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Part of Part three – Using pesticides

Using pesticides – Applicator recertification

Pesticide applicator certificates are issued for up to 5 years, and must be renewed prior to the expiry date.

Important Updates

Notice of Pesticide Applicator Certificate, Recertification and Examination Changes

In response to COVID-19, the Alberta government has made necessary modifications to the pesticide Certification and Recertification requirements. Additionally we have temporarily postponed all exams as all proctor locations have closed.

The notice that summarizes these changes has been published and can be found on the Open Government Portal at: Updates to pesticide regulations.

Overview

Pesticide applicator recertification involves either taking an examination or completing a continuing education program. Both can be arranged by contacting Lakeland College.

Recertification choices

Applicators must begin the recertification process before the expiry of their current certificate. They can:

  • rewrite the pesticide applicator certification examination, or
  • complete the requirements of a continuing education program, and complete a pesticide applicator recertification application form (available through Lakeland College)

Continuing education

To recertify, an applicator must obtain 15 continuing education credits within their 5-year certification period. Some exceptions apply.

One credit normally equals 1 hour of attending/participating in an information session, demonstration or course. The courses and credits must be approved by the Alberta government.

Education topics

The courses cover 10 areas:

  • Application Technology
  • Emergency Response
  • Environment
  • General Information
  • Human Health
  • Labelling
  • Pesticide Safety
  • Pest Management
  • Professionalism
  • Regulations

Course requirements

A maximum of 10 continuing education credits can be obtained in any 1 year. Within the 15 required credits, the following minimums must be obtained:

  • 1 credit in environment – environment issues, pesticide fate, runoff, movement, teaching
  • 2 credits in application technology – calibration clinics, drift modelling, new equipment demos
  • 2 credits in health and pesticide safety – safe application, storage, pesticide disposal practices to ensure human and animal health
  • 2 credits in pest management – pest description, pesticide characteristics, integrated pest management
  • 2 credits in regulations – new regulations, regulatory concerns

Course credit applications

Individuals organizing sessions/courses for pesticide applicators are encouraged to apply for Continuing Education Credits. Complete the Request for Credit Application Form found at:

Credit applications must be submitted at least 3 weeks before the course begins and must be approved prior to the course being held.

Contact

Connect with Lakeland College for information about recertification programs and exams:

Phone: 1-866-853-8646
Email: [email protected]