If you want to be licensed as a commercial pesticide applicator in South Dakota, the first step is becoming certified. New commercial pesticide applicators and those that have allowed their licenses to lapse must pass commercial pesticide applicator exams to receive commercial pesticide applicator certifications, which make someone eligible to purchase licenses. Here, I provide some helpful resources, contacts, and tips to help you be successful in your certification testing.
Who Needs Certification?
Commercial applicators 1) engage in the business of applying pesticides to the lands of another, 2) advertise as being in the business of applying pesticides to the lands of another at any time, 3) apply pesticides while in the performance of duties as a governmental employee, or 4) otherwise act as a commercial applicator. Because licensed commercial applicators cover more area than average pesticide applicators, may make applications near human population centers, and have access to the most potent of pesticide chemicals and formulations, the possible impact of their applications is extensive. It is because of this risk that commercial pesticide applicators are held to a higher standard than private pesticide applicators and must pass exams to be certified.
Commercial applicator certifications and licenses in South Dakota are split into categories reflecting the nature of the applications being made, such as category 1 for applications to agricultural plants to control agricultural pests and category 15 for applications to wood to control wood-destroying pests. You can find a list of categories in the South Dakota Commercial CERTIFICATION Categories for Pesticide Applicators & Dealers resource.
All licensed applicators and dealers must demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of pesticides, the risks associated with using them, and the means to mitigate those risks by passing the category G exam, or the “General” category exam. Although dealers may sell pesticides once licensed in category G, category G does not allow for applications to be made. To make legal applications, applicators MUST be certified and licensed in additional categories in which applications are defined. For example, a county agent tasked with mosquito control MUST maintain licenses in categories G (General) and 9 (Public Health pest control) in order to legally make those applications. Review the webpage provided above to determine which categories you require for your applications. If there are any questions on the interpretation of categories or you need clarification to determine which categories you need, call the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources at (605) 773-4432 or (605) 773-3296 for assistance.
Scheduling an Exam
Once you have determined which exam(s) you need for your pesticide-application needs, you must select a location and schedule a time to take those exams. Pesticide certification testing is currently offered in-person at SDSU Extension Regional Centers and participating SDSU Extension County Offices. You can find a full list of testing locations, including contacts, on the Commercial and Private Applicator Testing Sites webpage.
You may schedule up to four (4) hours to take each exam. Note that the time you schedule for each exam is the time you will be given to take those exams. It is recommended to schedule the entire four hours for each exam to provide yourself with the most time to complete them. Typical testing times are from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm local. The availability of testing administrators will vary by location. Check all nearby locations for testing administration that fits your timeline.
What to Expect
South Dakota applicator certification exams are created using a carefully curated set of references. Although you are not permitted to bring any materials or devices into the exam with you and you cannot browse the internet for answers, you are provided the references for the exam. Your objective is to read through the references provided, locate the information being questioned, and provide the correct response to the question. Exam administrators are not permitted to help you interpret or understand questions. This exam approach mimics your role as a licensed applicator, wherein you must read the pesticide product label and make applications according to the instructions. In this way, passing exams demonstrates your ability to read, comprehend, and follow label instructions.
Reference material is not available to testers prior to testing to maintain the integrity of the exams. EPA’s National Applicator Certification Core Manual (2nd Ed.) and South Dakota’s Summary of Pesticide Laws and Regulations are available to testers prior to attempting exams. You are strongly encouraged to review those resources. After the exam is completed, testers are permitted to collect those references from the testing administrator or find them online (these cannot be shared with other individuals intending to take commercial applicator certification exams at a later date).
Exam Tips
Exams range from 30 to 70 questions and 2 to 9 references. References range from one page to more than 200 pages. Locating the appropriate information among the references is critical to your success. TIPS: Know how to use tables of contents and appendices to locate sections of relevant information in larger references. Skim reading for keywords can be helpful but requires caution. Exams are given on computers (unless otherwise requested). Knowing how to use the “find function” (ctrl + F) to search for keywords and phrases on webpages is a major advantage. (Practice now! Press “ctrl” and “F” and search the word “exams” by typing it into the dialogue box and hitting “enter” and scrolling through results; then search the phrase “exams are built”. Notice the difference in results.)
Attention and stress management can make the difference between passing and failing long exams. TIPS: Dress comfortably. Take your time. If you find yourself stuck on a question, skip it and return to it later. Do not spend much time reviewing answers—your first guess tends to be correct. If you are feeling cramped, stand up and stretch or walk near your desk. You cannot leave the building, but try to keep yourself as comfortable as possible. Keep distractions at a minimum. We offer limited resources to manage distractions if the office in which you are testing is busy. Ask for quiet, request a quieter location, or ask for a noise cancellation device.
Your success on South Dakota commercial applicator certification exams is not guaranteed! However, if you follow the instructions and tips in this article, you will improve your score and increase your chances of passing!
If you have any questions about pesticide applicator testing, please reach out to Stephen Robertson or Mae Mohror.
