New self-paced ornamental plant pest management course offers Category 3B exam preparation and 8 RUP recertification credits
The MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program offers a self-paced online course to help pesticide applicators prepare for the Category 3B certification exam or earn eight restricted-use pesticide recertification credits in Category 3B or Private Core.
Pesticide applicators preparing for certification or seeking recertification can take advantage of a self-paced online learning opportunity developed by Michigan State University’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The Ornamental Plant Pest Management course provides an alternative to studying solely from a printed manual, allowing learners to listen to recorded presentations, participate in interactive activities and complete quizzes at their own pace.
The course is designed for individuals preparing to take the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Category 3B certification exam, as well as currently certified applicators seeking recertification credits. It follows the Ornamental Pest Management Manual and includes nine modules covering all manual content.
Two opportunities in one online course
Prepare for the Category 3B certification exam. The course provides a structured way to study the complete manual content through recorded presentations that learners can listen to at their own pace. Interactive activities and quizzes reinforce learning and help learners review key concepts as they prepare for the MDARD Category 3B certification exam.
This format may be particularly helpful for individuals who find reading and studying a lengthy printed manual challenging, including some people with reading disabilities, by providing another way to engage with the material.
Earn eight RUP recertification credits. Currently certified pesticide applicators can earn eight restricted-use pesticide (RUP) recertification credits in Commercial Category 3B or Private Core upon successful completion of the course. This provides an online option for applicators seeking to fulfill their recertification credit requirements.
Flexible learning at your own pace
Whether preparing for certification or maintaining an existing credential, learners can work through the nine modules on their own schedule. The recorded presentations, interactive activities and quizzes provide opportunities to engage with the material and reinforce understanding throughout the course.
By offering an alternative to studying exclusively from a printed manual, the course may also help broaden access to pesticide education for learners with different learning needs and preferences.
Registration fee and group discounts
The online course is self-paced and available for a registration fee of $60 per participant. Groups registering 10 or more participants are eligible for discounted rates.
Participants must create a Michigan State University Guest Account to register. After registration, participants will receive instructions by email on how to access the course materials.
Learn more and register
Visit the Ornamental Plant Pest Management course page to learn more and register.
Michigan State University’s Pesticide Safety Education Program will continue expanding its online, self-paced offerings to support Michigan’s agricultural workforce. In addition to the ornamental plant pest management course, a complimentary field crop pest management course, fruit pest management course and vegetable pest management course are also available for applicators seeking additional training opportunities.
For additional pesticide applicator certification and recertification resources, visit the MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program website.