Certification and Licensing

Transcription

1 W. Buhler Pesticide Applicator Certification and Licensing If you apply restricted-use pesticides to agricultural commodities, you must be certified or supervised by someone who is certified. And anyone who accepts compensation for applying any pesticide on someone else s property must be licensed. Here are the facts about certification and licensing for private and commercial pesticide applicators in North Carolina.* Pesticides are vital tools for managing pests that reduce crop yield and quality, spread disease, congest our waterways, or jeopardize our quality of life. The misuse of pesticides, however, can threaten our health and environment. State and federal pesticide laws require applicators to be certified by passing one or more examinations about pesticides and their safe use. Pesticides are classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as either general-use or restricted-use. Restricted-use pesticides have a greater potential to harm humans, the environment, or both. Only a certified pesticide applicator or someone who works under his or her supervision may apply restricted-use pesticides. There are two classifications of certified applicators: private and commercial. To become certified in North Carolina, applicators must score 70 percent or more on the appropriate closedbook, multiple-choice exam or exams. The North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971 further requires licensing of any individual who is compensated to apply any pesticide (whether restricted-use or general-use) to someone else s property; any public operator; and any golf course operator. Pest control consultants and *For information about certification and licensing for pesticide applications in and around homes and commercial buildings, see Structural Pest Control: A Certification Manual for North Carolina, available through the Pesticide Safety Education Program at NC State University. Certification requires knowledge of the proper clothing, equipment, and methods to use when mixing and applying pesticides. dealers who sell restricted-use pesticides also must be licensed. Training and Testing North Carolina Cooperative Extension conducts 2-day pesticide schools to prepare prospective applicators for the private and commercial applicator certification exams. Attendance at a pesticide school is not required for certification. Anyone who wants to be certified as a pesticide applicator must take the appropriate exam(s). To register for an exam only, call the NCDA&CS (see the contact information on page 5). Exam dates and locations are listed on the Pesticide Safety Education Program and the NCDA&CS Web sites. The certification exams are developed, administered, and graded by the Struc- M. J. Weaver, pesticidepics.org 1

2 tural Pest Control & Pesticides Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). Exam questions come from study manuals that may be purchased from the Pesticide Safety Education Program at N.C. State University. Order the study materials at least three weeks before taking an exam to allow adequate time to read and review the information. Some exams are available in Spanish. Fees apply to all exams. Bring a No. 2 pencil, calculator, and valid photo ID to the exam site. Payment can be made by check (payable to NCDA&CS) or money order at the exam site. Exam results will be mailed by NCDA&CS within one to two weeks. Results are also available online through the NCDA&CS Web site, generally within 3 to 7 business days. If necessary, an exam may be taken three times in one calendar year. Private Pesticide Applicators Private pesticide applicators use or supervise the use of a restricted-use pesticide to produce an agricultural commodity on their own property, rented property, or property owned by their employers. An agricultural commodity is any plant or part of a plant, as well as any animal or animal product, produced for sale, feed, food, or other uses. Examples of private applicators include farmers, nursery operators, Christmas tree growers, and sod producers. A private applicator must be at least 1 years old before participating in a certification program. Requirements for Initial Certification Pass the 50-question multiple-choice Private Applicator Exam ($10 fee) based on the Applying Pesticides Correctly manual and chapters 4 and 5 of the Private Applicator (Farmers) Workbook. The NCDA&CS will send an attestation form (Application for Private Pesticide Certification) to people who pass the certification exam. The attestation form is a legal document attesting that the applicant is involved in the production of an agricultural commodity. Sign the attestation form and return it with a $10 check or money order payable to NCDA&CS. Upon receipt of the signed form and payment, the NCDA&CS will send the Private Applicator Certification Card. The card will expire on December 31 of the third year following the year of initial certification. Recertification Private applicators must recertify every three years by completing one of the following requirements: Earn 4 hours of continuing education credits. Twohour pesticide safety classes (category V training) are offered at each county Cooperative Extension center. In addition to this 2-hour pesticide safety class, each private applicator must attend at least 2 hours of specialized training (category X training) during the three-year recertification period. OR Pay for and pass the Private Applicator Exam again with a minimum score of 70 percent on a written exam administered by the NCDA&CS. Recertification through earning continuing education credits must be completed by September 30 of the year in which certification expires. Private applicators who have not completed the 4 hours of training by September 30 must take the written exam for recertification. Following completion of recertification requirements, private pesticide applicators will receive a Certification Renewal Application from NCDA&CS. This form must be signed and returned to the NCDA&CS with a $10 renewal fee payable by check or money order. Once the application and fee are processed, certification will be renewed for three years, and a new certification card will be mailed to the applicator. Specialized Training Credits Specialized training credits (category X training) for private pesticide applicators may be earned by attending educational meetings approved for credit by NCDA&CS and conducted by Cooperative Extension, commodity groups, private industry, or other associations. Call your county Extension center or visit the Pesticide Safety Education Program or the NCDA&CS Pesticide Section Web sites for a listing of approved classes. Single-Purchase Emergency Certification Permit An individual who did not anticipate the need for a restricted-use pesticide and who has not previously been certified as a private pesticide applicator may obtain a one-time, emergency-use permit from his county Extension center pesticide coordinator. This permit authorizes the purchase and use of one restricted use pesticide for one application to a crop or site. It is made available at the discretion of the county pesticide coordinator. A completed copy of the single-purchase emergency-use permit must be turned over to the licensed pesticide dealer when the purchase is made. Anyone who uses a one-time emergency-use permit must become certified if he or she plans to use restricted-use pesticides again. Pesticide users in North Carolina can be issued only one single-purchase emergency-use permit. Commercial Pesticide Applicators A commercial applicator is anyone who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide on someone else s property for compensation. Commercial applicators must be licensed with the NCDA&CS. Applicators must be certified in all categories in which they will operate. See Table 1.1 for a list of categories and their letter designations. Study manuals are available for all the certification exams. 2

