1. (a) Pesticide applicators, public operators, and pest control consultants may be recertified by completion of approved continuing certification credit requirements in the pest control category in which the individual is certified and desires to retain certification. A "continuing certification credit" is defined as one hour of approved continuing certification training. Continuing certification training shall be approved by the Board based upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "Standards for certification of commercial applicators," as contained in 40 CFR 171.103, and "Standards for recertification of certified applicators," as contained in 40 CFR 171.107. Such training may consist of grower meetings, seminars, short courses, or other presentations taught by extension pesticide personnel, or other privately or publicly sponsored training organizations approved by the Board, as set forth in 40 CFR 171.103 and 40 CFR 171.107. Continuing certification requirements for each pest control category are as follows:

   1. (1) agricultural pest control – crop pest control 10 credits per 5-year period;
   2. (2) agricultural pest control – livestock pest control 6 credits per 5-year period;
   3. (3) forest pest control 6 credits per 5-year period;
   4. (4) ornamental and turf pest control 10 credits per 5-year period;
   5. (5) aquatic pest control 6 credits per 5-year period;
   6. (6) right of way pest control 4 credits per 5-year period;
   7. (7) public health pest control 6 credits per 5-year period;
   8. (8) commercial public health pest control 6 credits per 5-year period;
   9. (9) regulatory pest control 6 credits per 5-year period;

   10. (10) demonstration and research pest control 10 credits per 5-year period;

       The continuing certification credits required for demonstration and research shall consist of any combination of credits divided between training in the primary categories, set forth in Subparagraph (a)(1) through (a)(9) and (a)(11) through (a)(14) of this Rule, and training in demonstration and research.

   11. (11) seed treatment 3 credits per 5-year period;
   12. (12) wood treatment 4 credits per 5-year period;
   13. (13) soil and growing media fumigation 3 credits per 5-year period; and

   14. (14) aerial 4 credits per 5-year period.

       The Continuing Certification Credits required for aerial applicators shall include one credit obtained through training aerial methods. The Continuing Certification Credits established for each ground application pest control category shall be obtained in at least two years of the five‑year period.

2. (b) Pesticide applicators, public operators, and pest control consultants shall be recertified by passing a written comprehensive examination administered by North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services personnel.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143‑437(1); 143‑440(b); 143‑453(c)(2); 143‑455(d);
Eff. September 10, 1980;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2016; November 1, 1984;
Readopted Eff. August 1, 2020;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2024.