(a) Maintenance of continued competency — Certification expiration.

1. (1) In order for a certified applicator’s certification to continue without interruption, the certified applicator must be recertified under this section before the expiration of their current certification.
2. (2) Each commercial applicator and noncommercial certification shall expire three (3) years after issuance unless the applicator is recertified in accordance with this section.

(b) Process for recertification — Continuing education programs.

1. (1)

   1. (A) Commercial and noncommercial applicators may be found eligible for recertification upon attending a University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service-approved pest control program.
   2. (B) Quantity, content, and quality.

(i) In order for a continuing education program to count towards recertification, the content must be sufficient to ensure the applicator continues to demonstrate the level of competency required by 40 C.F.R. § 171.103 for commercial and noncommercial applicators.

1. (ii) This may include a pest control training, conference, seminar, etc.

2. (2) To count towards recertification, programs and agendas must include all of the following:

   1. (A) Safety – labeling, protective gear, pesticide handling, first aid, toxicity, symptoms of poisoning, etc.;
   2. (B) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – pest identification, biology, scouting/inspecting, alternative methods of control (nonpesticide, baits, etc.);
   3. (C) Application equipment and/or methods of application – types of equipment, different methods of application, calibration, and equipment precautions, etc.;
   4. (D) Environmental concerns – waste/container disposal, cleanup, ground/surface water protection, drift (if applicable), and wildlife protection (if applicable); and
   5. (E) Laws and rules – updates on pertinent laws and rules certification/recertification requirements, etc., as appropriate.

3. (3) Approval by the certifying authority.

   1. (A) The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service must approve of a program’s content before it may count towards applicator recertification.
   2. (B) The program agenda or syllabus for any programs offered outside of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service must be submitted for review before credit for attending will count towards recertification by the Department of Agriculture.

4. (4) Verification of applicator course completion. In order to qualify for recertification, an appropriate form shall be filed with the State Plant Board as proof of attendance.

   1. (c) Any applicator failing to meet this provision shall be reexamined or lose the license or certificate.