3 Table 1.1 Commercial Applicator certification (specialty area) categories and recertification requirements. (Dealer and Aerial are considered license types, but each has a certification exam.) Category and Letter Designation Aquatic (A) Subclass: Antifouling paints Public Health (B) Purpose Pest control in and around water; Antifouling paints protect hulls of boats Control of pests affecting human health (excludes bedbugs and other structural pests) Recertification Hours Dealer (D) Sales of restricted-use pesticides 5 Forest (G) Pest control in large forest areas Right of Way (H) Regulatory (I) Pest control along highways, railroads, and utilities Control of regulated pests (e.g., witchweed, gypsy moth) 4 M. J. Weaver, pesticidepics.org Commercial applicators must be certified in (a) at least one specialty category and (b) in all categories in which they will operate. Ag. Pest-Animal (K) Subclass: Livestock Subclass: Poultry Subclass: Pets Ornamental & Turf (L) Control of pests affecting animals (livestock, poultry, or pets) Control of pests affecting ornamentals, shade trees, and turf Seed Treatment (M) Control of pests affecting seeds 3 Demonstration & Research (N)* Ag. Pest-Plant (O) Pesticides used in field demonstration or research programs Commercial application of pesticides in farming Aerial (P)* Pesticide application using aircraft 1** Wood Treatment (T) Use of restricted-use pesticides in/on wood 4 *Demonstration & Research and Aerial must be combined with another category or subclass that is appropriate for the site(s) where pesticide(s) will be applied. **Aerial applicators must earn 1 credit hour in aerial methods, an additional 3 credits for the first subclass, and 1 credit for each additional subclass on their Aerial License (during a two-year certification cycle). Requirements for Initial Certification Initial certification in most commercial applicator categories requires passing two exams: the Core Exam based on the material in the Applying Pesticides Correctly and North Carolina Pesticide Laws and Regulations manuals, and an exam for a category (50 questions). Exam fees, payable to NCDA&CS, are $50 for the Core and $20 for each category. Additional categories may be added by passing the appropriate category exam without taking the Core Exam a second time (provided that the Core Exam was passed in 2004 or later). NCDA&CS will send a Pesticide License Application to any person who passes both exams. The signed form must be returned to NCDA&CS with the $75 licensing fee (this fee is not required for public operators; see License Types ). Licensing is described in greater detail in the next section. Commercial applicator certification expires on December 31 of the fifth year following initial certification. There are two recertification options: Earn the required number of continuing certification credits by June 30 of the year in which certification expires. OR Pay for and pass the Core Exam and specialized category area exam(s) again. Recertification The number of recertification credit hours needed for each category is listed in Table 1.1. Credits must be earned in at least two years during the five-year certification period. Pesticide-recertification credits may be earned by attending educational programs that have been pre-approved for credits by NCDA&CS. To locate meetings approved for recertification credits, call your county Cooperative Extension center or visit the NCDA&CS Web site. Make certain that the recertification program is approved for the required specialization category. The NCDA&CS sends periodic reports of credits received and credits needed. Pesticide-recertification 3

