New Pesticide Applicator Manuals Available

Kalamazoo, Mich.- Individuals who plan on taking the Michigan pesticide applicator certification exams for commercial or private applicators have new study tools available. The revised commercial and private certification core manuals are now available from Michigan State University (MSU) Extension.

Previously, one core manual included information for private and commercial applicators separated into Parts A and B. Applicators were often confused about which sections of the manual they should read and study. Now there is one core manual for commercial applicators (Extension bulletin E3008) and one for private applicators (Extension bulletin E3007).

“The new manuals benefit certified applicators by keeping them up-to-date on new pesticide laws and regulations and new safety practices,” said Carolyn Randall, Michigan pesticide education coordinator and the primary author of the manuals. “This, in turn, helps protect the public from the potential harmful effects of pesticides.”

The manual for private pesticide applicators includes the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual and the Michigan Commercial Core Manual Addendum.

The commercial manual features the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual and the Michigan Commercial Core Manual Addendum.

“The national core manual discusses only federal pesticide laws, and the Michigan-specific addendums discuss state of Michigan pesticide laws and regulations,” Randall said. “The private applicator addendum also includes private applicator equipment and calibration information.”

Randall said that using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual facilitates reciprocity between states, including making state regulatory agencies more likely to recognize the credentials of certified applicators working in other states. [LJ1]

The new manuals are better organized, better illustrated, easier to read and more comprehensive than past editions. They also contain the most recent information available on regulations and recommendations, Randall said.

Applicators use these manuals to study for the initial and renewal certification exams offered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). After passing the exams, an individual becomes a certified applicator and can purchase restricted-use pesticides. Applicators must renew their certification every three years by retaking the exams or by attending MDA-approved seminars to earn enough credits for renewal.

Each manual is available for $30.00 from the MSU bulletin office by calling 517-353-6740 or online at http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/mainsearch.cfm, or any county MSU Extension office. To inquire at the Kalamazoo County MSU Extension office, call 269-383-8830, press 8.

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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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