KYSTMA News and Articles - Certification and Licensing

KYSTMA ARTICLES

Certification and Licensing - Questions and Answers
As Related to Kentucky Turfgrass Employees and Managers
Ken Franks Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Technical advisor to KTC Board of Directors

State and Federal laws require pesticide and fertilizer users to be both Certified and Licensed. Certification demonstrates a minimum level of competence for the use and supervision of pesticide use in a specific area of interest. Licensing is required as proof of current certification and business compliance as related to pesticide and fertilizer application in Kentucky.

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION QUESTIONS

(1) Who must have Kentucky Pesticide Certification?

Based upon State and/or Federal law, every person that applies pesticides or fertilizers in Kentucky or makes pesticide recommendations must pass a certification exam and maintain certification.

Homeowners that make applications to their own private lawn would be the only exception to this rule. Non-certified employees cannot apply fertilizers or pesticides even if they are working under the direct supervision of certified and licensed individuals.

This requirement for certification includes the obvious turfgrass maintenance employee that applies pesticides for-hire but it also includes the following examples:

--part time or temporary employees and/or volunteers that apply fertilizers or pesticides

--a baseball coach that applies fertilizer to his school baseball field

--non-English speaking or non-reading individuals that apply fertilizer or pesticides.

--school teacher that makes pesticide applications to athletic fields or grounds during the conduct of class. It also includes any student that applies pesticides or fertilizer; however an individual must be 16 years or older before he/she can take the exam. If less than 16 years old, it is illegal for any individual to apply pesticides or fertilizer except upon his own home lawn.

Sod Producers can raise sod with the Private Applicator card. Once the sod is removed from the field, they can lay it but not maintain it with the Private Applicator card. If a sod producer wishes to maintain sod after it is placed on the customer's property he or she must be licensed in the appropriate category.

(2) What is the purpose of this certification?

To improve pesticide and fertilizer safety as related to applicators and turfgrass users, and for environmental protection.

(3) How much does it cost to become certified?

The cost of the certification exam, administered by the Ky Department of Agriculture, Division of Environmental Services (phone 502-573-0303), is $25.

(4) How must one prepare for the Exam?

Obtain study material from the UK Department of Entomology (call 859-257-5955 and ask for the Pesticide Certification study material). Be sure to tell them which category that you intend to be certified within. There are 20 different categories. If you are not sure about the category you need check the web site listed below.

You can also attend one of several initial Pesticide Training programs. Scheduled and approved training programs can be found at www.Kyagr.com/enviro.out/pesticide/index.htm .

Initial training programs are offered by UK at the annual Kentucky Turfgrass Conference and the Turf and Landscape Management Short Course.

(5) What certification categories pertain directly to the turfgrass industry?

Category 3 - Ornamentals and Lawn Care

Category 18 - Golf Courses

Category 20 - Sports Turf

In addition, the following categories partially include many involved in the turfgrass industry:

Category 5 -- Aquatic

Category 6 - Right of Way

Category 10 - Demonstration and Research

Category 12 - Pesticide Sales Agent

Category 19 - Interior Plantcapes

(6) How and why do the categories differ?

One must receive training and certification in each category in which he/she is involved. People in all categories receive general pesticide training & testing in addition to the category specific training and testing.

Some category crossover is permitted if it is only done to your primary property in which you are employed. For example, a Category 18 (golf) certified individual could apply an herbicide to the pond on his golf course without having to obtain Category 5 (aquatic) certification. However, with only a Category 18 certification, he could not apply an aquatic herbicide to another property.

(7) When and where are the certification tests offered?

The Division of Environmental Services normally gives the test at the annual Turf Conference and at the annual Turf and Landscape Management Short Course. Tests may also be given at other conferences and meeting locations. You may also go to certain state testing facilities. The sites and times are available on line at www.Kyagr.com/enviro_out/pesticide/index.htm.

(8) What can I do to maintain the certification so that I will not have to take the exam again?

By attending approved education sessions, and completing the CEU forms, you can get the 12 credits needed, over a three year period, to qualify for re-certification (without re-taking the exam). The KTC normally gets several of these needed credits at the annual Turfgrass Conference, the Turf and Landscape Management Short Course and the UK Turf Field Day. Other turf sessions are offered for category specific credits by participating in certain golf course superintendent association single day meetings, the KySTMA field day(s), and several UK Extension meetings given throughout the state. For specific scheduled and approved meetings, check the web site at www.Kyagr.com/enviro_out/pesticide/index.htm. You should check this web site often as it is updated every time a new training session is approved.

