Section 90. Determination of general knowledge and qualifications for private and commercial applicators and registered technicians

Part IV. Knowledge Required for Certification of Pesticide Applicators

A. Applicants shall be tested on their knowledge and qualifications concerning the use and handling of pesticides. The examination will test the applicants' general knowledge required for all categories, and the additional knowledge specifically required for each category or subcategory in which an applicator desires to be certified.

B. All applicants for certification as private or commercial applicators or registered technicians shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and the safe use of pesticides, as contained in a basic pesticide applicator certification training core manual. Testing will be based on problems and situations in the following areas:

1. Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia pesticide laws and regulations;

2. Understanding and interpreting pesticide labels;

3. Handling of accidents and incidents;

4. Proper methods of storing, mixing, loading, transporting, handling, applying, and disposing of pesticides;

5. Safety and health, including proper use of personal protective equipment;

6. Potential adverse effects caused by the application of pesticides under various climatic or environmental conditions, such as drift from the target area, pesticide run-off, groundwater and drinking water contamination, and hazard to endangered species; and

7. Recognizing common pests and general pest biology.

Historical Notes

Former 2VAC20-51-90, derived from Volume 15, Issue 11, eff. March 17, 1999; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 03, eff. December 1, 2008; renumbered as 2VAC5-685-90, 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.