commercial applicator training
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.
commercial pesticide applicators
Commercial applicators must pass a core examination plus an examination in each of the categories appropriate to the specific type of pest control he/she performs. Information about Commercial Pesticide Exam Sessions is available on the MDA website. Individuals who apply pesticides (either general use or restricted use) as employees of licensed pest control businesses or public agencies are classified as commercial applicators. Such individuals must show that they are competent to apply restricted products by passing a certification examination administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).
University of Maryland Extension and MDA work closely on pesticide applicator training. As a regulatory agency, MDA’s primary role in applicator training is developing and administering certification exams. UME takes the primary role in developing and delivering pesticide safety education to help private and commercial applicators pass MDA’s certification exams, as well as providing education to others who are not required to pass examinations but need or want to improve their knowledge and skills about using pesticides in the safest manner. The University of Maryland has developed training materials (manuals) to be used by those seeking certification. The University also offers conferences and workshops in several specialty categories for those seeking re-certification.
University of Maryland Extension and MDA work closely on pesticide applicator training. As a regulatory agency, MDA’s primary role in applicator training is developing and administering certification exams. UME takes the primary role in developing and delivering pesticide safety education to help private and commercial applicators pass MDA’s certification exams, as well as providing education to others who are not required to pass examinations but need or want to improve their knowledge and skills about using pesticides in the safest manner. The University of Maryland has developed training materials (manuals) to be used by those seeking certification. The University also offers conferences and workshops in several specialty categories for those seeking re-certification.
certification training for commercial applicators
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To prepare for the Maryland certification exam, commercial applicators should study the Maryland Core Manual and the appropriate category manual(s) from the Pesticide Applicator Training Series. All Maryland exam questions are based on the information contained in these manuals.
The following manuals in the series are available through the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) website: Maryland Pesticide Applicator Core Manual for Commercial Applicators, the Agricultural Manual, the Ornamentals & Turf Manual, and the Aquatic Pest Control Manual. NPSEC orders are processed within 24 hours of receipt Monday through Friday. Orders received after 12 pm central time on Friday may not be processed until the following Monday.
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RECERTIFICATION training for commercial applicators
Commercial applicators must recertify each year. For applicators who choose to recertify through continuing education, the University of Maryland Extension offers annual commercial applicator recertification training approved for continuing education by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). Additional continuing education sessions for various categories are offered by professional associations and other sources. Check the following resources to find an appropriate training session for your category:
- Commercial applicator recertification courses offered by the Department of Entomology, University of Maryland (approved by MDA)
- MDA's website listing of Approved Recertification Courses (listed under Commercial Applicators).