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Vermont Pesticide Applicator — Requirements & Free Practice

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Private Applicator Certificate

Individual agricultural applicator certification for Class A pesticides; aerial and fumigation uses require applicable subcategory certification.

Licensing authority: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets · Application information

Amendment, license addition or transfer with an existing valid certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Employment Notice
Commercial and non-commercial certificate holders must notify the Agency within 30 days of termination or a change of employer (§3.06(d)).
Existing Certification
Already hold a valid Vermont certification appropriate to the intended work; this route changes administrative licensing or employer information without adding a new examination category.
New Category
Adding a new category or subcategory requiring examination follows the applicable examination pathway rather than this administrative amendment pathway.
Written Request
The Secretary may amend a certificate upon written request and review (§3.10(b)); submit the Agency’s applicator form when adding or transferring a license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-02-24.

Initial private certification by examination
Vermont Pesticide Applicator Private Core exam
Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Reissuance after certification lapses
Vermont Pesticide Applicator Private Core exam
Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Existing Categories
This is the ordinary base-category renewal or reissuance pathway (Private Core only for private applicants). Concurrent categories and private subcategories being retained use their separate examination renewal or reissuance pathways.
Lapse
A private certificate not renewed by April 1 of the year following expiration is lapsed. Reexamination is required before reissuance.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Private Aerial Pest Control: reissuance after lapse

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Existing Qualification
Hold or previously held private Aerial Pest Control subcategory certification in addition to Private Core.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Renewal Trigger
Private certification was not renewed by April 1 of the year following expiration; reexamination is required.
Required Examinations
Pass Private Core and the applicable private subcategory examination. This route retains the named subcategory; any other subcategory sought has its own qualification route.
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Private Non soil Fumigation: reissuance after lapse

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Existing Qualification
Hold or previously held private Non-soil Fumigation subcategory certification in addition to Private Core.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Renewal Trigger
Private certification was not renewed by April 1 of the year following expiration; reexamination is required.
Required Examinations
Pass Private Core and the applicable private subcategory examination. This route retains the named subcategory; any other subcategory sought has its own qualification route.
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Private Soil Fumigation: reissuance after lapse

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Existing Qualification
Hold or previously held private Soil Fumigation subcategory certification in addition to Private Core.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Renewal Trigger
Private certification was not renewed by April 1 of the year following expiration; reexamination is required.
Required Examinations
Pass Private Core and the applicable private subcategory examination. This route retains the named subcategory; any other subcategory sought has its own qualification route.
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Five year recertification through approved training credits
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agency Deadline
The Agency requires receipt of credits for expired certifications before February 1 following expiration. Private renewal after April 1 of the following year, or commercial/non-commercial renewal after 365 days, requires reexamination.
Approved Training
Earn 8 approved recertification credits within the five-year cycle; commercial and non-commercial credits must be in the appropriate categories. Approved sufficient training substitutes for reexamination (§3.07 and the Agency recertification instructions).
Existing Certification
Hold the existing applicable Vermont certification.
Renewal
Submit renewal paperwork and fees and required usage reports before the certificate becomes lapsed.
Secretary Discretion
The Secretary may require additional recertification and decide its training or reexamination procedure; an applicant directed to reexamine uses the examination recertification route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-02-24.

Five year or directed recertification by examination
Vermont Pesticide Applicator Private Core exam
Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Existing Categories
This is the ordinary base-category renewal or reissuance pathway (Private Core only for private applicants). Concurrent categories and private subcategories being retained use their separate examination renewal or reissuance pathways.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Recertification
After the five-year certification cycle, reexamination is required if sufficient approved credits have not been earned, or when the Secretary requires recertification and determines that reexamination is necessary. Retake the examinations for each applicable certification. Training is an alternative when approved and sufficient.
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Private Aerial Pest Control: recertification by examination

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Existing Qualification
Hold or previously held private Aerial Pest Control subcategory certification in addition to Private Core.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Renewal Trigger
Reexamination after insufficient approved credits or a Secretary-directed examination; for lapsed reissuance, certification was not renewed by April 1 of the year following expiration.
Required Examinations
Pass Private Core and the applicable private subcategory examination. This route retains the named subcategory; any other subcategory sought has its own qualification route.
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Private Non soil Fumigation: recertification by examination

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Existing Qualification
Hold or previously held private Non-soil Fumigation subcategory certification in addition to Private Core.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Renewal Trigger
Reexamination after insufficient approved credits or a Secretary-directed examination; for lapsed reissuance, certification was not renewed by April 1 of the year following expiration.
Required Examinations
Pass Private Core and the applicable private subcategory examination. This route retains the named subcategory; any other subcategory sought has its own qualification route.
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Private Soil Fumigation: recertification by examination

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Existing Qualification
Hold or previously held private Soil Fumigation subcategory certification in addition to Private Core.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Renewal Trigger
Reexamination after insufficient approved credits or a Secretary-directed examination; for lapsed reissuance, certification was not renewed by April 1 of the year following expiration.
Required Examinations
Pass Private Core and the applicable private subcategory examination. This route retains the named subcategory; any other subcategory sought has its own qualification route.
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Renewal of reciprocal certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Currency
Confirm home-jurisdiction renewal within 45 days if its certificate does not expire December 31; notify the Secretary within 30 days of termination (§2.06).
Existing Reciprocity
Already hold a Vermont reciprocal certificate and a valid certificate in the jurisdiction of residence.
Expiration Guidance
Rule §2.06(b) says the reciprocal certificate is valid for the entire calendar year. The Agency information sheet states "VT reciprocal applicator certification expiration dates are set to the year your home state pesticide license expires." The applicant sees that implementation wording; the rule remains controlling.
Renewal
Meet the home-jurisdiction recertification requirements and mail Vermont renewal paperwork with a photocopy of the current certificate and applicable fees; Vermont does not retain those training records.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-02-24.

