UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Anyone looking to become a certified pesticide applicator can take advantage of a new online course offered by Penn State Extension.
“National Pesticide Applicator Core Study Course” is designed to help prospective pesticide applicators study for the pesticide applicator core certification exam offered by their state, tribe, territory or federal agency responsible for regulating pesticides for their area. The course is a companion piece for the second edition of the “National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual.” Anyone wanting to learn about the basics of pesticides and pesticide application will benefit from the course.
Through a combination of educational videos and short readings, participants will learn about the general areas of pesticide use that are essential and required knowledge for pesticide applicators, especially those seeking certification. The course covers material pertaining to pest management; pesticide laws and regulations; labeling; formulations; hazards and first aid; personal protective equipment (PPE); pesticides in the environment; transportation, storage and security; pesticide emergency or incidence response; planning the pesticide application; and pesticide application procedures.
The course is aimed at helping participants:
— Understand integrated pest management control options and plan strategies that minimize the development of pesticide resistance.
— Interpret and follow label instructions, warnings, terms, symbols, restrictions and precautions.
— Use best practices when applying pesticides to avoid exposure, minimize environmental impact and maximize effectiveness.
— Properly transport, store and dispose of pesticides according to regulations.
— Implement emergency response procedures and execute an emergency response plan if necessary.
— Select the appropriate PPE, application equipment, pesticide formulation and procedures for the specific situation, and describe the importance and process of equipment calibration.
This course offers a certificate of completion but is not a substitute for a state pesticide applicator core certification exam. Participants must meet their respective state’s requirements to become a certified pesticide applicator. Participants also should keep in mind that not all states use the “National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual” on which the course is based.
Registration for the course is $119 per person. Participants will gain access to the course for 365 days. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete. More information can be found on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/national-pesticide-applicator-core-study-course.
EDITORS: For more information on course content, contact Jon Johnson, director of pesticide education, at 814-865-1074 or jmj5@psu.edu.
Alexandra McLaughlin
Penn State Ag Sciences News
abm6825@psu.edu
–Penn State Extension