4 credit status (number of credits earned per category) can also be checked through the NCDA&CS Web site by clicking on the link to Credit Status Search. Allow two to three weeks for attendance records to be posted on this Web site. Credits are not carried over from one recertification period to the next. Taking and passing the appropriate certification exam is the only alternative to recertification via continuing education credits. Individuals certified in two or more categories must complete the total number of credits in the category carrying the highest requirement and then three credits in each additional category. For example, Ornamentals and Turf (L) requires 10 credits, and Aquatics (A) requires credits. A person certified in both categories is required to obtain 10 credits for (L) and 3 credits for (A). Note that Demonstration and Research always requires 10 credits for renewal. Credits for all categories added during a recertification period must be earned prior to the expiration date of the initial recertification period. Licensing A license is an official or legal document that gives permission to apply or supervise the application of any pesticide within the context of an applicator s business or employment. Only a certified applicator in good standing can apply for a pesticide license. The North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971 requires each business location to have a licensed pesticide applicator on staff. All licenses expire each year on December 31 and are renewed annually. Only an individual with valid certification may renew a pesticide license by submitting a signed application with a licensing fee of $75. A commercial applicator must be licensed in any year in which the applicator will be applying pesticides or supervising their use. The license also is required to purchase a restricted-use pesticide. An applicator must be 18 years old by January 1 of the year in which the license application is submitted. Each category of certification is printed on the pesticide license (by letter designation). The five license categories are described below. License Types 1. Commercial Applicator: Anyone who, for compensation, uses or supervises the use of any pesticide on the property of another. This category may be referred to as commercial ground applicator to distinguish it from pesticides applied by aircraft (aerial applicator). A note about supervision: The North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971 permits an unlicensed pesticide user to apply pesticides under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator. Unless stated otherwise on the pesticide label, the supervisor does not have to be physically present at the treatment site, but must maintain reasonable communication (such as phone or radio contact) with the supervised applicator and must be able to respond to emergencies. The applicator being supervised should be trained in following the label instructions and be familiar with safe handling techniques and pertinent laws and regulations. A licensed applicator will be held responsible for any misuse of a pesticide by anyone working under his/her supervision. 2. Public Operator: Anyone who applies or supervises the application of pesticides for town, city, county, state, or federal government agencies must be licensed as a public operator. Public utility employees are also considered public operators. Public operators study the same manuals and take the same exams as commercial applicators. No license fee is required for government employees, but an annual licensing application must be submitted to NCDA&CS each year. Public utility employees must pay an annual licensing fee ($75). Public operator licenses can be mailed only to the address of a government agency or the utility. To apply pesticides outside of regular government or utility employment requires a Commercial Applicator License or Private Applicator Certificate. Contact the NCDA&CS for the proper procedures. 3. Pesticide Dealer: Any individual who sells restricteduse pesticides to certified or licensed end users must have a pesticide dealer s license. Each sales outlet must have a licensed dealer. Dealer certification requires passing the Dealer Exam ($50 fee). No specialty area is needed. A pesticide dealer license must be renewed annually ($75 fee). A dealer cannot legally apply pesticides to the property of another person without an applicator license. 4. Aerial Applicator: An Aerial Applicator License is required for any individual who applies pesticides by aircraft. Applicants for aerial licenses (pilot, contractor, or apprentice) must first meet all requirements of the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) to operate the equipment described in an application. A contractor must have an operating certificate issued by the FAA, and all pilots must have a commercial-type license issued by the FAA. Pilots must have completed at least 125 hours and have one year s flying experience in aerial pesticide application. A pilot with less than 125 hours and one year s experience will be licensed as an apprentice and must operate under the direct supervision of a licensed pilot. The aerial applicator is required to pass the Core Exam ($50 fee), an exam in aerial methods ($50 fee), and an exam in the specialty area(s). Specialty area exam fees are $20 each. An aerial applicator can be certified in any specialty area listed in Table 1.1 except Seed Treatment, Wood Treatment, or Ag Pest-Animal. Aerial applicator certification expires on December 31 of the second year following initial certification. Recertification by training requires 4 hours of approved credits: 3 hours for the first specialty category, and 1 hour in aerial methods. Credits must be obtained by June 30 of the second year following certification. Aerial 4

