Michigan Pesticide Applicator Core Review Sessions, RUP credits and testing for winter 2024 through spring 2025
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EmailEssential information and frequently asked questions regarding the certification process, recertification options and the upcoming Michigan Pesticide Applicator Core Review Sessions.
As we move into the winter season and look ahead to spring, it’s crucial for pesticide applicators across Michigan’s agriculture and related industries to stay current with training and certification opportunities. Fall is a critical time for both commercial and private applicators to focus on certification. For some, it’s about preparing for the upcoming growing season by ensuring their credentials are valid. For others, it’s driven by the need to renew certifications before they expire on Dec. 31 every third year, ensuring compliance with state regulations and maintaining their ability to operate.
Becoming a certified pesticide applicator in Michigan is an essential step for anyone using pesticides in agricultural, commercial or residential settings. Certification guarantees that applicators are knowledgeable about safety, proper pesticide usage and adherence to state regulations.
To further support Michigan pesticide applicators, the Michigan State University Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) has developed this short FAQ to help Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) applicators find the best testing and recertification opportunities.
Important note to those who are recertifying: Be sure to have your applicator license number handy when you are attending an education session or taking the exam.
What is pesticide certification?
In Michigan, pesticide certification is a process required for individuals who intend to apply or supervise the application of pesticides, particularly for those using RUPs. Certification ensures that applicators have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle and apply pesticides, protecting public health, the environment and non-target organisms. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has developed a handy flowchart to help you determine whether a certification is the appropriate option for you.
What are different types of certifications?
- Private applicator certification
- Commercial applicator certification
- Registered applicator
Private applicator certification: This is for individuals who use or supervise the use of RUPs for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on their own lands or their employer's land, or on land rented to them. Applicators must pass the private core exam.
Commercial applicator certification: This is for individuals who apply RUPs for-hire or during their employment. All commercial applicators must pass the commercial core exam and at least one category exam depending on the type of applications being completed. See the Commercial Pesticide Application Certification Categories List to decide which categories to include on your application.
Registered applicator: This is may be appropriate for applicators who apply general-use pesticides for a commercial purpose under the supervision of a certified applicator. Registered applicators are not allowed to apply RUPs. Registered applicators must be trained by an MDARD-approved trainer using an MDARD-approved training program that meets Regulation 636, Rule 8, Subrule 9 requirements. Approved trainers must pass the Registered Applicator Trainer Exam and be a commercially certified applicator with at least two seasons of experience applying pesticides in the categories which they will train registered applicators. A Registered Applicator Trainer Manual is available for trainers to study for the exam. Exams are conducted virtual and is administered by PSEP coordinator Safa Alzohairy. Contact Alzohairy at safa@msu.edu to schedule your exam.
What are the requirements to become commercial pesticide applicator?
To become a commercial certified applicator, individuals must be 18 years of age or older. Each applicator is required to pass the Commercial Core Exam, which includes the national pesticide standards and the Michigan pesticide standards (addendum). These are two separate study manuals. In addition, study the manuals for the appropriate categories of pesticide applications need and then take the correlating exams.
What are the requirements to become a private pesticide applicator?
To become a private certified applicator, individuals must be 18 years of age or older. Each applicator is required to pass the Private Core Exam, which includes the national pesticide standards and the Michigan pesticide standards. These are two separate study manuals. If you are applying fumigants, you also need to have the fumigation standard. The aerial standard is only required for private applicators when they are planning to aerially apply restricted use pesticides.
Where can we purchase updated training manuals?
Private core, commercial core and category manuals can be purchased online at the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) website. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension county offices may also have copies available for purchase. Visit MSU Extension's website to locate the county Extension office nearest to you. It is recommended to call ahead for availability.
What are different options for taking the exam?
After studying and once ready to take the exam, there are three testing options available:
- Paper-based in-person exams (with core review sessions) are available through MSU Extension.
- Computer-based in-person exams are available through the Metro Institute.
- Computer-based remotely-proctored exams are available through the Metro Institute.
What are core review sessions?
