FAQs

Certification 

What are the requirements to become a Commercial Pesticide Applicator?  

     - Must be 18 years or older
     - Must pass a minimum of 2 exams
             - The Commercial Core Exam
             - A minimum of one category and/or subcategory exam in specific area of pesticide application.
               Visit the  MDARD website for a listing of pesticide application categories
      - Submit the completed Commercial Applicator Registration Application and the $75 application fee. 

What are the requirements to become a Private Pesticide Applicator?

Private pesticide applicator credentials are required for individuals or their employees who apply restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) for the purpose of producing any agricultural commodity.
The following is required:

- Individuals must be 18 years or older  
- Property must be owned or rented by an individual or their employer; or on property of another for no compensation other than trading of personal services between producers
- Individuals must pass the Private Core exam.
- An additional standard exam is required for individuals who use fumigant pesticides or apply by aircraft.
- Submit a complete Private Applicator Certification Application and the $50 application fee to MDARD. “Honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces of the United States applying for a private applicator credential are exempt from the $50 certification fee. Submit a copy of your DD-214 form to MDARD with your certification application”. 

What are the requirements to become a Registered Pesticide Applicator?  

- Individual must be 18 years or older
- Must pass the Core standard exam.  
- Complete an MDARD- approved training program: Training program must be verifiable and category-specific  
- Submit the completed Commercial Applicator Registration Application and the $45 application fee. 

Where do I get an application?  

Applications may be obtained from an exam monitor prior to taking an exam or application is available on the MDARD website Pesticide Applicator Certification Application. 

Where do I purchase the study manuals?  

Printed copies of training manuals can be obtained by visiting the National Pesticide Safety Education Center at https://npsecstore.com/pages/michigan.  

What category do I need to be certified in?  

Individuals may apply for as many categories as they want. However, certification credentials will not be issued until all examination categories applied for in the application have been passed with a minimum score of 70%. Initial applicants must complete all requirements six months after their application date. Renewal applicants have 12 months from their expiration date to complete all requirements. Visit the  MDARD website for a listing of pesticide application categories  

Can I hold multiple types of applicator certifications? 

Yes, if the certification fee and requirements for both credentials have been met. 

Can I add or drop categories from my credentials? 

Yes, you need to specify in the application whether you would like to add to or remove a category from your credentials. 

How many credits do I need to maintain my certification? 

Commercial and Registered applicators need to earn eight credits for the Core and eight credits for each category listed on their credentials. Private applicators need to earn a minimum of 16 credits for the private core. Applicators with fumigation or aerial standards need two credits for each standard. 

How do I access how many credits I have? 

To check your current credit status, go to Applicator Credit Report. 

When will I receive my certification card? 

Certification cards will be issued within 2 months of successfully completing all examinations. If you do not receive your card within this time, contact the MDARD Central Licensing Unit at MDARD-PestCert@michigan.gov or 800-292-3939. If you fail to contact MDARD about your credentials in a timely manner, you may be charged a replacement fee of $10.00.   

How long is my certification/registration credential good for?  

Pesticide applicator certification/registration credentials expire December 31st every third year. The renewal fee is $75.00 for commercial applicators, $45.00 for registered applicators, and $50.00 for private applicators. A renewal notice and information pertaining to requirements for renewal will be mailed approximately 3 months prior to the December 31st expiration date.  

Is there a Temporary credential until I receive my card? 

Yes, until the certification card is received, an applicator must carry ALL following items: 

  • A copy of the certification/registration application sent to MDARD. 
  • A copy of passing exam scores. 
  • A copy of the check/money order or proof the certification/registration fee was validated by MDARD. 

How can I request a replacement for my certification/registration card? 

Fill out the Replacement License/Certification/Registration form and mail it to MDARD (PO Box 30776, Lansing, MI 48909), along with a $10 replacement fee, payable by check or money order to the State of Michigan. 

What if I changed my address, who do I report a change of address to? 

Certified pesticide applicators must report address changes to the MDARD Central Licensing Unit at (800) 292-3939 or by email at MDARD-PestCert@michigan.gov. The email should include your name, certification number, telephone number and new address. 

Does Michigan have reciprocity agreements with other states? 

