Arizona Pesticide Applicator Requirements & FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Arizona's pesticide certification, and state approved continuing education.

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Arizona AG Continuing Education Deadline

Applicators are required to renew their certification every year by December 31st. Applicators have the option to renew their certification for either one year or two. CE requirements for both years must be met before renewing.

Arizona PMD Continuing Education Deadline

Applicators must renew their certification each year by May 31st. Applicators have the option to renew for a two-year period. CE requirements must be met before renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arizona Pesticide Applicator FAQs

How do I get a Arizona pesticide applicator's license?

  1. Submit your Certified Applicator (CA) or Certified Qualified Applicator (QA) application and applicable fees. Certified Applicator fee is $75. Certified Qualified Applicator fee is $100.
  2. Once approved, you will receive a letter indicating the approval date and expiration date of your application along with examination categories for which you are approved.
  3. Contact Metro Institute (exam facilitator) at 602-452-2900 or 877-533-2900 to schedule your exam. Or schedule online at http://www.metrosignup.com/signup/index.asp
  4. Pay your fee, currently $55 per exam. You may pay by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Mail check to:
    Metro Institute
    331 N First Ave Suite 100
    Phoenix, AZ 58003
    You may also bring the fee with you for a walk-in appointment, please do not mail cash. There is no charge to reschedule your exam if changed with at least 24 hours notice.
  5. Take your exam. You must have a valid photo ID with you.

AZ Testing Sites: Phoenix, Glendale, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott, Kingman, Yuma

Do I need continuing education to maintain my Arizona pesticide applicator's license?

When is my Arizona pesticide applicator continuing education due?

Licensees may renew every year or every two years on May 1st.

Are your courses state-approved?

Yes! All of our courses are approved by the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Office of Pest Management.

Who submits my Arizona pesticide applicator continuing education to the state?

Certified Training Institute submits Arizona courses on a weekly basis. All courses completed before 5/31 will be submitted on 5/31. Courses completed after 5/31 will be submitted on the next business day.

What happens if I'm late renewing my Arizona pesticide applicator license?

You will be charged an additional renewal fee.
Applicators - $37.50
Certified Qualified Applicators - $50.00

What classifications of applicators licensing do Arizona pesticide applicators have?

Arizona has established two levels of licensing for pesticide applicators; Certified Applicators and Certified Qualified Applicators.

What certification categories has Arizona pesticide established?

The license categories are:

Category 1 - Industrial & Institutional
Category 2a - Wood Destroying Organism Treatment
Category 2b - Wood Destroying Insect Inspection
Category 3 - Ornamental & Turf
Category 4 - Right of Way
Category 5 - Aquatic
Category 6 - Fumigation
Category 7 - Wood Preservation

Does the State of Arizona offer reciprocity with other states for pesticide applicators?

Yes! To obtain either a Certified Applicator or Certified Qualified Applicator license you will need the following information:

Certification Reciprocation Application and the appropriate application fee (currently $75 for Certified Applicators or $100 for Certified Qualified Applicators) to
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Office of Pest Management
1688 W Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007

PHONE: (602) 542-3578
FAX: (602) 542-0466

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) FAQs

What’s the difference between pesticide certification and a pesticide license?

Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.

Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.

How does it work?

Who is an Agricultural Worker?

An agricultural worker is anyone who works in a field that has been sprayed with pesticides within the last 30 days or does high-contact agricultural tasks such as weeding, moving irrigation equipment, pruning, and harvesting. Workers DO NOT handle pesticides.

Who is a Handler?

A handler is anyone who assists with applications, mixes, loads, or transfers pesticides into application equipment, cleans repairs, or maintains application equipment, works on equipment that has been used to mix, load, or apply, disposes of pesticides or materials with pesticides on them, acts as a flagger, performs tasks as a crop adviser, or applies pesticides.

Which Establishments are Required to Provide Worker Protection Standard Training?

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) applies to all establishments involved in growing, producing, or maintaining for sale agricultural plants (including ornamental plants). This may include, but is not limited to:

Which pesticide applicators are covered by the WPS?

Most establishments covered by the WPS are crop producing such as farms, forest operations or nurseries. WPS also covers family owned agricultural operations even if only family members handle and work around pesticides. Essentially, WPS applies to any entity that grows, maintains or produces agricultural plants.

The following facilities or operations that are not generally recognized as traditional agricultural production establishments are covered by the rule if they use WPS-labeled pesticide products:

The WPS also applies to any entity operating as a commercial pesticide handling establishment applying or advising the application of WPS-labeled pesticide products on agricultural commodities

What does Worker Protection Standard Require?

Inform

All employers must provide EPA approved pesticide training for workers and handlers. Employers must also provide access to specific information including: applications on the establishment, safety data sheets for pesticides applied on establishment, and display a poster with pesticide safety and emergency information.

