We’re part of a coalition that has been working with the MI Dept of Ag & Rural Development for solutions to the issues caused by the changes to how the pesticide certification exams are given. What used to be paper-based are now either on-line or computer-based through a firm Metro Institute and come with challenges in obtaining a scheduled time and additional charges to the applicator.
We recently had a meeting and the Department will not be making any changes to the Certified Applicator Program. They did, however, suggest for those firms having difficulty with the new procedures that they look at implementing a Registered Applicator Program.
From the MI Department of Ag & Rural Development: With the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruptions in pesticide applicator certification exams and the conversion of exam administration primarily to Metro Institute, many pesticide application firms are seeking alternatives for pesticide applicator certification. One option is the establishment of commercial registered applicator programs.
Commercial registered applicator programs allow firms to train applicators in specific categories and require the applicator to take only the commercial core exam in a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) approved venue* (online or at a Metro Institute testing center). Registered applicators receive a three-year credential, similar to certified applicators; however, registered applicators can only apply general use pesticides.
Differences Between Certified and Registered Applicators
FACTORS CERTIFIED REGISTERED
| Application Fee | $75 | $45 |
| Exams | Core + Categories | Core Only |
| Category-specific training required | No | Yes |
| Pesticide type(s) | General & Restricted | General Use Only |
| Duration of credential | 3 Years | 3 Years |
Certified applicators who qualify as trainers (those with two years of certified experience in the categories in which they wish to train) must be verified as a trainer through an exam administered by MDARD or Michigan State University Pesticide Safety Education Program (contact information below). Upon successful completion that exam, the firm must develop a category-specific registered applicator training program to train their applicators. When an individual passes the commercial core exam, completes the category-specific training, has sent in the application with appropriate fee and verification of training form, then the applicator is considered registered and may begin pesticide applications. Pesticide applicator business license requirements still apply to commercial pesticide application firms who employ commercial registered applicators.
Click HERE for more information on the Commercial Registered Applicator Program.
*Please note that MNLA has been approved as an approved venue and the Core Exam will be given at the 2022 GLTE on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, MI. Click HERE for more information on the 2022 GLTE.