About the US Pesticide Applicator Exam
What Is This Exam?
The US Pesticide Applicator Certification exam is required by the EPA and individual states for anyone who purchases or applies restricted-use pesticides, or applies pesticides commercially. It is governed under FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act).
Who Needs Certification?
- Private applicators: Farmers and ranchers applying restricted-use pesticides on their own property
- Commercial applicators: Pest control operators, lawn care companies, agricultural spray services
- Government applicators: State, county, or federal employees applying pesticides
Exam Format
25-50
Questions (varies by state)
70%
Typical passing score
Multiple Choice
Question format
Core + Category
Exam structure
Topics Covered
Pesticide Safety (Core)
100 questions
Label Reading
100 questions
Environmental Protection
100 questions
Application Equipment
100 questions
Integrated Pest Management
100 questions
Laws & Regulations (FIFRA)
100 questions
Toxicology
100 questions
Personal Protective Equipment
100 questions
Worker Protection Standard (WPS)
80 questions
Storage, Transport & Disposal
80 questions
Pest Biology & Identification
80 questions
Calibration & Math
60 questions
How PestPrep Helps
- 1100 practice questions based on the EPA National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual
- Exam simulation with 25 questions, 60-minute timer, and 70% passing score
- Spaced repetition to resurface questions you get wrong
- Topic-by-topic practice for focused study sessions
- Detailed explanations for every question
- Progress tracking with XP, streaks, and topic mastery
Disclaimer: PestPrep is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with the EPA or any state regulatory agency. Always check your state's specific certification requirements.