What is required of a pesticide applicator before they can take the certification exam?

Before taking the certification exam, a pesticide applicator is required to pay a fee to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). This fee is part of the process for ensuring that applicants are formally registered and recognized by the state infrastructure that oversees pesticide use and safety. It is an important step that supports the administration of the exam and the ongoing regulation of pesticide applicators.

Having a degree in agriculture, attending a university course, or possessing a certain amount of field experience are not prerequisites for taking the certification exam. These requirements may enhance an applicator's knowledge and skill, but they are not mandated before the exam can be taken. The fee payment is a direct requirement and emphasizes the regulatory framework surrounding pesticide application in Iowa.