(9) What is a "Restricted Use Pesticide" and how will its use affect me?

A Restricted Use Pesticide is any pesticide that has use restrictions based upon its toxicity or environmental sensitivity. To purchase a Restricted Use Pesticide you must present your Certification Card to the retailer and give him information that he needs as to your use of the product.

Fortunately, we seldom use "Restricted Use" pesticides in the turf industry. Kerb used to control weeds in Bermuda and methyl bromide used for fumigation are the most frequently used Restricted Use products marketed in turf at the present time.

LICENSING QUESTIONS

(10) In addition to certification, am I required to also have a pesticide application License?

Yes. In order to qualify for a license to apply pesticides or fertilizers, you must have a valid certification, proof of bond or insurance, and pay the annual LICENSE fee.

(11) Where do I obtain the license? Upon completion of the certification examination, the Kentucky Division of Environmental Services will notify you by letter. After initial licensing, you will get a renewal letter every December, giving you the opportunity to renew your license and pay the $25 or $10 annual fee.

The company will also be responsible for the annual Dealer or Branch registration fees.

CAUTION - If you fail to renew your license, you will also lose your certification. This means that in order to legally apply pesticides or fertilizers, you will have to retake and pass the Certification Exam before you can apply for the license.

(12) Do I obtain an Operator's or Applicator's license?

If you are applying pesticides for hire you must have at least one operator at each location from which you are doing business. If your company has an Operator at each location then every one else may take the Applicator Exam. The Operator Exam has more questions and is generally more difficult than the Applicator Exam.

The Operator is usually the manager, owner, or supervisor. An Operator is also allowed to apply pesticides.

The annual cost of an Operators license is $25.00. This is in addition to the annual Dealer and Branch registration fees. For further details about the fees see the Kentucky Department of Agriculture web page at www.Kyagr.com/enviro_out/pesticide/index.htm.

The annual cost of an Applicators license is $10.00.

(13) What is a Non Commercial Applicator's license?

Non Commercial Applicator licenses are available for people who work on golf courses and government facilities. If you work on a golf course or for a governmental agency you will need to take the Noncommercial Applicator Exam in the correct category. There is no charge for the Non Commercial license.

It is very important to understand that you cannot have a license without a certification. You also cannot have certification without a license. You will be able to obtain both by passing the exam given by the Division of Environmental Services. One is not valid without the other. The testing fee is $25 for the first category and $10 for each additional category. This is a one time fee to be paid at the testing center. This fee is the same for both applicator and operator exams. Only Checks or Money orders are accepted for testing fees. No cash!



