Floriculture

Pesticide Licensing | Worker Protection Standard| School Integrated Pest Management

Pesticide Licensing Information

Massachusetts pesticide law requires that all persons who apply pesticides in public areas and private places used for human occupation and habitation must be in possession of a valid license or certification issued by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). In accordance with the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act and the current pesticide regulations, the DFA conducts written examinations to measure competency to use, sell, and apply pesticides in Massachusetts. All exams are closed book and applicants must be at least 18 years of age as of the date of the examination.

How to obtain a MA pesticide license or certification:
Complete information about how to obtain a Massachusetts pesticide license or certification and the exam application is detailed in the Pesticide Examination License Information Bulletin (pdf file)

If you have problems downloading or printing the bulletin, call the Mass. DFA Pesticide Bureau at (617) 626-1785 to have a copy mailed to you.

Call the Bureau on the day before the exam to confirm your seat. Sorry, but there are no refunds of exam processing fees. Snow Dates are scheduled only if the Pesticide Bureau reschedules an exam due to inclement weather. Additional information may be obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Pesticide Bureau; (617) 626-1785 or
The UMass Extension Pesticide Education Program; (413) 545-1044.

Dates and locations for exams are:
Waltham, Cape Cod, Springfield

Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training Workshops
Optional 2-day workshops by the UMass Extension Pesticide Education program are designed to help individuals prepare for the pesticide applicator license exam. Preregistration is required. For a complete list of Pesticide Education Program Workshops, contact Natalia Clifton, UMass Extension at 413-545-1044 or check the Pesticide Education Website.

Top

Worker Protection Standard

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) regulations are designed to reduce poisoning and injuries among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. They regulate pesticide use and require that workers and pesticide handlers be given appropriate training, equipment and information. Growers are required to restrict entry to treated areas; provide notification of pesticide applications; post specific information regarding pesticide applications (what, where and when); assure that workers have received safety training; post safety information; provide decontamination supplies; and provide access to emergency assistance when needed. State agencies generally have primary jurisdiction for enforcing WPS misuse violations. To come into compliance, contact the Pesticide Education Program or the use the EPA website www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/worker.htm.

School Integrated Pest Management

School IPM for Massachusetts
The Act "Protecting Children and Families from Harmful Pesticides" now requires that all schools in the commonwealth control their pests through the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Consequently, all schools within Massachusetts are required to develop and submit their own IPM plans.
For more information check the UMass Extension School IPM Website.