Michigan has reciprocal agreements with the states of Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. To obtain Michigan certification credentials through this agreement, apply for reciprocity when you submit a copy of the originating credential along with the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application.  

Exam Information  

What are the different options for taking the exam?  

    1. Paper based in-person exams with Core Review Sessions are available through the PSEP and MSU Extension  
    2. Computer based in-person exams are available through the Metro Institute  
    3. Computer based remotely proctored exams are available through the Metro Institute 

Note: Category exams are offered only through Metro Institute.  

What are the Core review sessions? 

The Core review sessions are 4-hour long and cover each chapter of the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual and are designed to train handlers on the proper techniques for mixing, loading and applying pesticides. The review sessions take place in the morning and are intended to prepare participants for the MDARD RUP test, which will be administered in the afternoon. The morning session is mandatory for those planning to take the test.
     - Available tests include Private Core, Fumigation Standard, Aerial Standard and Commercial Core
        applicator exams. Both the Commercial and Private Core exams are offered in English and Spanish.
     - The fee for the core review session is $25.
     - Note: No commercial category exams are offered at these sessions. 

Where and when are the Core review and testing sessions available?  

MSU Extension, PSEP, and MDARD are providing 26 sessions scheduled throughout the state between December 2024 and May 2025. Participants must attend the core review if they plan to take the in-person test. Available sessions and registration can be found at MDARD In-Person Core Testing and Core Review. 

What is the Metro Institute? 

The Metro Institute is a private company that has been authorized by MDARD to administer pesticide applicator certification tests. You can access their site through the Metro Institute – Michigan Testing Site. All exams can be taken at Metro Institute. 

How do I take my exam with Metro Insititute? 

Metro Institute requires an account on their website before signing up for an exam session. Once the account is created, sign up for either in-person or remotely proctored exams. Metro Institute has 21 locations throughout Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula. If planning on taking remotely proctored exams, select so when Metro Institute asks for an exam location. Exams can also be scheduled by calling Metro Institute at 877-533-2900. Note the time difference as Metro Institute’s main office is in Arizona. 

How do I take a remotely proctored exam? 

This exam is designed to be taken from your home or office. There are certain technical requirements that must be met to successfully complete a remotely proctored exam. Verify you can meet all requirements before scheduling a remotely proctored exam. 

  • The computer utilized must have a microphone, camera, and external speaker. 
  • There must be a reliable internet connection. 
  • The webcam must be able to complete a 360-degree view of the exam room. 
  • The testing area needs to be quiet and free from interruptions. 
  • There can be no prohibited items in the testing area and the proctor will complete a room scan to address any issues. 
  • There can be no open tabs on your computer.  
  • The proctor can see both you and your computer screen and is available via real time chat. 
  • The proctor will ask you to hold your ID up to the screen to verify your identity. Once your identity has been verified, you may start the exam. 
  • It is recommended to bring a basic calculator with you to the exam. 

Are there exams that combine 2 categories?  

Yes, some category exams are combined. 
     - Category 1J: Combines categories 1A (field crops) and 1B (vegetable crops)
     - Category 6J: Combines categories 3A (turfgrass), 3B (ornamental), and 6 (right-of-way)  
     - Category 7J: Combines categories 7A (general pest management) and 7B (wood destroying organisms)   

When will I know the score results of my exam? 

Your score will be available immediately after the exam is scored. Metro Institute will email a copy of the Exam Analysis to the address used for registration upon completion. If you take the exam in person, the proctor will provide a printed copy of the Exam Analysis. 

What if I don’t pass the exam? 

Initial applicators have six months to pass all categories listed on the application submitted to MDARD before needing to submit a new application and fee. Applicators renewing their credential have one year to complete the renewal process. Candidates may attempt each category exam once per day and can retake exams as many times as needed. 

What is the passing score for the exam, and what is its format? 

There is a study manual and exam for each category of pesticide application. Each examination requires a minimum score of 70% to pass. All exams are closed book. The questions are true/false and multiple choice. 

Certification and Testing Costs 

How much is the certification/registration fee? 

