct supervision of certified applicators, field workers, and bystanders can become exposed to fumigants.
    • Common problems and mistakes that can result in direct exposure to fumigants.
    • Signs and symptoms of human exposure to fumigants.
    • Air concentrations of a fumigant that require that applicators wear respirators or exit the work area entirely.
    • Steps to take if a fumigant applicator experiences sensory irritation.
    • Understanding air monitoring, when it is required, and where and when to take samples.
    • Buffer zones, including procedures for buffer zone monitoring and who is permitted to be in a buffer zone.
    • First aid measures to take in the event of exposure to a soil fumigant.
    • Labeling requirements for transportation, storage, spill clean up, and emergency response for soil fumigants, including safe disposal of containers and contaminated soil, and management of empty containers.
    • Understanding how certified applicators, noncertified applicators using fumigants under the direct supervision of certified applicators, field workers, and bystanders can become exposed to fumigants.
    • Air concentrations of a fumigant that require applicators to wear respirators or to exit the work area entirely.
  • Soil fumigant chemical characteristics.
    • Chemical characteristics of soil fumigants.
    • Specific human exposure concerns for soil fumigants.
    • How soil fumigants change from a liquid or solid to a gas.
    • How soil fumigants disperse in the application zone.
    • Compatibility concerns for tanks, hoses, tubing, and other equipment.
  • Application.
    • Application methods, including but not limited to water-run and non-water- run applications, and equipment commonly used for each soil fumigant.
    • Site characteristics that influence fumigant exposure.
    • Understanding temperature inversions and their impact on soil fumigant application.
    • Weather conditions that could impact timing of soil fumigant application, such as air stability, air temperature, humidity, and wind currents, and labeling statements limiting applications during specific weather conditions.
    • Conducting pre-application inspection of application equipment.
    • Understanding the purpose and methods of soil sealing, including the factors that determine which soil sealing method to use.
    • Understanding the use of tarps, including the range of tarps available, how to seal tarps, and labeling requirements for tarp removal, perforation, and repair.
    • Calculating the amount of product required for a specific treatment area.
    • Understanding the basic techniques for calibrating soil fumigant application equipment.
  • Soil and pest factors.
    • Influence of soil factors on fumigant volatility and movement within the soil profile.
    • Factors that influence gaseous movement through the soil profile and into the air.
    • Soil characteristics, including how soil characteristics affect the success of a soil fumigant application, assessing soil moisture, and correcting for soil characteristics that could hinder a successful soil fumigant application.
    • Identifying pests causing the damage and verifying they can be controlled with soil fumigation.
    • Understanding the relationship between pest density and application rate.
    • The importance of proper application depth and timing.
  • Personal protective equipment.
    • Following labeling directions for required personal protective equipment.
    • Selecting, inspecting, using, caring for, replacing, and disposing of personal protective equipment.
    • Understanding the types of respirators required when using specific soil fumigants and how to use them properly, including medical evaluation, fit testing, and required replacement of cartridges and canisters.
    • Labeling requirements and other laws applicable to medical evaluation for respirator use, fit tests, training, and recordkeeping.
  • Fumigant management plans and post-application summaries.
    • When a fumigant management plan must be in effect, how long it must be kept on file, where it must be kept during the application, and who must have access to it.
    • The elements of a fumigant management plan and resources available to assist the applicator in preparing a fumigant management plan.
    • The person responsible for verifying that a fumigant management plan is accurate.
    • The elements, purpose and content of a post-application summary, who must prepare it, and when it must be completed.
  • Buffer zones and posting requirements.
    • Buffer zones and the buffer zone period.
    • Identifying who is allowed in a buffer zone during the buffer zone period and who is prohibited from being in a buffer zone during the buffer zone period.
    • Using the buffer zone table from the labeling to determine the size of the buffer zone.
    • Factors that determine the buffer zone credits for application scenarios and calculating buffer zones using credits.
    • Distinguishing buffer zone posting and treated area posting, including the pre-application and post-application posting timeframes for each.
    • Proper choice and placement of warning signs.
    • Identifying who may be in a buffer zone during the buffer zone period and who is prohibited from being in a buffer zone during the buffer zone period.
Examination sources