Required Training

Printed Manual: You must purchase a new training manual every time you need to get (re)certified. The private training manual will come with a Training Registration Certificate inside the front cover that you will need to present to the proctor at the time of testing. Manuals can be purchased in our online store or download a Mail Order Form to pay with a check. We cannot take phone orders. How to order on the PAT Store.

Every base category manual contains “core” information that includes topics such as the use of personal protective equipment, proper storage, mixing and loading, and disposal of pesticides. Each manual will also contain information that is specific to the category in terms of types of pests, application sites, application equipment, etc.

The manuals DO NOT cover pest control techniques for every situation. They also do not teach which specific pesticide or application technique is best for any particular weed, insect, fungus, or other pest. They do not give recommendations for what pesticides to use for specific pests. The focus is on ensuring that you know how to use pesticides—any pesticide—safely and legally. In addition, the learning materials produced by PAT do not advocate pesticide use over other means of pest management. Rather, they focus on the safe and proper use of pesticides for people who will be using them.

For additional details regarding the specific manuals see our Private Categories Page

Special Note: In order to become certified in a subcategory, you must also be certified in any base category.

Supplemental Training

These are optional training materials that you can select if you wish. The price of these items is in addition to the required training above, but again, these are meant to be supplements to the main training above and are not required.

Online Video Training. These online videos can take the place of in-person or ZOOM training for the General Farm category. They will cover the same material as the in-person sessions. You will need to have a computer, a good internet connection, email, and audio capabilities. Online video training is available year-round. You will need to take the Exam in person at a participating County Extension Office or online with Pearson VUE. You can register for the videos in our online store.

Live Training / Review Sessions. These in-person sessions are held from January through April for the General Farm category. These one-day sessions are meant to be a general review of material in your manual and DO NOT cover everything that might appear on the certification exam. At the end of the review session, you have the opportunity to take the exam right away while the information is still fresh in your mind.  Registration for review sessions will open in November for the following spring. You can sign up for sessions in our online store. Space is limited.

ZOOM Training Sessions. These computer-based webinars are held from January through April for the General Farm category. They will cover the same material as the in-person sessions. You will need to have a computer, a good internet connection, and audio capabilities. You will need to take the Exam in person at a participating County Extension Office or online with Pearson VUE. Registration for review sessions will open in November for the following spring. You can sign up for sessions in our online store, webinars are not recorded.

Special Notes:

Attending/watching any of the supplemental training sessions will allow you to pass the in-person certification exam with a score of 50% instead of 70%*

Supplemental training uses the General Farm Manual, however attending/watching any of the above sessions will allow you to pass the in-person Fruit Crop or Greenhouse exam with only a 50% score.*

*If you take the exam online with Pearson VUE you will be required to pass with 70% regardless of any supplemental training you may have done.