September 16, 2020 Update
Certification:
For those of you who were able to take advantage of the certification extension to Oct 31st, that is still in place and will expire on Oct 31st. For those of you who have a T-number for the temporary certification, the expiration is still Oct 31st.
In-person testing for the full 5-year certification is still currently suspended. However, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is working hard to open testing up as soon as possible. Although the exam scheduling web site [ https://pestexam.datcp.wi.gov/Welcome.aspx ] no longer has the warning about tests being suspended, it does not have any sessions listed.
Registration for the online temporary certification tests will be suspended on Oct 1st. Those that have access to the exam but have not taken it yet will have access till Oct 31st, 2020. At present, those with T-numbers will have to retest at an in-person exam to get their full 5-year certification. For questions regarding in-person testing please contact DATCP [ datcppesticideinfo@wi.gov ]
Training:
Commercial Applicators: Unfortunately, due to the pandemic uncertainty and University of Wisconsin restrictions limiting group size, the PAT program is planning to offer ONLY online Commercial Applicator Training review sessions this winter. These online sessions will require registration and cost $10.00 / person. The sessions will be offered via Zoom. There will be no exams provided at these sessions. This will only provide training/review for those who register for it. We hope that we will be able to return to a live training/review and exam combo in 2022.
Registration will be posted soon. To register please go to the UW-PAT Store (link on the right in the menu above). Please be advised that if registration does not reach a minimum of 10 people we will cancel the session and provide refunds. To participate in the online sessions, you must have a functional computer with a good internet connection. Remember, attending training is not mandatory for certification. What is mandatory for certification is that you purchase the training material (a printed manual, PDF manual, or for some categories, online course) before you schedule your certification exam with DATCP.
Private Applicators: If you are a private applicator seeking training and certification in General Farming, the UW-PAT Program will be providing online training for 2021. This training will be offered in two week periods where you can take the training at a time that is convenient to you. Be aware that once you start the training you will have to complete it, so block enough time to get through it. You are still required to purchase the training fee with training materials. The online training will be available for $10.00. To register, please go to the UW-PAT store [ PAT Store General Farming ]. Registration will be available in November. The online training will be equivalent to attending an in-person county Extension training. You must have a computer with a good internet connection.
If you need a Private Applicator certification exam, please contact your County Extension Office and see if they are able to give them. Some counties are able to provide the test, others are not. To contact your County Extension Office [ County Extension Offices ].