Protect

Employers must keep workers and others out of areas where pesticides are being applied and away from equipment during applications. Handlers must stop application if workers or others are near equipment during applications. Workers must stay out of areas that are under a restricted-entry interval (REI). All early-entry workers on the job in in pesticide-treated areas during REI must be trained in the correct usage of personal protective equipment. Any handlers using highly toxic pesticides must be monitored. Personal protective equipment must be provided and monitored by employers.

Mitigate

The Worker Protection Standard course will train handlers and workers on supply decontamination and emergency assistance including transportation in the case of a pesticide-related accident.

More information on the requirements and how to comply can be found here. https://goo.gl/bjfk8K

When is Worker Protection Standard Required?

As of January 2nd, 2017 employers are required to train workers and handlers annually before pesticide application.

What has changed with Worker Protection Standards?

Which Pesticides are included under Worker Protection Standards?

A pesticide product is covered by the WPS if the following statement is in the Directions for Use section on the product labeling:

AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS

Use this product only in accordance with its labeling and with the Worker Protection Standard, 40 CFR 170.

How can I contact the EPA with Worker Protection Standard questions?

More information may be found at the EPA Agricultural Worker Protection Standard website, or you may reach the EPA at one of the regional offices listed below.

EPA Region 1 (New England) - 888-372-7341 in the New England States, or 617-918-1111
EPA Region 2 - 887-251-4575
EPA Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic) - 800-428-2474 in Region 3, or 215-814-5122
EPA Region 4 (Southeast) - 800-241-1754 in Region 4, or 404-562-9900
EPA Region 5 - 800-621-8431 in Region 5, or 312-353-2000
EPA Region 6 (South Central) - 800-887-6063
EPA Region 7 (Midwest) - 800-223-0425 in Region 7, or 913-551-7003
EPA Region 8 (Mountains and Plains) - 800-227-8917 in Region 8, or 303-312-6312
EPA Region 9 (Pacific Southwest) - 866-372-9378 in Region 9, or 415-947-8000
EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) - 800-424-4372 in Region 10, or 206-553-1200

Not sure what region you're in? Click here.

Who is required to provide WPS training?

Employers at agricultural establishments and commercial pesticide handling establishments such as farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses.

Does the Worker Protection Standard requirement apply to organic farming?

Yes! Worker Protection Standards apply to pesticides if the following statement is in the Directions for Use section on the product labeling:

AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS

Use this product only in accordance with its labeling and with the Worker Protection Standard, 40 CFR 170.

Core Exam Prep FAQs

What’s the difference between pesticide certification and a pesticide license?

Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.

Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.

What do I have to know to pass the Core Applicator Exam?

Who should take this online video course?

Anyone who is preparing to become a commercial or private pesticide applicator and plans on taking the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Exam. This course will give you everything you need to know to pass the exam on your first try. It is also an awesome tool for pesticide applicators who would like to refresh their knowledge or need to complete CEUs*.

*Please check with your state for current continuing education requirements.

Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) FAQs

What’s the difference between pesticide certification and a pesticide license?

Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.

Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.

What is a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA)?

The CCA certification was established by the American Society of Agronomy in 1992 to provide a benchmark for practicing agronomy professionals in the United States and Canada.

Who should become a Certified Crop Adviser?

Any adviser/consultant that spends the majority of their time advising growers or farm managers/operators on agronomic practices and can meet the standards of the program. Being certified adds credibility and shows that you are serious about what you do.

How do I become a Certified Crop Adviser?

  1. Pass two exams (International and Local Board)
  2. Meet the experience requirements
  3. Apply for the CCA Credential

What are the minimum experience requirements for becoming a Certified Crop Adviser?

How do I apply to become a Certified Crop Adviser?

  1. Document education and crop advising experience (Including transcripts and supporting references)
  2. Sign and agree to uphold the CCA Code of Ethics (Included in application)

Once I become a Certified Crop Adviser, how do I maintain my certification?

  1. Earn 40 hours of continuing education units every 2 years
  2. Pay an annual renewal fee

How long is my Certified Crop Adviser certification valid?

2 years: your certification will expire December 31st two years after your initial certification date.

For example: if you became a CCA on any day between January 1st, 2018-December 31st, 2018--your expiration date would be December 31st, 2020.

Are your continuing education courses approved for CCA CEU Credit by the American Society of Agronomy?

Yes, many of our courses are approved by the American Society of Agronomy Board. On the state pages, the course description will say "Approved for Certified Crop Adviser Credit".

As a Certified Crop Adviser, am I required to take continuing education units in certain areas or topics?

Yes, the continuing education units you complete must fall within certain topic guidelines. The topic breakdown is as follows:

In each two year cycle, a CCA must complete a minimum of 5 CEUs in each of the 4 categories.

The categories are Nutrient Management, Soil and Water Management, Integrated Pest Management, and Crop Management.

At least 20 of the 40 total CEUs must be board approved.

Can I use your courses for credit for CCA continuing education requirements as well as my state licensing recertification requirements?

Yes, absolutely! Any course that is approved for Certified Crop Adviser Credit can also be used for state pesticide applicator continuing education credits.