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Online Pest Control Training and Career Center.

Welcome to Pest Control Training Headquarters! We have everything you need to make your life easier as you begin your rewarding career in the pest control industry. State specific training and certification requirements, pest control sales techniques, a step-by-step hiring process, potential employer and interview tips to help you get started, and even insights into the most effective way to start your own personal pest control business, are just some of the helpful things you will find here.




PEST CONTROL TRAINING IN RHODE ISLAND

Licensing Requirements

The state of Rhode Island’s pesticide licensing program includes multiple license types and category exams. The license needed to legally apply, distribute, or consult on the use of pesticides in Rhode Island depends on who your employer is and/or what type of pest control work you will be performing.

In order to become licensed you must pass a closed book exam in each category/subcategory of application plus the Core Exam with a score of 70% or higher. You must bring a valid picture ID. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) administers exams and offers testing at different locations and times around the state. Licenses expire every year and must be renewed annually.

The most common combination of license and category for those performing household pest control in Rhode Island is a Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License credited with Core and General Pest category certification. You must be licensed in all categories in which you will be working.

You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for certification.

Rhode Island Pesticide Applicator License Types

Pesticide Business License

Commercial Pesticide Business License

Any person who engages in commercial application of pesticides or commercial employment of devices.  “Commercial application” means advertising of services, recommendation for use, the preparation for application, and physical act of applying pesticide for hire or compensation.  A commercial applicator must provide proof of financial responsibility.

Commercial Applicator License

Anyone who applies pesticides for hire on other people’s property needs to get a commercial pesticide applicator’s license to apply general use (over the counter) pesticides.

To get a commercial pesticide applicator’s license you need to attend the 12-hour pesticide Core training and to take and pass the pesticide Core Exam, which is given on the second day of the core training. The applicator must also provide an insurance certificate as proof of financial responsibility, have a letter of employment from their employer, and pay the $30.00 licensing fee.

  • All commercial pesticide applicator’s certificates expire every January 31st, of each calendar year. They are renewed annually.

Commercial Applicator Certificate

In order to apply restricted use pesticides or specialized pest control procedures you must first receive certification. After you have taken and passed the Core Exam, you must take and pass a Category Exam, for each category that you intend to get certification in. Some Categories have Category training, which is given by URI. The Category Exam is given on the afternoon of the Category training day. If the category does not have Category training, you can take the category exam on a testing date.

  • All commercial pesticide certification need renewal every five years.

Private Applicator Certificate

A Private Applicator is anyone who intends to purchase and/or apply restricted use pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on land which is owned or rented by that person or their employer.

To get a private applicator’s certificate you need to attend the 12-hour pesticide Core training and to take and pass the pesticide core exam, which is given on the second day of the core training. In addition, the private applicator needs to take and pass a commodity exam, which is given at the same time as the pesticide Core Exam. The private applicator then pays a $20.00 certification fee.

Rhode Island Pest Control Applicator Certification Categories

Category Description

Commercial applicators in each category shall be particularly qualified with the respect to the specific standards elaborated.

1. Agricultural Pest Control

  • a. Plant – Applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of crops grown and the specific pests of those crops on which they may be using “restricted use” or “state limited use” pesticides. The impact of such competency is amplified by the extensive are areas involved, the quantities of pesticides needed, and the ultimate use of many commodities as food and feed. Practical knowledge is required concerning soil and water problems, pre-harvest intervals, re-entry intervals, phytotoxicity, and potential for environmental contamination, non-target injury and community problems resulting from the use of “restricted use” or “state limited use” pesticides in agricultural areas.
  • b. Animal – Applicators applying pesticides directly to animals must demonstrate practical knowledge of such animals and their associated pests. A practical knowledge is also required concerning specific pesticide toxicity residue potential, since host animals will frequently be used for food. Further, the applicator must know the relative hazards associated with such factors as formulation, application techniques, age of animals, stress and extent of treatment.

2. Forest Pest Control – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of types of forests, forest nurseries, and seed production in their state and the pests involved. They should possess practical knowledge of the cyclic occurrence of
certain pests and specific population dynamics as a basis for programming pesticide applications. A practical knowledge is required of the relative biotic agents and their vulnerability to the pesticides to be applied. Because forest stands may be large and frequently include natural aquatic habitats and harbor wildlife, the consequences of pesticide use may be difficult to access. The applicator must therefore demonstrate practical knowledge of control methods, which will minimize the possibility of secondary problems such as unintended effects on beneficial insects, fish, birds and wildlife. Proper use of specialized equipment must be demonstrated, especially as it may relate to meteorological factors and adjacent land use.