Certification by reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the appropriate applicator application, copy of the current home-jurisdiction certificate, required fees and company paperwork when applicable.
Company Affiliation
Commercial applicants must work for a Vermont-licensed pesticide company; this condition does not require a new examination of the reciprocal applicant.
Continuing Eligibility
Maintain the reciprocal certificate and report renewal or termination as required by §2.06; home-jurisdiction continuing education is an applicant condition.
Law Knowledge
Know and abide by Vermont pesticide control law and rules (§2.06(a)(2)).
Residency And Certificate
Reside in a jurisdiction having an Agency reciprocal agreement and hold its valid equivalent applicator certificate. The governing agreement, equivalent categories and acceptance are determined by the Agency; another jurisdiction’s examination is not a Vermont examination leaf.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-02-24.

Private certification or added qualification: Aerial Pest Control

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Subcategory
For private Aerial Pest Control applications, pass Private Core and the relevant private subcategory examination; existing Private Core examination passage remains a leaf. The rule separately specifies private competency standards in §10.03.
Private certification or added qualification: Non soil Fumigation

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Rule Wording
Section 10.05 is headed "Sub-category: Non-soil Fumigation" and expressly concerns sites other than soil, although its introductory sentence also says "use Class A pesticides to fumigate soil". Section 10.01(b) and the Agency instructions require this subcategory for non-soil fumigation; that is the reading applied.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Subcategory
For private Non-soil Fumigation applications, pass Private Core and the relevant private subcategory examination; existing Private Core examination passage remains a leaf. The rule separately specifies private competency standards in §10.05.
Private certification or added qualification: Soil Fumigation

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
Use or supervise Class A pesticides on owned or rented property of the applicant or employer to produce an agricultural commodity. Aerial, soil and non-soil fumigation uses require further subcategory certification; the Secretary may require certification regardless of pesticide class for those use patterns.
Application
Submit complete and accurate Agency forms and pay applicable exam, certification and licensing fees (§3.09). Passing an examination alone does not confer certification until fees are paid.
Certification Scope
Obtain certification in each category and subcategory applicable to the intended work (§3.05(c)); a choice of a category does not authorize work in the other categories.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age (CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(a)).
Retake Rules
CVR 20-031-012 §3.05(d) permits at most three attempts in 12 months, with at least seven days after the first failure and 28 days from the first examination before the third attempt. The Agency exam page instead states: "No waiting period to retake failed exams" and "No limit how many times to retake failed exams"; those lower-ranked instructions are recorded for the applicant without overriding the rule.
Score Window
The Agency exam instructions state: "Exam results remain valid 1 year from the date the 1st exam was taken".
Subcategory
For private Soil Fumigation applications, pass Private Core and the relevant private subcategory examination; existing Private Core examination passage remains a leaf. The rule separately specifies private competency standards in §10.04.

Sub-category: Aerial Pest Control

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
  • Labeling. Labeling requirements and restrictions specific to aerial application of a pesticide including:
    • 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. Understand how to choose and maintain aerial application equipment, including the following:
    • 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 flowmeter.
    • When to adjust and calibrate application equipment.
  • Application considerations. The applicator must demonstrate knowledge of factors to consider before and during application, including the following:
    • 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. The applicator must demonstrate knowledge of methods to minimize off-target pesticide movement, including:
    • 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. The applicator must demonstrate competency in performing an aerial pesticide application, including:
    • 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

Vermont Pesticide Applicator 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

Sub-category: Non-soil Fumigation

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 & labeling comprehension. Ability to read and understand pesticide labels and labeling for products used to perform non-soil fumigation, including labeling requirements specific to non-soil fumigants.
  • Safety. Measures to minimize adverse health effects, including the following:
    • 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.
  • Non-soil fumigant chemical characteristics. Characteristics of non-soil fumigants, including the following:
    • 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. Selecting appropriate application methods and timing, including the following:
    • 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.
  • Pest factors. Pest factors that influence fumigant activity, including the following:
    • 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. Understanding what personal protective equipment is necessary and how to use it properly, including the following:
    • 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.
  • Fumigant management plans and post-application summaries. Information about fumigant management plans and when they are required, including:
    • 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 posting requirements, including:
    • 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

Sub-category: Soil Fumigation

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 and labeling for products used to perform soil fumigation, including:
    • 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.
    • 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. Measures to minimize adverse health effects, including the following:
    • 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.
  • Soil fumigant chemical characteristics. Characteristics of soil fumigants, including the following:
    • 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. Selecting appropriate application methods and timing, including the following:
    • 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. Soil and pest factors that influence fumigant activity, including the following:
    • 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. Understanding what personal protective equipment is necessary and how to use it properly, including the following:
    • 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. Information about fumigant management plans, including the following:
    • 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. Understanding buffer zones and posting requirements, including the following:
    • 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.
Examination sources