Persons seeking certification as commercial applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and proper and effective use of pesticides by passing a written examination. The examination must address:

1. (1) Labels and labeling, including:

   1. (a) The general format and terminology of pesticide labels and labeling;
   2. (b) Understanding instructions, warnings, terms, symbols, and other information commonly appearing on pesticide labels and labeling;
   3. (c) Understanding that it is a violation of federal law to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its label and labeling;
   4. (d) Understanding that a certified applicator must be physically present at the site and at time of the application;
   5. (e) Understanding that applicators must comply with all use restrictions and directions for use stated on any pesticide labels or labeling, including being certified in the certification category appropriate to the type and site of the application;
   6. (f) Understanding the meaning of product classification as either general or restricted use and understanding that a product may be unclassified;
   7. (g) Understanding compliance requirements with product-specific notification requirements; and
   8. (h) Recognizing and understanding the difference between mandatory and advisory labeling language;

2. (2) Safety measures to avoid or minimize adverse health effects, including:

   1. (a) Understanding the risks of acute toxicity and chronic toxicity, and the long-term effects of pesticides on human health;
   2. (b) Understanding that a pesticide's risk is a function of exposure and the pesticide's toxicity;
   3. (c) Recognizing ways in which dermal, inhalation, and oral exposure may occur;
   4. (d) Understanding common types and causes of pesticide use error;
   5. (e) Preventing injury to applicators and other individuals in or near treated areas;
   6. (f) Understanding the need for and proper use of protective clothing and personal protective equipment;
   7. (g) Recognizing the symptoms of pesticide poisoning;
   8. (h) Providing first aid and being familiar with procedures to be followed in case of a pesticide use error; and
   9. (i) Understanding appropriate methods for identifying, storing, transporting, handling, mixing and disposing of pesticides and used pesticide containers, including precautions to prevent children from having access to pesticides and pesticide containers;

3. (3) Potential environmental inpacts resulting from:

   1. (a) Weather and indoor and outdoor climatic conditions;
   2. (b) Terrain, soil, and other substrate;
   3. (c) Presence of fish, wildlife, and other nontarget organisms; and
   4. (d) Drainage patterns;

4. (4) The proper identification and effective control of pests by:

   1. (a) Understanding common features of pest organisms;
   2. (b) Understanding characteristic damage features needed for pest recognition;
   3. (c) Identifying pests to be controlled; and
   4. (d) Understanding pest development and biology as relevant to identification and control;

5. (5) Pesticide characteristics, including:

   1. (a) Types of pesticides;
   2. (b) Types of formulations;
   3. (c) Compatibility, synergism, persistence, and animal and plant toxicity;
   4. (d) Hazards and residues associated with use;
   5. (e) Factors that influence effectiveness or lead to pesticide resistance issues; and
   6. (f) Dilution procedures used;

6. (6) Application equipment, including:

   1. (a) Types of equipment;
   2. (b) Uses, maintenance, and calibration of equipment; and
   3. (c) Advantages and limitations of equipment types;

7. (7) Pesticide application methods, including:

   1. (a) Understanding methods used to apply various forms and formulations of pesticides;
   2. (b) Understanding which application method to use in a given situation;
   3. (c) Understanding methods to prevent pesticide drift and loss into the environment;
   4. (d) Understanding how the selection of an application method may have a positive outcome or may result in an unnecessary or ineffective use, and misuse; and
   5. (e) Understanding that use of a fumigant, aerial application, or sodium cyanide requires additional certification;
8. (8) Applicable state, tribal, and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and

9. (9) Professionalism, including:

   1. (a) Understanding the need for and maintaining security for restricted-use pesticides;
   2. (b) Ways of communicating information about pesticide exposure and risk with customers and the public; and
   3. (c) Appropriate product stewardship for certified applicators.

Source: 1 SDR 65, effective March 27, 1975; 2 SDR 53, effective January 18, 1976; 4 SDR 23, effective October 20, 1977; 12 SDR 96, effective December 8, 1985; 12 SDR 128, 12 SDR 154, effective July 1, 1986 ; 49 SDR 124, effective July 3, 2023 .

General Authority: SDCL 38-21-51 .

Law Implemented: SDCL 38-21-18 .

Prior versions effective: 1986-07-01.