certification Training manuals
When using this website, keep in the mind the correct definition of a pesticide: any substance that kills, repels, or otherwise controls any pest. Herbicides (weedkillers), fungicides, rodenticides, insecticides, etc. are all pesticides.
Applicators who need to use pesticides classified as Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) or who need to become certified to work for a pest control business must show that they are competent to apply restricted products by passing a certification examination administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Manuals in the Pesticide Applicator Training Series are used to provide self-help training for applicators studying to take certification exams in Maryland. All Maryland exam questions are based on the information contained in these manuals.
How to Obtain the Core Manual for Private Applicators
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA underwrites part of the cost of one Maryland Private Applicator Core Manual for each Maryland individual seeking certification as a private applicator. Individuals seeking to become certified as private applicators (producers of crops or commodities) will be tested only on core material. Therefore, you only need to obtain the Private Applicator Core Manual to help you prepare for the certification exam. To obtain the Private Applicator Manual at the reduced price, contact your University of Maryland Extension county office.
How to Obtain Manuals for Commercial Applicators
To prepare for the Maryland commercial applicator certification exam, commercial applicators should obtain and read the Core Manual plus one or more Category Manual(s). The Maryland Commercial Applicator Core Manual as well as three category manuals (Agricultural; Aquatic; and Ornamentals & Turf) may be purchased directly from the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) (https://npsecstore.com/collections/maryland).
For informaation on how to obtain manuals to help prepare for other categories, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture web page,Pesticide Information for Professionals (http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/Pesticide-Information-for-Professionals.aspx).
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA underwrites part of the cost of one Maryland Private Applicator Core Manual for each Maryland individual seeking certification as a private applicator. Individuals seeking to become certified as private applicators (producers of crops or commodities) will be tested only on core material. Therefore, you only need to obtain the Private Applicator Core Manual to help you prepare for the certification exam. To obtain the Private Applicator Manual at the reduced price, contact your University of Maryland Extension county office.
How to Obtain Manuals for Commercial Applicators
To prepare for the Maryland commercial applicator certification exam, commercial applicators should obtain and read the Core Manual plus one or more Category Manual(s). The Maryland Commercial Applicator Core Manual as well as three category manuals (Agricultural; Aquatic; and Ornamentals & Turf) may be purchased directly from the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) (https://npsecstore.com/collections/maryland).
For informaation on how to obtain manuals to help prepare for other categories, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture web page,Pesticide Information for Professionals (http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/Pesticide-Information-for-Professionals.aspx).