3. Ornamental and Turf Pest Control

  • a. Shade Tree – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of pesticide problems associated with the production and maintenance of ornamental and shade trees, including cognizance of potential phytotoxicity due to a wide variety of plant material, drift, and persistence beyond the intended period of pest control. Because of the frequent proximity of human habitations to application activities, applicators in this sub-category must demonstrate practical knowledge of application methods, which minimize or prevent hazards to humans, pets, and other domestic animals, wells and water bodies.
  • b. Custom Grounds – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of pesticide problems associated with the production and maintenance of shrubs, plantings, and turf, including cognizance of potential phytotoxicity due to a wide variety of plant material, drift, and persistence beyond the intended period of pest control. Because of the frequent proximity of human habitations to application activities, applicators in this sub-category must demonstrate practical knowledge of application methods, which will minimize or prevent hazards to humans, pets, and other domestic animals, wells and water bodies.
  • (c) Interior Scape – Applicators shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of pesticide problems associated with the production and maintenance of indoor plantings maintained for aesthetic purposes, including cognizance of potential phytotoxicity due to a wide variety of plant material, drift, & persistence beyond the intended period of pest control. Since human exposure including babies, children, pregnant women and elderly people is frequently a potential problem, applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, including continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this subcategory.

4. Seed-Treatment – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of types of seeds that require chemical protection against pests and factors such as seed coloration, carriers, and surface active agents, which influence pesticide binding and may affect germination. They must demonstrate practical knowledge of hazards associated with handling, sorting and mixing, and misuse of treated seed such as introduction of treated seed into food and feed channels, as well as proper disposal of unused treated seeds.

5. Aquatic Pest Control

  • a. Aquatic Weed Control – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the secondary effects which can be caused by improper application rates, incorrect formulations, and faulty application of “restricted use” or “state limited use” pesticides used in this category. They shall demonstrate practical knowledge of various water use situations and the potential of downstream effects. Further, they must have practical knowledge concerning potential pesticide effects on plants, fish, birds, beneficial insects and other organisms which may be present in aquatic environments. These applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles of limited area application.
  • b. Anti-Fouling Paints – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the fouling control mechanism of anti-fouling paints and the various factors that can affect anti-fouling performance. In addition, applicators must be familiar with and understand the effect of anti-fouling paints on non-target organisms and the concept of spill management. Knowledge of special application practices and understanding of the effects of improper or unnecessary use of anti-fouling paints are required for the applicator and are essential for the applicator and the environment.
  • c. Sewer Root Control – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of pesticides used for the maintenance of sewer lines and wastewater plant systems.

6. Right-of-Way Pest Control – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of wide variety of environments, since rights-of-way can transverse many different terrains, including waterways. They shall demonstrate practical knowledge of problems on runoff, drift, and excessive foliage destruction and ability to recognize target organisms. They shall also demonstrate practical knowledge of the nature of herbicides and the need for containment of these pesticides within the right-of-way area, and the impact of their application activities in the adjacent areas and communities.

7. Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health Related Pest Control

  • a. General Pest – Applicators must demonstrate a practical knowledge of a wide variety of pests, rats and mice, including their life cycles, types of formulations appropriate for their control, and methods of application that avoid contamination of habitat, and exposure of people and pets. Since human exposure, including babies, children, pregnant women, and elderly people, is frequently a potential problem, applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, including continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this sub-category. Because health related pest control may involve outdoor applications, applicators must also demonstrate practical knowledge of environmental conditions, particularly related to this activity.
  • b. Termite and Structural Pest – Applicators must demonstrate a practical knowledge of a wide variety of wood destroying organisms, including their life cycles, types of formulations appropriate for their control, and methods of application that avoid contamination of food, wells, damage and contamination of habitat, and exposure of people and pets. Since human exposure, including babies, children, pregnant women, and elderly people, is frequently a potential problem, applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, including continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this sub-category.
  • c. Fumigation – Applicators must demonstrate a practical knowledge of a wide variety of pests, including their life cycles, types of fumigation materials appropriate for their control, and methods of application that avoid contamination of habitat, and exposure of people and pets. Since human exposure is frequently a potential problem, applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, including continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this sub-category.
  • d. Vertebrate – Applicators must demonstrate a practical knowledge of rodents and birds including their life cycles, types of formulations appropriate for their control, and methods of application that avoid contamination of food, damage and contamination of habitat, and exposure of people and pets. Since human exposure, including babies, children, pregnant women, and elderly people is frequently a potential problem, applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, including continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this sub-category. Because vertebrate pest control may involve outdoor applications, applicators must also demonstrate practical knowledge of environmental
    conditions, particularly related to this activity.
  • e. Mosquitoes and Biting Flies – Applicators must demonstrate a practical knowledge of a variety of pests, including their life cycles, types of formulations appropriate for their control, and methods of application that avoid contamination of habitat, and exposure of people and pets. Since human exposure is frequently a potential problem, applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, including continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this sub-category. Because a health related pest control may involve outdoor applications, applicators must also demonstrate practical knowledge of environmental conditions, particularly related to this activity.
  • f. Food Processing Pest Control – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of a wide variety of pests, including their life cycles, types of formulations appropriate for their control and method of application that avoids contamination of food, food processing equipment and packaging materials, damage and contamination of the processing area and exposure to people. Since human exposure, including pregnant women and elderly people may be a potential problem, applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition including any continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this subcategory.

