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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Core Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1An applicator needs the number that identifies the specific pesticide product registered with EPA. Which label item should be used?

    1. A. EPA registration number
    2. B. EPA establishment number
    3. C. Net contents statement
    4. D. Ingredient percentage

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. The core manual explains that the EPA registration number identifies the product, while the establishment number identifies where it was produced.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.105(a)(1)(i), 82 FR 1035-1036

  2. 2Which description best fits an acute pesticide effect?

    1. A. An effect appearing soon after a short exposure
    2. B. An effect caused only by repeated exposure over years
    3. C. An effect limited to pesticide residues on crops
    4. D. An effect that cannot follow a single exposure

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. Acute effects occur from a single exposure or short exposure period and usually develop promptly.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.105(a)(2)(i), 82 FR 1036

  3. 3Which weather condition most directly increases spray drift away from a field?

    1. A. High wind speed
    2. B. High soil organic matter
    3. C. Low pest density
    4. D. High water hardness

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. Wind speed and direction strongly affect off-target movement of spray droplets.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.105(a)(3)(i), 82 FR 1036

  4. 4Crop injury has an uncertain cause. Which resource is best suited to confirming the pest or nonpest cause before a pesticide is selected?

    1. A. An authoritative diagnostic key or Extension diagnostic service
    2. B. The pesticide product label
    3. C. The product Safety Data Sheet
    4. D. The application-equipment manual

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. A diagnostic key or Extension diagnostic service is designed to identify the pest or other cause; labels, safety data sheets, and equipment manuals serve different legitimate functions.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.105(a)(4)(i), 82 FR 1036

  5. 5Which pesticide type is designed primarily to control weeds?

    1. A. Fungicide
    2. B. Insecticide
    3. C. Rodenticide
    4. D. Herbicide

    Answer: D

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. Herbicides are pesticides used to control unwanted plants.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.105(a)(5)(i), 82 FR 1036

  6. 6Which method is appropriate for applying a granular formulation evenly over a field?

    1. A. Granular spreader
    2. B. Mist blower without a granule attachment
    3. C. Liquid injector only
    4. D. Aerosol fogger only

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. Granular spreaders meter and distribute dry granules over the target area.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.105(a)(7)(i), 82 FR 1036

  7. 7Which federal worker-safety regulation must a private applicator understand when it applies to an agricultural pesticide use?

    1. A. Worker Protection Standard in 40 CFR part 170
    2. B. Hazardous Materials Table in 49 CFR part 172
    3. C. Fair Labor Standards Act in 29 CFR part 516
    4. D. Food labeling rules in 21 CFR part 101

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. The private-applicator competency standard expressly includes understanding the Worker Protection Standard in 40 CFR part 170 and when compliance is required.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.105(a)(8), 82 FR 1036

  8. 8A supervisor changes to a different pesticide and field site. What must be updated before the noncertified applicator begins?

    1. A. Reinspect the assigned PPE
    2. B. Update the use-specific instructions
    3. C. Recheck the equipment calibration
    4. D. Complete the pesticide-use record

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. Use-specific instructions must match the particular pesticide and use site.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.201(b), 82 FR 1040-1042

  9. 9Which storage practice best supports restricted-use pesticide security?

    1. A. Controlled access and current inventory
    2. B. Buffer and no-spray zones
    3. C. Calibration and nozzle-output records
    4. D. Scouting and action-threshold records

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. Controlled access and a current inventory address chemical security; the other choices are genuine drift-control, equipment, and IPM practices.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.105(a)(10)(i), 82 FR 1036

  10. 10Why must an applicator observe a crop's preharvest interval?

    1. A. To keep harvest residues within legal limits
    2. B. To increase spray pressure
    3. C. To shorten the restricted-entry interval
    4. D. To change the active ingredient

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The controlling text addresses “restricted use pesticides”. The preharvest interval allows time between application and harvest so residues comply with tolerances.

    Reference: 82 Fr 1029 Certification Pesticide Applicators — 40 CFR 171.105(a)(5)(iv), 82 FR 1036

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for Core Examination. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • 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.
  • 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.

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These are independent study questions, not actual examination items. For examination requirements and official information, view Core Examination details.