How do I find pesticide education resources, review manuals and applicator tests?

Heidi Lindberg<wollaege@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Use these frequently asked questions to find Worker Protection Standards (WPS) resources, purchase pesticide applicator review manuals, and sign up for MDARD pesticide applicator test.

Sprayer in Christmas tree field
Photo by Heidi Lindberg, MSU Extension

Michigan State University Extension educators get many questions about pesticide resources, pesticide recertification reviews and tests. Here are some of the most common questions.

Where can I purchase pesticide manuals?

Those applying for a commercial or private pesticide applicators license in Michigan can purchase Michigan Pesticide Applicator Core and Category Pesticide Safety Training Manuals on the National Pesticide Safety Education Center website. The private core and commercial core manuals (in English and Spanish) should be available at your local MSU Extension office as well.

Where can I find Worker Protection Standards (WPS) resources?

Up-to-date pesticide resources can be found on the National Pesticide Safety Education Center website and the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative website.

What is available on the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative website?

  • Frequently asked questions guides for WPS
  • WPS training videos for workers and handlers
  • WPS “How to Comply Manual” in English and Spanish
  • WPS training materials
  • Bilingual dictionary of pesticide terms
  • Online course for train-the-trainers
  • WPS posters and flipcharts

Can I purchase all the WPS products at once?

Yes, you can purchase a bundle of WPS products at once or buy or download the individual items. The bundle of seven WPS products contains:

  • 1 set of 1 Spanish and 1 English National Worker Protection Standard: A Manual for Trainers
  • 1 How to Comply Manual
  • 1 Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative Respiratory Guide
  • 1 Rutgers Respiratory Guide
  • 1 large, 2-sided English/bilingual poster
  • 1 set of 1 Spanish and 1 English Agricultural Workers and Pesticide Handlers DVDs
  • 1 pack of 2 WPS employer handbooks

You can also purchase the NEW WPS Resources Mega Thumb Drive. It contains:

  • WPS How to Comply Manual in English and Spanish
  • WPS Agricultural Employer Handbook in English and Spanish
  • WPS Agricultural Worker Training Flipcharts and Central Posting Posters in the following Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese
  • WPS Respiratory Protection Guide in English and Spanish
  • WPS Training Presentation PowerPoints in English and Spanish
  • WPS Train the Trainer Manual in English and Spanish
  • WPS Training Videos for Agricultural Workers and Pesticide Handlers in English and Spanish (with bilingual accompanying explanatory booklet)

How do I sign up for a pesticide application review session?

Throughout the winter months, many MSU Extension offices offer review sessions of RUP materials prior to the tests with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Visit MSU’s Pest Management Events to see a list of upcoming reviews, and follow the MSU Extension news to be informed of upcoming reviews.

Where and when are the pesticide applicator tests in my county?

You can find and sign up for pesticide applicator exams by using MDARD’s State of Michigan Online Pesticide Exam Scheduling System. You can either enter the exam scheduling tool by creating a login or by entering as a guest. For example, you can see there are three upcoming pesticide exams in Ottawa County: Feb. 27, March 4 and April 21, 2020.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • agriculture,
  • field crops,
  • floriculture,
  • fruit & nuts,
  • grapes,
  • hemp production,
  • integrated pest management,
  • landscaping,
  • msu extension,
  • nursery & christmas trees,
  • pesticide applicator training,
  • pesticide review class,
  • pesticides,
  • turf,
  • vegetables,
  • wps

About

Resources

Events

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).