Pesticide Applicators Reminded to Complete Required Training, Testing Requirements
Private Pesticide Applicator Training Due Sept. 30, In-Person Commercial Pesticide Applicator Testing Available
DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 27, 2020) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today reminded private pesticide applicators to complete their yearly private applicator training requirements by Sept. 30, 2020. The annual April 15 deadline was extended to Sept. 30 this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department is also adding in-person testing sites in September to help commercial and private pesticide applicators get certified.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have offered additional flexibility, training and testing options to help meet the needs of pesticide applicators,” said Secretary Naig. “We appreciate our continued partnership with the agriculture community and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Together, we’re ensuring pesticide applicators have opportunities to complete their training and testing requirements so they can maintain business continuity during these challenging times.”
Private Pesticide Applicator Training Due Sept. 30
In-person private pesticide applicator training is offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at many offices around the state. Pre-registration is required. For a list of upcoming training dates and locations, and more information about the site’s COVID-19 protocols, pesticide applicators should contact their local ISU Extension office or visit extension.iastate.edu/countyservices/.
In-Person Commercial and Private Pesticide Applicator Testing Available
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is resuming in-person testing sites to help commercial and private pesticide applicators obtain their certifications after COVID-19 caused the cancellation of several in-person testing sessions earlier this spring.
Beginning Sept. 4, in-person commercial and private pesticide applicator exams will be available at select Iowa State University County Extension offices. Individuals will take the tests in-person using social distancing guidelines to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Pre-registration is required to take the exam. Pesticide applicators can sign-up for in-person testing here.
Online Private Applicator Exam Available
Private pesticide applicators who want to obtain or renew their certifications can register to take the private certification exam online. To register for the online exam, visit stateofiowa.seamlessdocs.com/f/PrivatePesticideExamRegistration.
Once applicants pass the online exam, they will use their certification number to log-in to the self-service portal and submit their application, test results and payment. Once the application, payment, training and testing information are received and processed by the Pesticide Bureau, the licenses and certifications will be sent directly to the applicants.
Applicants can also mail their test results, training and application forms, and payments to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Pesticide Bureau to obtain the private applicator certificate.
Register for the Self-Service Pesticide Portal
In April, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship launched an online, self-service portal. The portal uses each pesticide applicator’s unique certification number to match their application and payment to their training and testing history.
By moving the process online, individual pesticide applicators can access their records anytime by logging into the self-service portal. The system also has a public search function that empowers customers and employers to verify that their pesticide applicators are licensed to work in the state of Iowa. To register for the self-service portal, visit iowaagriculture.force.com/pesticideapplicator/s/login/SelfRegister.
Additional Information
For additional information about COVID-19-related pesticide applicator training and testing options, visit iowaagriculture.gov/covid-19.
For information regarding pesticide applicator licensing and certification, call the Pesticide Bureau at 515-281-8591 or email pesticides@iowaagriculture.gov.