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Prepare for the Certification Exam

To become certified as a private applicator to apply restricted use pesticides in Wisconsin you must purchase training materials and take a certification exam. Once you pass the exam you will be certified for 5 years. Every 5 years you must recertify if you plan to continue spraying RUP pesticides. The recertification process is the same as doing it for the first time.

Each certification exam is based on the category-specific training manual (for example, General Farm, Fruit Crops, etc.). Within each category, the exam questions address the learning objectives that are listed at the beginning of each chapter in the manual. The best way to prepare for the exam is to read the entire manual, paying attention to each learning objective.

Exams consist of approximately 70 multiple-choice questions.

How to Schedule Your Exam

Self-Study (not attending any training/review session):
Private applicators will need to contact a participating County Extension Office to schedule their exam. Exams are given by appointment only. There is no cost to take the exam at one of the County Extension Offices. Once you take the exam it can take the Department of Agriculture (DATCP) three weeks to process the exam and send your new card.

If you are Attending a Supplemental In-Person Training Session:
If you register for a training session, you will be automatically scheduled to take the exam at the end of the session. (Note: you are NOT required to take the exam at that time; it’s OK to attend a training session but take the exam at a later date if you feel you need more time to learn the material.)

If you are Attending a Supplemental ZOOM Session or watching the ONLINE VIDEO TRAINING:
If you are watching ZOOM or Online Videos at home you will need to contact a participating County Extension Office to schedule your exam. If you are watching ZOOM at a County Sponsored Event the exam will be given following the event. Once you take the exam it can take the Department of Agriculture (DATCP) three weeks to process the exam and send your new card.

Take the Exam Online (the fastest way to get results)
DATCP has partnered with a private testing company, Pearson VUE, to provide more testing options. Pearson VUE offers computer-based private applicator tests for 5-year pesticide certification in Wisconsin. Pearson VUE offers over 50 testing sites in Wisconsin. Pearson VUE charges $45 per exam, but you will get your results immediately, and your credentials within 3 business days.

Special Note: The Private Applicators Exam is open book, however, you will not be allowed to use your printed manual when taking the exam online using Pearson VUE. Instead, they will provide you with a PDF version (electronic) of the manual on the screen along with the exam questions. Also, you will be required to get a 70% passing score, regardless of any supplemental training events you may have attended.

Things to Bring to the Exam

• Photo ID: The exam proctor will not issue you an exam without a positive ID (such as a driver’s license).
• Social Security Number: Federal and State law require this number from anyone who is seeking a state certification or license. You don’t need your SS card, just your number.
• Your Manual: If you are taking the test in-person you will need your manual for the open-book test. If you are taking your test online through Pearson VUE a PDF of the manual will be provided on the screen.
• Your Training Registration Form: Provide the training registration certificate from the first page of the manual. DATCP cannot grade your exam, nor grant you certification until the form is collected.
• Calculator: You may use a calculator for the exam. However, cell phone calculators, programmable calculators, or those with alphabet keypads are not permitted. Do not bring a calculator that must be connected to AC power. DATCP test proctors will usually have a few calculators for people to borrow. If taking the test with Person Vue, a calculator is provided on the computer you are taking the test on.
• Proof of Training: Private applicators, if you watched the Online Videos or ZOOM training, bring or show your completion email (printed out or on your phone) to the proctor so the test is coded correctly.

Exam Score

Private Applicators
After you take the exam at your county Extension office, the exam proctor will mail your answer sheet to DATCP.  Please allow up to 30 days for the results to be mailed to you. If you have not received your results within 30 days, please contact datcppesticideinfo@wi.gov.

If you passed the exam, your new certification card will be included in the mailing with your exam score. Be sure to sign the card and carry it with you whenever you perform any activity for which certification is required (e.g., purchasing, mixing and loading, applying). This means you MUST receive your card BEFORE you can perform any applicator duties. If you are testing with Pearson VUE, you will get your score at the end of the test. Your credentials will be sent to you via email within 3 business days.

If you failed the exam, contact your participating County Extension office to retake the exam. You must observe the following waiting periods before retaking the exam:

• 1st failure: 24 hours
• 2nd and 3rd failure: 30 days
• 4th failure in a 6-month period: 6 months