Take the Exam

Exam Options 

 There are three options for taking the exam: 

 1. Paper-based in-person exams are available through the PSEP and MSU Extension. 

- The PSEP, MSU Extension, and MDARD are providing 26 Core Review Sessions scheduled throughout the state between December 2024 and May 2025. The Core review sessions are 4-hour long that 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. Both the Commercial and Private Core exams are offered in English and Spanish.
- The fee for the core review session is $25.
- Note: No commercial category exams will be offered at these sessions.
- A complete list of available sessions, along with registration and additional information, can be found at 2025 MDARD In-Person Core Testing and Core Review. 

NEW to 2024-2025  

- RUP recertification credits are now available at 2025 MDARD In-Person Core Testing and Core Review. When registering, you need to indicate if you want credits. Four RUP credits for the core are allowed.   
- A separate registration for a Core Review Session followed by MDARD testing is scheduled on Dec. 12th at the GLEXPO 2024 and is provided in both English and Spanish. For more information about session details and registration visit PESTICIDE SAFETY AND WORKER PROTECTION SAFETY TRAINING 2024 IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH  

 2. Computer-based in-person exams available through the Metro Institute ($55).    

The Metro Institute has 21 locations throughout Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula. 

 3. Computer-based remotely proctored exams are available through the Metro Institute ($65). 

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 

View the Applicator Exam Video Training to walk through the process of taking a remote proctored exam. Register for exams through Metro Institute and create an account on their website. 

Instructions to take the exam with Metro Institute 

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. 

Exam Format and Score  

All Exams are closed book, and each examination requires a minimum score of 70 percent to pass. The questions are true/false and multiple choice.  

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