Certified ApplicatorApplicatorCertPrep

Categories · federal

Demonstration and research

People who demonstrate application techniques publicly or apply restricted products in research. Extension educators and researchers certify here.

What the regulation says

40 CFR 171.101, as published

(j) Demonstration and research. This category applies to individuals who demonstrate to the public the proper use and techniques of application of restricted use pesticides or supervise such demonstration and to persons conducting field research with restricted use pesticides, and in doing so, use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides. This includes such individuals as extension specialists and county agents, commercial representatives demonstrating restricted use pesticide products, individuals demonstrating application or pest control methods used in public or private programs, and State, Federal, commercial, and other persons conducting field research on or involving restricted use pesticides.

States may define additional categories and set category-specific requirements; your state lead agency is the authority.

Who certifies here

Extension personnel, university and industry researchers, product-trial contractors.

The requirements every category shares

  • Commercial applicator certification by written examination, with a minimum age of 18.
  • Certification expires five years after issuance under the federal standard; your authority may set a shorter period.
  • Renewal by re-examination or an approved continuing education program.
  • Noncertified workers may operate under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, subject to the supervision requirements.

Other categories

The certification map

One printable page: private vs commercial, every federal category, and the five-year clock with the exam-or-CE choice. Free.

No spam. One useful sheet and occasional notes.