1. (a) The written examination for certification of vector control agency personnel shall consist of questions covering the following areas:

   1. (1) Label and labeling comprehension--factors including:

      1. (A) The general format and terminology of pesticide labels and labeling;
      2. (B) The understanding of instructions, warnings, terms, symbols, and other information commonly appearing on pesticide labels;
      3. (C) Classification of the product, general or restricted; and
      4. (D) Necessity for use consistent with the label.

   2. (2) Safety--factors including:

      1. (A) Pesticide toxicity and hazard to man;
      2. (B) Common exposure routes;
      3. (C) Common types and causes of pesticide accidents;
      4. (D) Precautions necessary to guard against injury to applicators and other individuals in or near treated areas, including medical supervision;
      5. (E) Need for and use of protection clothing and equipment;
      6. (F) Symptoms of pesticide poisoning;
      7. (G) First aid and other procedures to be followed in case of a pesticide accident; and
      8. (H) Safe and proper procedures for identification, storage, transport, handling, mixing of pesticides and disposal of pesticides and used pesticide containers, including precautions to prevent access by children.
   3. (3) Environment--The potential environmental consequences of the use and misuse of pesticides as may be influenced by such factors as climate and weather, non-target organisms, and drainage patterns.

   4. (4) Vectors--factors such as:

      1. (A) A knowledge of relevant vectors and their distribution;
      2. (B) Recognition of relevant vectors by distinguishing features of the vector organisms and/or characteristics of damage or other signs;
      3. (C) Vector development and biology (life cycles) relevant to identification and control;
      4. (D) Public health importance of relevant vectors, including a practical knowledge of vector-borne disease transmission, as it relates to and influences control programs; and
      5. (E) Habitats where relevant vectors occur, including a practical knowledge of those environments.

   5. (5) Pesticides--factors such as:

      1. (A) Types of pesticides;
      2. (B) Types of formulations;
      3. (C) Characteristics of pesticides and formulations, including compatibility, synergism, persistence, and animal and plant toxicity;
      4. (D) Hazards and residues associated with use, including applicable laws and regulations;
      5. (E) Factors which influence effectiveness or lead to such problems as resistance to pesticides; and
      6. (F) Dilution procedures.

   6. (6) Pesticide application equipment and techniques--factors including:

      1. (A) Types of equipment and their uses, advantages, and limitations;
      2. (B) Maintenance of equipment;
      3. (C) Calibration of equipment;
      4. (D) Operating procedures and techniques used to apply various formulations of pesticides;
      5. (E) A knowledge of the most effective equipment and technique of application to use in a given situation;
      6. (F) Relationship of discharge and placement of pesticides to proper use, unnecessary use, and misuse; and
      7. (G) Prevention of drift and pesticide loss into the environment.
   7. (7) Non-chemical control methods--A practical knowledge of the importance and use of such methods as sanitation, waste management, drainage, exclusion, trapping, public education, and legal abatement.
   8. (8) Record Keeping--A familiarity with the principles and practices of biological and operational documentation.
   9. (9) Supervisory Requirements--A practical knowledge of State and Federal supervisory requirements, including labeling, regarding the application of restricted materials by a technician's aide.
   10. (10) Laws and Regulations--A basic knowledge of applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.

Note: Authority cited: Section 208, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 1800-1813 and 2200-2910, Health and Safety Code.