5 The Aerial Applicator License must be renewed annually. USDA-ARS applicators certified in more than one category must complete 1 extra hour of training for each additional specialty area. The Aerial Applicator License must be renewed annually ($75). Annual inspections of aircraft by NCDA&CS cost $ Pest Control Consultant: Anyone who, for a fee, offers or supplies technical advice, supervision, or aid, or recommends the use of specific pesticides for the purpose of controlling insects, plant disease, weeds, or other pests must obtain a Pest Control Consultant License ($75 annual fee). Individuals applying for this license must submit to NCDA&CS a transcript showing completion of a four-year degree in an agricultural or biological science from an accredited college or university. A minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of credit must be documented in subject areas pertinent to the specialty area(s) in which the individual wishes to consult. If the above educational requirements are met, a consultant must take a written consultant s exam ($50 fee) and purchase the license ($75 fee) to become licensed as a pest control consultant. Passing a category-specific exam in the area of consultation (such as agriculture, forestry, or ornamental and turf) is required as well. A pest control consultant cannot legally apply pesticides to the property of another unless licensed as an applicator. Reciprocal Licenses Reciprocal pesticide-applicator licenses for commercial ground applicators are available to nonresidents who hold valid certification/license cards from Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida and who expect to make pesticide applications in North Carolina. Eligibility for a reciprocal license requires passing a written pesticide-certification exam in Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida. The annual cost of a reciprocal license is $75. Pesticide recertification can be maintained through the applicator s home state or by earning the appropriate number of credits in North Carolina. Reciprocal licenses are not available for pesticide dealers or pest control consultants. Aerial applicator reciprocal licenses are issued in the subclass of public health only and are granted only upon the declaration of a public health emergency by an authorized government official. Aerial applicator reciprocity is limited to Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Mississippi. This reciprocal license costs $75 per year. Applicators who are licensed in North Carolina may qualify for a similar license in another state. Contact the appropriate state agency for details. A list of state regulatory agencies can be found at npic/state1.htm. Recertification Course Approval All educational programs for pesticide recertification credit (private and commercial) must be pre-approved by the NCDA&CS. Course sponsors may apply for pesticide continuing education (recertification) credits online at creditapr.asp. Credit will be given only for pesticide-related topics. The number of credit hours equates to the number of hours of pesticide training scheduled. Approval is sent to the training sponsor via . Recertification classes for the Private Applicator V category (safety training) may be conducted only by Cooperative Extension. Resources For information on pesticide training manuals and schools: Pesticide Safety Education Program Department of Horticultural Science North Carolina State University Campus Box 709, Raleigh, NC For information on pesticide laws, certification exams, and licensing: North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division Pesticide Section 1090 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC

6 Table 1.2. Summary of Certification and Licensing Requirements Certification Type Initial Certification Process Expiration Recertification Process Fee Private applicator (minimum age 1) 1. Pass the 50-question multiplechoice Private Applicator Exam ($10). 2. Sign the attestation form and return it to NCDA&CS. This form is a legal document attesting to the applicant s involvement in the production of an agricultural commodity. December 31 of the 3rd year. Option 1. By Sept. 30 of the 3 rd year, earn 4 credit hours (2 hours of pesticide safety and 2 hours of specialized training) Option 2. Pass the Private Applicator Exam again. $10 per 3 years Commercial applicator (minimum age 18 by Jan. 1 of licensing year) 1. Pass two exams: the Core Exam on the core material and pesticide laws (100 questions) and the exam for the specialized category. Additional categories may be added by passing the category exam without taking the Core Exam a second time if the Core Exam was passed after August NCDA&CS will send a Pesticide License Application to people who pass both exams. December 31 of the 5th year. Option 1. By June 30 of the 5 th year, earn the required number of continuing certification credits.* Option 2. Pass the Core Exam and the category exam(s) again. $50 for Core Exam; $20 for each category exam License Commercial applicators must have a current license to apply pesticides. December 31 annually. Only individuals with valid certification may renew a pesticide license. Reciprocal Licenses For holders of valid certification/license cards from Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida who expect to make pesticide applications in North Carolina. Eligibility for a reciprocal license requires passing a written pesticide-certification exam in one of those states. $75 per year *The number of recertification credit hours needed for each category is listed in Table 1.1. Credits must be earned in at least two calendar years during the five-year certification period. Acknowledgement: Table 1.2 prepared by Lynn Padgett Publications, Rutherfordton, NC Prepared by Wayne Buhler, Department of Horticultural Science in collaboration with the Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division of the NCDA&CS Published by NORTH CAROLINA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION NC STATE UNIVERSITY Distributed in furtherance of the acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. 11-CALS /10 BS/KEL AG-714W