The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture oversees and regulates pesticide applicator certification to promote safe and effective pesticide use. To support the educational component of the certification process, Penn State Extension launched a new online course, “Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Core Certification Study Course: Private,” to help prospective private pesticide applicators study for the pesticide applicator certification exam.
The course focuses primarily on the Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual and the supplemental materials included in the private applicator study packet. The course is aimed at anyone who is studying to take the Pennsylvania private pesticide applicator core certification exam.
Through a combination of educational videos and short readings, participants can learn about the general areas that certified pesticide applicators are required to know. In addition, each module contains several questions at the end so participants can check their learning as they go through the course.
The course covers topics such as integrated pest management, or IPM; pesticide laws and regulations, both nationally and in Pennsylvania; pesticide labeling; pesticide formulations; pesticide hazards and first aid; personal protective equipment; pesticides in the environment; pesticide transportation, storage and security; pesticide emergency or incidence response; planning the pesticide application; and pesticide application procedures.
After completing this course, participants should be able to:
- Explain the integrated pest management process and control options — including cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical controls — and practices that minimize the development of pesticide resistance.
- Describe the four main categories of pests and how to identify, control and manage them.
- Identify the importance of the following sections on pesticide labels: active ingredients, signal word, precautionary statements, first aid, various hazards, agricultural use requirements, storage and disposal, and directions for use.
- Use best practices when applying pesticides to avoid exposure, minimize environmental impact and maximize effectiveness.
- Transport, store and dispose of pesticides safely according to regulations.
- Implement emergency response procedures and execute an emergency response plan if necessary.
- Select the appropriate personal protective equipment, application equipment, pesticide formulation and procedures for the specific situation.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of course completion. This is not the same as passing the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Private Pesticide Applicator Certification exam, but this course can help individuals prepare for that exam.
Registration is required, and participants can access the course for one year from date of registration. More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/private-pest-applicator.