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Be sure to check current state and federal laws and
regulations regarding the proper use, storage, and disposal
of pesticides before applying these chemicals. For
restricted-use pesticides, an applicator is required to be
certified or to work under the direct supervision of a
certified individual.
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Certification--Pesticide
Applicators
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The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act of 1972 (FIFRA) required each state to set up a
program to certify users of pesticides. This certification is
designed to show that users of pesticides know how to
use pesticides safely in order that they do not endanger the
user, his fellowman, or the environment. New Jersey,
through the Pesticide Control Program, began its
certification program in 1975.
Users of pesticides are classified as either private
applicators or commercial applicators. The certification
process is somewhat different for each group. The
definitions of private and commercial applicators are as
follows:
Private Applicator. Any person who uses, or
supervises the use of, pesticides for the purpose of raising
some type of agricultural commodity. The application
can be done on land owned or rented by the applicator or
the applicator's employer. However, any applications
done on a "for-hire" basis are considered commercial
applications. Examples of private applicators are dairy
farmers, vegetable or fruit growers, greenhouse growers,
ranchers, and home gardeners. Private applicators who
purchase and apply restricted-use pesticides must be
certified and registered with the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection, Pesticide Control Program.
Commercial Applicator. Any person who uses, or
supervises the use of, pesticides on a "for-hire" basis; any
person who applies pesticides for nonagricultural
purposes; any person who applies pesticides as a part of
his job with any governmental agency. Examples of
commercial applicators are: exterminators; landscapers;
tree services; crop dusters; weed-control firms; and owners
of apartments, motels, nursing homes, restaurants, etc.,
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who do their own pest control work.
If you are not sure whether you are classified as
private or commercial call the pesticide Control Program
at 609/984-6614.
The following is a description of the certification
process for private and commercial applicators.
Certification is a one-step process involving passing
the "Private Applicator" certification exam. This exam is
based on information contained in the Private Applicator
Training Manual and is a closed-book test. The Private
Applicator Training Manual can be obtained from
any county extension office.The location of your
county extension office can be found in the telephone book
under "County Government." Once you have studied
the Private Applicator Manual and are ready to take
the Core exam, call the Pesticide Control Program at
609/984-6614, and you will be signed up for the
exam.
Once you have passed the "Private Applicator" exam,
you will be fully certified as a private applicator and will
automatically receive registration materials in the mail.
You cannot "use" your certification until you have
received a validated registration card. Certification is
valid for five years.
Once you are fully certified, you must keep up that
certification. That is accomplished by the "Continuing
Certification Program."
Certification is a two-step process. The first step is
to pass the basic "Core" certification exam. This exam is
based on information contained in the Core Training
Manual and is a closed-book exam. The Core Training
Manual can be obtained from any county extension.
The location of your county extension office can be found
in the telephone book under "County Government."
Once you have studied the Core Manual and are
ready to take the Core exam, call the Pesticide Control
Program at 609/984-6614, and you will be signed up
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