MDARD certification fees:
     - Commercial application fee is $75.00  
     - Registered application fee is $45.00  
     - Private application fee is $50.00
     - honorably discharged veterans applying for a private applicator credential are exempt from the $50
       certification fee. Submit a copy of your DD-214 form with application.

Application fee is paid at the exam site with a check or money order payable to “State of Michigan.” Cash and credit cards are not accepted. 

How much is the Testing fee?  
     - MSU Extension core review session followed by paper-based in-person exam: $25  
     - Metro Institute computer based in-person exam: $55
     - Metro Institute remote-proctored exam: $65 

Recertification 

How can I renew my certification credentials? 

You can renew by retesting or by earning recertification seminar credits. If you choose to renew by retesting, check the options listed above for ”What are the different options for taking the exam”. If you choose to renew by earning recertification seminar credits, attend MDARD approved seminars over the 3-year period. Seminars are category specific. All credits must be earned before the credential expires. Seminar credits do not carry over from one certification period to the next. For more question about the renewal process visit the MDARD Renewal Process Webpage. 

When can I start accruing recertification seminar credits?  

Once you are considered a credentialed applicator you can start accruing recertification credits.  

Does MSU Extension have any scheduled In-Person programs that offer pesticide recertification seminar credits before the end of the year? 

- The are opportunities to earn RUP credits at selected education sessions at Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo and the Great Lakes Expo. 
- MSU Extension, PSEP, and MDARD will provide pesticide safety and worker protection safety classes at the 2024 Great Lakes Expo in both English and Spanish on December 12. Registration and more information on the event here.

Are there online courses that offer pesticide recertification seminar credits through MSU Extension? 

- Yes, for those that prefer a more structured learning environment, MSU Extension offers a more formal self-paced course: 

Are there any other opportunities to earn recertification seminar credits? 

Yes, all seminars that offer RUP credits are listed on List of seminars approved by MDARD for recertification credits. Use the “Find a Recertification Seminar” drop-down, search for seminar using the two reports:
     - “Search for online seminars” includes events that may be accessed at any time and completed in a
         self-paced manner.
     - “Search for other seminar events” includes live in-person and webinar events.  

Hosting Recertification Seminar 

How to host recertification seminars? 

Guidelines for submitting a request for seminar credits and the seminar credit request form are below. To receive credits for your seminar, you must demonstrate that the seminar covers pesticide-related topics. The form must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of the seminar.  

- Guidelines for how to host a pesticide applicator training seminar 
- Request for seminar credits   
- Topics Not Eligible for Pesticide Recertification Credits 
- Sample Training Agenda(s) for Pesticide Recertification Credits 

Registered Applicator Information 

Are Registered Applicators allowed to apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs)? 

NO, Registered applicators ARE NOT ALLOWED to apply RUPs. They are only allowed to apply general-use pesticides for a commercial purpose under the supervision of a certified applicator. Registered applicators must be trained by an MDARD-approved trainer using an MDARD-approved training program that meets Regulation 636, Rule 8, Subrule 9 requirements.  

What are the requirements to become an Approved Trainer? 

To become a state approved trainer an individual must meet the following qualifications: 

- Have a current pesticide applicator certification credential from the State of Michigan in the pesticide applicator category(ies) for which you wish provide training.  
- Have a minimum of 2 years of experience.
- Participate in an “Approved Trainer” program offered jointly by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Michigan State University.  
- Use the Registered Applicator Trainer Manual to study for the exam. 
- Contact Michigan State University Pesticide Education Coordinator Safa Alzohairy at safa@msu.edu or call the office at 517-353-9903 to schedule your exam.
- Training programs used by the approved trainer must be submitted to MDARD for approval.
- It is the approved trainer's responsibility to ensure effective implementation of the approved program.  

What is the Two-Week training period for Registered Applicator? 

MDARD allows applicators in training to use pesticides for two weeks under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, if their employer has an approved training program. The Requirements and Procedures for Two-week Training Notification for Non-certified or Non-registered Pesticide Applicators Form must be provided to MDARD before an applicator in training begins the two-week training period. 

Use the Registered Pesticide Applicator Checklist to verify an applicator has successfully completed applicator registration. 

For more information about Registered Applicators visit the MDARD FAQs Webpage. 

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