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Pesticide Exam Study Manuals

PLEASE NOTE: If you are planning to take the MA applicator's license exam, you will have to obtain the:

Some of these publications (as indicated) are available as a free download.  Other publications need to be purchased from various shops.  Direct links to purchasing via UMass Extension Bookstore, CornellStore, PennState, etc. are provided.

Description of Pesticide Licenses

Applicators License

This exam prepares you for general pesticide applications on property other than your own. It does not permit you to apply RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDES unless under the direct supervision of a commercial certified applicator or private certified applicator.

Private Certification

These exams prepare you for applying restricted use pesticides on your own property. (This license is usually obtained by farmers.) You only have to take the exam for one category.  Once you obtain the private certification you will be able to purchase and apply restricted use pesticide on all the crops/sites on your agricultural operation.

Dealers License

This exam is intended for individuals that will be selling restricted use pesticides.

Commercial Certification

These exams prepare you for RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE applications on property other than your own. Note: You usually need to have held an applicators license for two years before you are eligible to sit for this/these exam(s). The descriptions of the Commercial Certification Category are found in Section 10 of the Mass Pesticide Regulations (333 CMR 10.00)

Select the appropriate manual for the commercial certification exam that you are taking