Certification & Training of Pesticide Applicators

In order to buy or use the riskiest pesticides, some applicators must become certified and licensed. Usually, they study for one or more exams, pay a fee, and maintain competency by taking classes over time. Dozens of states have adopted PERC study manuals/exams for certifying applicators, with and without local modification.

In keeping with our policies, PERC will not share manuals online in their entirety when they are associated with certification exams. For example, if a manual was used as the basis for an exam, that manual will not be available online. This is because many states rely on publication-related income to support other educational offerings for applicator communities.

States and tribes are welcome to use or modify the manuals and exams we create. Reach out to us at PERCsupport@ucdavis.edu.

PERC Certification and Training image

Non-Soil Fumigation: A National Pesticide Applicator Study Manual & Exam

Private Pesticide Applicators
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Seed Treatment: A National Pesticide Applicator Study Manual & Exam

Private Pesticide Applicators
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Pesticide Safety Training for Noncertified Applicators Using Restricted Use Pesticides at Non-Agricultural Sites

Commercial Pesticide Applicators
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A Guide for Meeting Updated Competency Standards for Certified Pesticide Applicators

Commercial Pesticide Applicators
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Meet Our Advisory Board

The PERC Advisory Board includes expert educators, certification authorities and farmworker advocates from across the United States. They steer PERC activities to achieve its objectives, identify under-served audiences, and fill resource gaps. Their advisory role is essential to ensure that PERC resources are used where and when they are most needed to prevent pesticide impacts on human health and the environment.

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