Pesticide Certification

Certification is required for any persons who apply pesticides in a commercial situation and for those selling or using restricted-use pesticides regardless of the area where they are being applied.

Certification of private applicators

No person shall apply or supervise the application of any restricted-use pesticide as a private applicator unless that person has the proper certification. Certification shall be issued only after the applicant has satisfactorily passed an examination or has satisfactorily demonstrated his knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations, and safety practices governing the sale and application of restricted-use pesticides in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner. Certification shall be valid for three years and may be renewed in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner. Private applicators may supervise the application of restricted-use pesticides by competent uncertified individuals who are under the direct supervision of the private applicator

Certification of commercial applicators

A. No person shall apply or supervise the application of any restricted-use pesticide as a commercial applicator unless that person has the proper certification. Certification shall be issued only after the applicant has satisfactorily passed an examination. The commissioner shall establish categories and subcategories for certification in different areas of commercial application and shall establish specific standards for each category and subcategory. Certification shall be valid for three years and shall be renewed in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner. The commissioner by rule shall provide for the issuance of annual certification cards. Commercial applicators may supervise the ground application of restricted-use pesticides within the commercial applicator's certification by competent uncertified individuals who are under the direct supervision of the commercial applicator. Commercial applicators shall not supervise the aerial application of any pesticide by any uncertified person.

B. No person shall apply or supervise the application of any herbicide, rodenticide, insecticide or restricted-use pesticide on a non-fee basis for grass and weed control, and rodent and general pest control in, on or around structures or grounds of government-subsidized and -administered housing and multiplex housing, unless that person owns, leases or rents the property or has proper certification as provided in Subsection A of this Section and the rules and regulations adopted there under.

Certification of restricted-use pesticide salespersons

No person shall sell or supervise the sale of restricted-use pesticides as a pesticide salesperson unless that person has the proper certification. Certification shall be issued only after the applicant has satisfactorily passed an examination. Certification shall be valid for three years and shall be renewed in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner. The commissioner by rule shall provide for the issuance of annual certification cards. Pesticide salespersons may supervise the sale of restricted-use pesticides by competent uncertified individuals who are under the direct supervision of the pesticide salespersons.

Explanation of Direct supervision

Persons who hold certificates issued under the provisions of this Chapter may provide direct supervision for the application or sale of a restricted-use pesticide by competent uncertified persons. The certified person shall be fully responsible for the actions of the uncertified persons under his direct supervision. The certified person shall give instruction and direction to the uncertified persons and shall be available when and if his presence is needed. The certified person need not be physically present at all times unless the commissioner by rule requires the physical presence of the certified person at the time the restricted-use pesticide is sold or applied.