Pesticide Applicator Training

The number of different kinds of pesticides available for use has increased over the years, making pesticide application more complex. The effects of pesticides in the environment are important considerations. Highly toxic pesticides require special equipment and safety measures. Pesticide applicators need to know more about safety and proper use than ever before. Certification and continuing education requirements for pesticide applicators were established for these reasons. New applicators must demonstrate their knowledge of protecting the environment from pesticide contamination, the safe handling of pesticides, and protection from personal injury.

Recertification for pesticide applicators requires the accumulation of continuing education credits, in order for applicators to remain current in the latest technology and changes in regulations. In Vermont, pesticide applicators are certified for a five year period. Within the five years, private pesticide applicators must accumulate eight continuing education credits, in order qualify for recertification for the next five year period. Commercial pesticide applicators must accumulate sixteen continuing education credits, in order to qualify.

There are many opportunities for attending in-state and out-of-state workshops, conferences and seminars that offer pesticide recertification credits. The Plant Industry Section now accepts credits for home study and correspondence courses.(The home study course must have prior approval by the Plant Industry Section, in order to receive credit). The Plant Industry Section sponsors workshops for initial pesticide certification and many commercial category meetings. The University of Vermont Extension system organizes workshops for private applicators and commercial field and forage applicators. Please refer to the Pesticide Applicator Report, the Plant Industry Section newsletter for pesticide applicators in Vermont, or Agriview, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture newsletter, for a schedule of workshops offering continuing education credits. Meetings are also announced on the home page for the Plant Industry Section. Professional organizations also announce credit opportunities in their publications. Please call (802) 828-3482, or email matthew.wood@state.vt.us with questions about certification and continuing education credit opportunities.