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Based upon State and/or Federal law, every person that applies pesticides or fertilizers in Kentucky or makes pesticide recommendations must pass a certification exam and maintain certification. Homeowners that make applications to their own private lawn would be the only exception to this rule. Non-certified employees cannot apply fertilizers or pesticides even if they are working under the direct supervision of certified and licensed individuals. This requirement for certification includes the obvious turfgrass maintenance employee that applies pesticides for-hire but it also includes the following examples: --part time or temporary employees and/or volunteers that apply fertilizers or pesticides --a baseball coach that applies fertilizer to his school baseball field --non-English speaking or non-reading individuals that apply fertilizer or pesticides. --school teacher that makes pesticide applications to athletic fields or grounds during the conduct of class. It also includes any student that applies pesticides or fertilizer; however an individual must be 16 years or older before he/she can take the exam. If less than 16 years old, it is illegal for any individual to apply pesticides or fertilizer except upon his own home lawn. Sod Producers can raise sod with the Private Applicator card. Once the sod is removed from the field, they can lay it but not maintain it with the Private Applicator card. If a sod producer wishes to maintain sod after it is placed on the customer's property he or she must be licensed in the appropriate category. (2) What is the purpose of this certification? To improve pesticide and fertilizer safety as related to applicators and turfgrass users, and for environmental protection. (3) How much does it cost to become certified? The cost of the certification exam, administered by the Ky Department of Agriculture, Division of Environmental Services (phone 502-573-0303), is $25. (4) How must one prepare for the Exam? Obtain study material from the UK Department of Entomology (call 859-257-5955 and ask for the Pesticide Certification study material). Be sure to tell them which category that you intend to be certified within. There are 20 different categories. If you are not sure about the category you need check the web site listed below. You can also attend one of several initial Pesticide Training programs. Scheduled and approved training programs can be found at www.Kyagr.com/enviro.out/pesticide/index.htm . Initial training programs are offered by UK at the annual Kentucky Turfgrass Conference and the Turf and Landscape Management Short Course. (5) What certification categories pertain directly to the turfgrass industry? Category 3 - Ornamentals and Lawn Care Category 18 - Golf Courses Category 20 - Sports Turf In addition, the following categories partially include many involved in the turfgrass industry: Category 5 -- Aquatic Category 6 - Right of Way Category 10 - Demonstration and Research Category 12 - Pesticide Sales Agent Category 19 - Interior Plantcapes (6) How and why do the categories differ? One must receive training and certification in each category in which he/she is involved. People in all categories receive general pesticide training & testing in addition to the category specific training and testing. Some category crossover is permitted if it is only done to your primary property in which you are employed. For example, a Category 18 (golf) certified individual could apply an herbicide to the pond on his golf course without having to obtain Category 5 (aquatic) certification. However, with only a Category 18 certification, he could not apply an aquatic herbicide to another property. (7) When and where are the certification tests offered? The Division of Environmental Services normally gives the test at the annual Turf Conference and at the annual Turf and Landscape Management Short Course. Tests may also be given at other conferences and meeting locations. You may also go to certain state testing facilities. The sites and times are available on line at www.Kyagr.com/enviro_out/pesticide/index.htm. (8) What can I do to maintain the certification so that I will not have to take the exam again? By attending approved education sessions, and completing the CEU forms, you can get the 12 credits needed, over a three year period, to qualify for re-certification (without re-taking the exam). The KTC normally gets several of these needed credits at the annual Turfgrass Conference, the Turf and Landscape Management Short Course and the UK Turf Field Day. Other turf sessions are offered for category specific credits by participating in certain golf course superintendent association single day meetings, the KySTMA field day(s), and several UK Extension meetings given throughout the state. For specific scheduled and approved meetings, check the web site at www.Kyagr.com/enviro_out/pesticide/index.htm. You should check this web site often as it is updated every time a new training session is approved. (9) What is a "Restricted Use Pesticide" and how will its use affect me? A Restricted Use Pesticide is any pesticide that has use restrictions based upon its toxicity or environmental sensitivity. To purchase a Restricted Use Pesticide you must present your Certification Card to the retailer and give him information that he needs as to your use of the product. Fortunately, we seldom use "Restricted Use" pesticides in the turf industry. Kerb used to control weeds in Bermuda and methyl bromide used for fumigation are the most frequently used Restricted Use products marketed in turf at the present time. LICENSING QUESTIONS (10) In addition to certification, am I required to also have a pesticide application License? Yes. In order to qualify for a license to apply pesticides or fertilizers, you must have a valid certification, proof of bond or insurance, and pay the annual LICENSE fee. (11) Where do I obtain the license? Upon completion of the certification examination, the Kentucky Division of Environmental Services will notify you by letter. After initial licensing, you will get a renewal letter every December, giving you the opportunity to renew your license and pay the $25 or $10 annual fee. The company will also be responsible for the annual Dealer or Branch registration fees. CAUTION - If you fail to renew your license, you will also lose your certification. This means that in order to legally apply pesticides or fertilizers, you will have to retake and pass the Certification Exam before you can apply for the license. (12) Do I obtain an Operator's or Applicator's license? If you are applying pesticides for hire you must have at least one operator at each location from which you are doing business. If your company has an Operator at each location then every one else may take the Applicator Exam. The Operator Exam has more questions and is generally more difficult than the Applicator Exam. The Operator is usually the manager, owner, or supervisor. An Operator is also allowed to apply pesticides. The annual cost of an Operators license is $25.00. This is in addition to the annual Dealer and Branch registration fees. For further details about the fees see the Kentucky Department of Agriculture web page at www.Kyagr.com/enviro_out/pesticide/index.htm. The annual cost of an Applicators license is $10.00. (13) What is a Non Commercial Applicator's license? Non Commercial Applicator licenses are available for people who work on golf courses and government facilities. If you work on a golf course or for a governmental agency you will need to take the Noncommercial Applicator Exam in the correct category. There is no charge for the Non Commercial license. It is very important to understand that you cannot have a license without a certification. You also cannot have certification without a license. You will be able to obtain both by passing the exam given by the Division of Environmental Services. One is not valid without the other. The testing fee is $25 for the first category and $10 for each additional category. This is a one time fee to be paid at the testing center. This fee is the same for both applicator and operator exams. Only Checks or Money orders are accepted for testing fees. No cash!
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