These 4-hour sessions cover each chapter of the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual and are designed to train handlers on the proper techniques for mixing, loading and applying pesticides. The review sessions take place in the morning and are intended to prepare participants for the MDARD RUP test, which will be administered in the afternoon. The morning session is mandatory for those planning to take the test. Available tests include Private Core, Fumigation Standard, Aerial Standard and Commercial Core applicator exams. For your convenience, both the Commercial and Private Core exams are offered in English and Spanish.
Many applicators have found this program to be both practical and beneficial. The fee for the core review class is $25. Payment is to Michigan State University. You can pay by credit card when checking out, and mail payment to the address on the confirmation/invoice or bring a check with you to the session. Checks are made payable to Michigan State University or MSU. Receipts will be sent to the email address provided with the registration.
Note: No commercial category exams will be offered at these sessions. Category exams are offered only through Metro Institute.
NEW to 2024-2025
RUP recertification credits are now available at Core Review Sessions Winter 2024 - Spring 2025. When registering, you need to indicate if you want credits. Four RUP credits for the core are allowed at these sessions.
Where and when are core review and testing sessions available?
MSU Extension, PSEP and MDARD are providing 25 sessions scheduled throughout the state between December 2024 and May 2025. It is important to note that participants must attend the core review if they plan to take the test in-person. A complete list of available sessions, along with registration and additional information, can be found at MDARD In-Person Core Testing and Core Review.
Are there other online core review options available through MSU Extension?
Yes! For those that prefer a more structured learning environment, MSU Extension offers a more formal Pesticide Applicator Training Course. Those that complete the course will receive 12 RUP credits that can be applied to their private or commercial core license.
What is the Metro Institute?
The Metro Institute is a private company that has been authorized by MDARD to administer pesticide applicator certification tests. You can access their site through the Metro Institute – Michigan Testing Site. Metro Institute requires an account on their website before signing up for an exam session. Once the account is created, sign up for either in-person or remotely proctored exams. If planning on taking remotely proctored exams, select so when Metro Institute asks for an exam location. Exams can also be scheduled by calling Metro Institute at 877-533-2900. Note, Metro Institute’s main office is in Arizona.
Where can I go to take an in-person computer-based test?
The Metro Institute has 21 locations throughout Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula.
How does the computer-based remotely-proctored exam work?
This exam is designed to be taken from your home or office. It requires applicants to have:
- Stable internet connection
- A moveable camera
- A microphone
- A quite clean/clear space
MDARD recommends logging into the system and accessing the exam at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. View a training video that walks you through the exam process.
How do I sign up for a computer-based exam?
Registration for a computer-based exam with the Metro Institute is available on their website.
How much do these options cost?
MDARD certification fees:
- Private applicator fee is $50
- Commercial applicator fee is $75
Testing costs:
- MSU Extension core review session followed by paper-based in-person exam: $25
- Metro Institute computer-based in-person exam: $55
- Metro Institute remote-proctored exam: $65
Note that the testing costs are in addition to the certification fees. MDARD emphasizes that the certification process is not complete until applicators have submitted a completed license application and the application fee.
All of this information and more can be found at the MDARD Pesticide Applicator Certification webpage.
Does MSU Extension have any scheduled programs that offer pesticide education credits before the end of the year?
The Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo and Great Lakes Expo are being held Dec. 10-12, 2024, at Devos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn RUP credits at selected education sessions.
MSU Extension, PSEP and MDARD will provide Pesticide Safety and Worker Protection Safety classes at the 2024 Great Lakes Expo in both English and Spanish on Dec. 12. In-person testing and recertification through earning RUP credits will be available. Click for registration and more information about this event.
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Academy is a self-paced online course that uses a combination of videos, resources and interactive content. Those who complete the course can request six RUP credits.
Other MSU self-paced courses that provide RUP credits are available at MSU Extension Self-Paced Classes with RUP Credits.
Are there any other opportunities to earn education credits?
All seminars that offer RUP credits are listed on MDARD's recertification seminar webpage. Use the “Find a Recertification Seminar” dropdown, search for seminars using the two reports:
- “Search for online seminars” includes events that may be accessed at any time and completed in a self-paced manner.
- “Search for other seminar events” includes live in-person and webinar events.
For other common certification and recertification frequently asked questions, visit the MSU PSEP FAQs or the MDARD FAQs. To see your current credit status, go to Applicator Credit Report.
