Pesticide applicator certification on Rota

The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality will conduct a tutorial for “commercial agricultural” pesticide applicators and certification examination on Oct. 12 and 13, 2016, at 8:30am at the Northern Marianas College – Rota campus.

Individuals wanting to become certified pesticide applicators must pass a written examination. Each exam is a written, closed-book examination consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions. Each candidate has up to two hours to complete the exam. The minimum passing score is 70 percent.

Examination includes but is not limited to labeling; safety factors; environmental consequences; pest identification and characteristics; pesticide types, formulations and dilutions; equipment maintenance and calibration; proper storage, use, and disposal of pesticides and containers; pesticide application techniques; pesticide laws and regulations; recordkeeping; worker protection standards; and other relevant information as deemed necessary, including but not limited to new developments and other pertinent matters.

Pesticide safety education classes will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the NMC-Rota campus. This tutorial will help the applicator prepare for the exam. The exam shall be on Thursday, Oct. 13, also at the NMC, room A-1.

Who should register for the exam? Any person who uses insect or pest control products on plants, vegetables, fruits, or flowers; applies a weed-and-feed product to a client’s lawn or spray for insects; uses insect or pest control products for the maintenance of resort grounds, golf courses, or greenhouses; applies pesticides to someone else’ property; applies, purchases or distributes restricted use pesticides; or applies pesticides in residences, schools, or public places must obtain certification to apply pesticides.

To register, contact Cheryl Reyes at the Office of the Mayor of Rota, at 532-9451/2.

There is no fee for the tutorial; however, there is a non-refundable fee of $50 for the processing of the commercial certifications.

Pesticide applicator certifications instills buyer confidence and serves as of pesticide safety competency—how to use pesticides safely—as well as proves compliance with pesticide regulations.

For Saipan residents, exams are held on the second Monday of each month. For more information about the certification and exam requirements, contact Shirley Ann L. Taitano at 664-8500/11 or send an email to shirleytaitano@becq.gov.mp. (BECQ)