Glossary · 16 terms

The vocabulary

The words the authority, the course and the exam all assume you know.

A pesticide that may only be applied by certified applicators or persons working under their direct supervision.

A pesticide anyone may purchase and apply, provided the label directions are followed.

The legally binding document attached to a pesticide product that governs how it may be used.

A certified applicator who uses restricted use pesticides to produce an agricultural commodity on their own or their employer's land.

A certified applicator who uses or supervises restricted use pesticides for purposes outside the private applicator definition, typically for hire.

A person who has demonstrated the competency required to use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides.

The arrangement under which noncertified applicators may lawfully apply restricted use pesticides under a certified applicator's responsibility.

The state agency that administers pesticide applicator certification and enforcement under an EPA-approved plan.

The land-grant university outreach organization that publishes applicator study manuals and training in most states.

A defined area of pesticide work, such as ornamental and turf or aerial application, in which an applicator certifies separately.

The foundation examination covering knowledge every applicator needs, taken alongside category-specific exams.

The process of renewing an applicator certification before it expires, by examination or approved continuing education.

Approved training that certified applicators complete to maintain their certification without retesting.

Clothing and devices worn to reduce pesticide exposure, as specified by the product label.

The movement of pesticide off the target site during application, a central risk applicators are trained to manage.

An approach that combines prevention, monitoring, and multiple control methods, using pesticides as one tool among several.