8. Public Health Pest Control – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of vector-disease transmission as it relates to and influences application programs. A wide variety of pests are involved and it is essential that they be known and recognized, and appropriate life cycles and habitats be understood as a basis for control strategy. These applicators shall have practical knowledge of a great variety of environments ranging from streams to those conditions found in buildings. They should also have practical knowledge of the importance and employment of such non-chemical control methods as sanitation, waste disposal and drainage.

9. Regulatory Pest Control – Applicators shall demonstrate practical knowledge of regulated pests, applicable laws relating to quarantine and other regulation of pests, and the potential impact on the environment of “restricted use” or “state limited use” pesticides used in suppression and eradication programs. They shall demonstrate knowledge of factors influencing introduction, spread, and population dynamics of relevant pests. Their knowledge shall extend beyond that required by immediate duties, since their services are frequently required in other areas of the country where emergency measures are invoked to control regulated pests and where individual judgements must be made in new situations.

10. Demonstration and Research Pest Control – Persons demonstrating the safe and effective use of pesticides to other applicators and the public will be expected to meet comprehensive standards reflecting a broad spectrum of pesticide uses. Many different pest problem situations will be encountered in the course of activities associated with demonstration, and practical knowledge of problems, pests, and population levels occurring in each demonstration situation is required. Further, they should demonstrate an understanding of pesticide-organism interactions and the importance of integrating pesticide use with other control methods. In general, it would be expected that applicators doing demonstration pest control work possess a practical knowledge of all the standards detailed in the General Standards. In addition, they shall meet the specific standards required for categories (a) through (g) of this section as may be applicable to their particular activity. Persons conducting field research or method improvement work with “restricted use” or “state limited use” pesticides should be expected to know the General Standards. In addition, they shall be expected to know the specific standards required for categories (a) through (i) of this section, applicable to their particular activity, or alternatively, to meet the more inclusive requirements listed under “Demonstration”.

11. Wood Preservation – Applicators must demonstrate a practical knowledge of a wide variety of wood destroying organisms such as fungi and insects, including but not limited to their life cycles, types of formulations appropriate for their control, and methods of application that avoid contamination of wells or water bodies, damage and contamination of habitat, and exposure of people and pets. Because human exposure can be a potential problem, applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, including continuous exposure in the various situations encountered in this sub-category:

  • a. Pole Treatment – Applicators who use or supervise the use of pesticides must demonstrate a practical knowledge of the control of fungi, and insects to utility poles and posts.
  • b. Pressure Treatment – Applicators who use or supervise the use of pesticides in this sub-category must demonstrate a practical knowledge of wood preservation by either utilizing pressure and non-pressure processes to control fungi and insects.

 

Reciprocity

(A) Applicants for reciprocal certification must have successfully completed all necessary certification requirements in their resident state and must submit proof of such to the Director.

(B) Applicants for reciprocal certification must complete all requirements of the Director relative to certification with the exception of taking the written examination.

(C) All grantees of reciprocal certification shall be responsible for and bound by the provisions of the Rhode Island Pest Control Act, the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, and of any lawful order of the Director.

(D) Whenever a person’s certification is denied, suspended, revoked or modified by his resident state, the reciprocal certification, granted by the Director, shall be at least similarly denied, suspended, revoked or modified.

(E) Reciprocal certification shall only remain in effect as long as certification is maintained in the resident state.

(F) Reciprocal certification documents shall bear a notation distinguishing them from other certification documents.

Rhode Island Pest Control Study Guides

 

National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Study Guide

Contact

For questions about certification or to access your records contact: RI DEM 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908, by phone at 401-222-6800

For more information visit: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/agriculture/safety-ipm.php