Pesticide Education and Safety Program
- For Vermont Pesticide Applicator Core Manual training resources click here.
- For Pesticide Applicator Reports click here.
- For 2008 Initial Certification Exam Review and Vermont Pesticide Applicator's Exam information click here.
Anyone in Vermont who applies Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) for their own agricultural operations or as part of a paying job must be certified by the state. The following questions will define the steps necessary to obtain certification.
Vermont classifies all registered pesticides used, sold, distributed or manufactured within the state into 3 categories:
- CLASS "A" Restricted Use-Federal
These pesticides have the EPA designation "RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE" on the label.
- CLASS "B" Controlled sale -These pesticides are less hazardous than Class "A" but require some control over where the products are sold. Class "B" pesticides are generally for use outside the home and contain more than 3% total active ingredient. These include all turf care products (except those containing Bt or potassium fatty acids) regardless of percent active ingredient.
- CLASS "C" Homeowner/Specialty -These pesticides are general use products used around the home with less that 3% active ingredient.
- A Private Applicator’s License in Vermont is required for applicators who purchase, use and/or supervise the use of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) in the production of an agricultural commodity (products from farms, nurseries, greenhouses and forests) on property that they, or their employers, own, rent or lease.
- A Commercial Applicator’s License in Vermont is required for applicators over the age of 18 who apply or supervise the application of all classes of pesticides for other individuals for pay. Commercial Applicators are certified in one or more categories and may use pesticides only in the category(ies) in which they are certified.
- A Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator is a pesticide applicator who applies or supervises the application of class A or class B pesticides in the course of his/her employment. These individuals may only use or supervise the use of class A or class B pesticides in the categories in which they are certified and only in the performance of their assigned duties.
- To become a certified pesticide applicator in Vermont, you must pass a written exam made up of a variety of multiple choice, true/false, matching and short answer questions derived from the Cornell Core Manual and the inserts on the Vermont Regulations. Commercial and noncommercial applicators must also take one or more category exam(s) which test their specific knowledge of the way in which they intend to use pesticides.
- You must call 828-3482 in advance to schedule an exam at one of the locations below.
- There is no fee for taking the exam the first time. If you need to retake the exam, there is a $25.00 fee.
- Commercial and noncommercial applicators must pay a $25.00 fee per category each year to maintain certification. Federal, state, and municipal government employees are exempt.
- Companies employing certified pesticide applicators must obtain a company pesticide license for an annual fee of $50.00.
Please register in advance for exams by calling (802) 828-3475. Space may be limited. Exams are closed book. Please bring a calculator.
- Vermont Department of Agriculture, 116 State St., Montpelier, (802) 828-3475, every Wednesday morning at 9:00am.
- Brattleboro, 11 University Way, #4, (802) 257-7967, on the first Thursday of every month.
- Burlington, 655 Spear Street, University of Vermont, (802) 656-5433, on the third Tuesday of ODD months.
- Newport, 338 Highland Avenue, (802) 334-7325, on the second Wednesday of every month.
- Rutland, Howe Center Business Park, 1 Scale Ave., Unit 55, (802) 773-3349, on the first Monday of every month.
- St. Albans, 278 S. Main St., Suite 2, (802) 524-6501, on the third Tuesday of EVEN months.
- St. Johnsbury, 107 Eastern Avenue, (802) 751-8307, on the first Thursday of each month.
- Both the Private and Commercial Core Exams are based on the Cornell Core Manual.
- Core manuals can be purchased for $33.00 from the Plant Industry Division of the Vermont Department of Agriculture, 116 State St., Drawer 20, Montpelier, VT 05620-2901. Category manuals range in price from $15 to $30. Check with the Vermont Department of Agriculture for prices. Checks should be made out to the VT Department of Agriculture.
- For Vermont Pesticide Applicators Core Manual training resources click here
- Applicator certificates are valid for five years and they may be renewed by reexamination or by attending recertification seminars and other continuing education programs. Certificate renewal requires eight hours of recertification instruction for private applicators and sixteen hours for commercial applicators over a 5 year period.
- For a current recertification training schedule please visit the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food & Markets Pesticide Credits Schedule for more information.
- Ann Hazelrigg
- Plant Diagnostic Clinic
- 235 Hills Building, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
- Tel: (802) 656-0493
- Fax: (802) 656-4656
- ann.hazelrigg@uvm.edu
-
- Matt Wood
Plant Industry Division
Department of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St., Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620
Tel: (802) 828-3482
Matthew.Wood@state.vt.us
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. If you require special accommodations or financial assistance to participate in this program, please contact Ann Hazelrigg at (802) 656-0493 so we may assist you.
