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Michigan Ag News Headlines
Options for Pesticide Applicator Reviews, Recertifications, Tests
Michigan Ag Connection - 10/22/2021

In Michigan, autumn is a time when the commercial agricultural community starts to think about pesticide applicator certifications. For some, it may be because the new production season is approaching and they would like to make sure everything is in place before it begins. For others, it's because applicator certification credentials expire on Dec. 31 every third year.

It would be an understatement to say that things have changed a little bit over the last 18 months. As we all know, there was a period of time in which everything was put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has allowed in-person testing to resume, we have been receiving inquiries from growers about the current state of the pesticide application recertification process.

In service to Michigan agriculture, Michigan State University Extension has developed this short FAQ to help restricted use pesticide (RUP) applicators find the testing and recertification options that work best for them.

Important note to those who are recertifying: Be sure to have your applicator license number handy when you are attending an education session or taking the exam, recommends Jeremy Jubenville, Michigan State University Extension. He answers some of the most frequently asked questions people have.

What testing options are available?

There are three testing options available:

- Paper-based in-person exams (with core review sessions) are available through MSU Extension.

- Computer-based in-person exams are available through the Metro Institute.

- Computer-based remotely-proctored exams are available through the Metro Institute.

Where can we purchase updated training manuals?

Private Core, Commercial Core and Category manuals can be purchased online at the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) website. Manuals can also be purchased at your county Extension office, although availability may be limited due to the pandemic. Calling ahead is recommended.

What are core review sessions?

These are 4-hour sessions that cover every chapter of the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual. Review sessions take place in the morning and are followed by the MDARD Private and Commercial Core applicator exams in the afternoon. Many applicators have found this program to be convenient and helpful.

Note: No Commercial Category exams will be offered at these sessions.

Where and when are core review and testing sessions available?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, availability is limited:

- Oct. 22 session location: MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education - Lansing

- Nov. 11 and Dec. 6, sessions location: Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center - Frankenmuth

- Nov. 30 session location: MSU Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center - Traverse City

- Nov. 17 and Dec. 13 sessions location: Ottawa County Fillmore Street Complex - West Olive

Registration and more information can be found at the MDARD In-Person Core Testing and Core Review web page.

Are there other online review options available through MSU Extension?

Yes!

A 4-hour video was created for private applicators to review the core manual before taking the exam. This video is freely available and can be watched at any time: Pesticide Review for Private Applicators.

For those that do better in a structured learning environment, MSU Extension offers a more formal Pesticide Applicator Training Course. Those that complete the course will receive 12 education credits that can be applied to their private or commercial core license.

What is the Metro Institute?

A private company that has been authorized by MDARD to administer pesticide applicator certification tests. You can access their site through this link: Metro Institute -- Michigan Testing Site.

Where can I go to take an in-person computer-based test?

The Metro Institute has 18 locations throughout Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula.

How does the computer-based remotely-proctored exam work?

Registration for a computer-based exam with the Metro Institute is available on their website.


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