Pesticide applicator certification, exam on Rota

The Division of Environmental Quality will administer the Pesticide Applicator Examination on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at 9am 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 70 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, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec 12, also at the NMC-Rota Campus. This tutorial will help the applicator prepare for the exam.

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.

Exam categories are: Commercial Agriculture, Commercial Resort (Ornamental & Turf), Commercial Institutional (structural, health), and Private Agricultural. Commercial applicators shall pay a non-refundable fee of $50 for the processing of the commercial certifications and $10 for private certifications.

Your certification card can help you instill buyer confidence—that you know how to use pesticides safely and that you are following the law.

For Saipan residents, exams are held on the second Monday of each month. For more information about the certification and exam requirements, contact Reina Camacho at 664-8512 or send an email to reinacamacho@deq.gov.mp. [B][I](DEQ)[/I][/B]