Section 50. Certification procedures for registered technicians

A. In addition to the general requirements listed in 2VAC5-685-20, individuals seeking certification as registered technicians must:

1. Receive on-the-job training in the proper application of pesticides under the direct on-site supervision of a certified commercial applicator for at least 20 hours;

2. Complete at least 20 hours of board-approved training;

3. Submit an application form with the fee established by regulations of the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and

4. Take the examination within 90 days after an individual is hired or transferred into a position where duties and functions involve the commercial use of pesticides. Individuals not passing the examination on the first attempt must reapply, following the procedures outlined in 2VAC5-685-20. Individuals failing to take and pass the exam within 90 days of the initial examination may not apply pesticides commercially, even under direct on-site supervision, until they pass the examination.

Individuals who have previously submitted an application form and either did not take the examination within 90 days after being hired or transferred into a position where duties and functions involve the commercial use of pesticides or did not pass a subsequent examination within 90 days of the initial examination may not apply pesticides commercially, even under direct on-site supervision, until they reapply, following the procedures outlined in 2VAC5-685-20 and pass the examination.

Applicants who do not complete the certification process within two years of the date of passing the examination must be reexamined.

B. Before registered technicians begin working in any application category or subcategory that is different from the category in which they received their original training, they shall receive additional training from a commercial applicator in the following aspects of pesticide application as it relates to the proposed category or subcategory of work:

1. Pesticides to be used, including reading and understanding the label;

2. Application equipment and techniques;

3. Pests to be controlled;

4. Personal protective equipment and clothing; and

5. Environmental concerns, including storage and disposal of pesticides applied.

The commercial applicator providing training to a registered technician shall be certified in the category or subcategory for which he is providing the training and shall provide proof to the department of such training on forms provided by the department. Such forms must be received by the department within 10 calendar days of the completion of such training.

Historical Notes

Former 2VAC20-51-50, derived from Volume 15, Issue 11, eff. March 17, 1999; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 03, eff. December 1, 2008; amended and renumbered as 2VAC5-685-50, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 01, eff. October 10, 2012; Volume 32, Issue 26, eff. September 22, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia.