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General Pesticide FAQs

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”1. What is a pesticide?” tab_id=”what-is-a-pesticide”][vc_column_text css=””]Pesticides are substances used to control living organisms – this term includes a wide range of substances such as insecticides, herbicides, disinfectants, and rodent baits, among other things. The legal definition from the state regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:30-1 is the following: “‘Pesticide’ means and includes any substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed or intended for use in preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest, or any substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed, or intended for use as a defoliant, desiccant, or plant regulator; provided, that the term ‘pesticide’ shall not include any substance or mixture of substances which the US EPA does not consider to be a pesticide.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”2. Can pesticides be used at schools?” tab_id=”can-pesticides-be-used-at-schools”][vc_column_text css=””]Yes, pesticides can be used at schools. A number of regulatory controls are in place such as licensing, notification, and re-entry restrictions for treated areas- requirements that to date have been the responsibility of the licensed commercial pesticide applicator performing pest control at the school. The School IPM Act places additional responsibilities on public, private and charter schools in New Jersey that will be explained further in these FAQ’s and in training materials distributed to schools.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”3. What is a Private Applicator?” tab_id=”what-is-a-private-applicator”][vc_column_text css=””]A Private Applicator is any person who uses, or supervises the use, of pesticides for the purpose of raising an agricultural commodity. The pesticide use can be on land owned or rented by the applicator or the applicator’s employer. Examples of private applicators are dairy farmers, vegetable or fruit growers, greenhouse growers, ranchers, nurserymen, and home gardeners.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”4. Do you need to have a license to apply straight fertilizer or lime?” tab_id=”do-you-need-to-have-a-license-to-apply-straight-fertilizer-or-lime”][vc_column_text css=””]No, a pesticide license is not required if a company is applying straight fertilizer or lime. However, all professional fertilizer applicators and lawn care providers are required to undergo training and become certified through the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University. To learn more, go to the Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification and Training website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”5. Can an employee of a licensed company apply pesticides without a license?” tab_id=”can-an-employee-of-a-licensed-company-apply-pesticides-without-a-license”][vc_column_text css=””]If the employee does not have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator or Operator license, the person must be at least 18 years of age and working under the direct supervision of a responsible Commercial Pesticide Applicator who is present at the time and place of application and visual and audio contact sufficient to ensure proper application is maintained.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”6. Does a business need to provide a consumer information notice for each pesticide application that is made?” tab_id=”does-a-business-need-to-provide-a-consumer-information-notice-for-each-pesticide-application-that-is-made”][vc_column_text css=””]Yes, a consumer information notice must be provided. A waiver declining to receive consumer information may be signed by the contracting party/resident.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”7. Are there any pesticides that a business can apply without needing a license?” tab_id=”are-there-any-pesticides-that-a-business-can-apply-without-needing-a-license”][vc_column_text css=””]A Pesticide Applicator Business license is not needed if the only use of pesticides involves the use of the following general use pesticides: antimicrobial agents, wood preservatives, antifouling paints or antifouling agents not classified as “restricted use”, and any pesticide classified as “minimum risk” by the Federal EPA.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]

Licensing FAQs

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”1. Do I need a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license?” tab_id=”do-i-need-a-commercial-pesticide-applicator-license”][vc_column_text css=””]Most people who apply pesticides as part of their job or on a for hire basis need to be licensed as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator. A license to apply pesticides is required under the above circumstances, whether the pesticide can be obtained from the local garden center or a licensed pesticide dealer. Examples are exterminators, landscapers, tree sprayers, or pet groomers. These people all need to have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license along with a Pesticide Applicator Business license. School maintenance people and apartment building superintendents who apply pesticides are other examples of people who need a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license, although they do not need an Applicator Business license since they are not in business to apply pesticides.

There are certain situations or the use of some kinds of pesticides that do not require licensing. Some examples are the use of antimicrobial products and wood preservatives when they are not classified as “restricted use”. A small business with 10 or less employees that is not a food handling establishment, childcare center or school, may apply “general use” pesticides indoors without licensing. The use of any pesticide classified as “minimum risk” by the Federal EPA also does not require licensing[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”2. Do I need a Pesticide Operator license?” tab_id=”do-i-need-a-pesticide-operator-license”][vc_column_text css=””]If a person wants to apply pesticides as part of his/her job or on a for-hire basis without becoming a Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicator, he/she may become licensed as a Pesticide Operator. However, the Pesticide Operator must work under the direct supervision of a Commercial Pesticide Applicator. The Commercial Pesticide Applicator does not have to be present for a Pesticide Operator to apply most pesticides.

Operators are exempt from licensing if applying the same pesticides that exempt commercial pesticide applicators from licensing (see answer to Licensing FAQ #1).[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”3. What is the difference between a Commercial Pesticide Applicator and a Pesticide Operator?” tab_id=”what-is-the-difference-between-a-commercial-pesticide-applicator-and-a-pesticide-operator”][vc_column_text css=””]A pesticide applicator must be certified by fulfilling the training requirements and passing the necessary exams. A pesticide operator must undergo the required training (see 7:30-5.2) and must become licensed, but is not required to take exams. A licensed pesticide operator may apply pesticides only under the direct supervision of a Commercial Pesticide Applicator. The pesticide applicator does not have to be physically present for a licensed pesticide operator to apply pesticides (in most cases). Both pesticide applicators and pesticide operators must be licensed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”4. Do I need a Private Pesticide Applicator license?” tab_id=”do-i-need-a-private-pesticide-applicator-license”][vc_column_text css=””]People who apply pesticides for the purpose of raising an agricultural commodity worth $2500 or more annually, including organic farmers, need to be licensed as a Private Pesticide Applicator. Examples of commodities are vegetables, fruit, flowers, greenhouse plants, Christmas trees, or animals such as livestock. Farmers and/or their employees that apply pesticides are usually Private Pesticide Applicators or trained Pesticide Handlers. Companies that are hired by the farmer to apply pesticides must have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator and an Applicator Business license. A Private Pesticide Applicator license is not needed if only using pesticides classified as “minimum risk” by the Federal EPA.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”5. How do I become a licensed Private Applicator?” tab_id=”how-do-i-become-a-licensed-private-applicator”][vc_column_text css=””]Certification is accomplished by passing the Private pesticide applicator certification exam. This exam is based on the training manual entitled “Pesticide Applicator Training Manual – Private.” This training manual can be obtained from your County Cooperative Extension Office.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”6. Do I need a Pesticide Dealer license?” tab_id=”do-i-need-a-pesticide-dealer-license”][vc_column_text css=””]Anyone who sells restricted-use pesticides to people who use them must be a Certified Pesticide Dealer and work for a company that is licensed as a Pesticide Dealer Business.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”7. Do I need an Applicator Business or Dealer Business license?” tab_id=”do-i-need-an-applicator-business-or-dealer-business-license”][vc_column_text css=””]Anyone who operates a business that applies pesticides as a service must be licensed as a Pesticide Applicator Business. Any business selling restricted-use pesticides to an end-user must be licensed as a Pesticide Dealer Business.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”8. Do pesticide products need to be registered in New Jersey?” tab_id=”do-pesticide-products-need-to-be-registered-in-new-jersey”][vc_column_text css=””]All pesticide products that are held, sold, used or offered for sale in New Jersey need to be registered with the BPC. There is a $300 annual registration fee per product. See the Pesticide Product Registration page. Also see the list of restricted-use pesticides for New Jersey.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”9. How do I get licensed?” tab_id=”how-do-i-get-licensed”][vc_column_text css=””]In most cases Commercial Pesticide Applicators must fulfill the training requirements (see 7:30-6.2) prior to applying for the exams. After completing the required training the applicant must take and pass a minimum of two exams, a Core exam & a category exam. (To be licensed in Categories 10 – Demonstration & Research, or Category 11- Aerial, and Category 13 – IPM in Schools, you must pass Core and one additional category exam). Private Pesticide Applicators and Certified Pesticide Dealers take one exam. The Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Certified Pesticide Dealer’s licenses expire on October 31 of each calendar year. The Private Pesticide Applicator’s license is valid for five years. New Jersey also accepts reciprocal certification from other states which allows the person to use his/her out-of-state certification to get a NJ license.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”10. How do I get a reciprocal or EtO exam waiver?” tab_id=”how-do-i-get-a-reciprocal-or-eto-exam-waiver”][vc_column_text css=””]Call the BPC and request the reciprocal or EtO Waiver package. This will include all needed information and forms and a take-at-home exam on the NJ Pesticide Control regulations. There is no fee for this exam. Reciprocal license information can also be found on the Reciprocal License page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”11. Where do I get the study manuals?” tab_id=”where-do-i-get-the-study-manuals”][vc_column_text css=””]The training manuals for all of the exams can be obtained from your County Extension Office  or click here to order online: https://ce-catalog.rutgers.edu/checkoutsignin.cfm.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”12. How much do the study manuals cost?” tab_id=”how-much-do-the-study-manuals-cost”][vc_column_text css=””]Anywhere from $20 to $45, depending on the manual requested. Manuals are printed and sold only by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”13. I lost my invoice (bill) or license. How do I get a new one?” tab_id=”i-lost-my-invoice-bill-or-license-how-do-i-get-a-new-one”][vc_column_text css=””]Call the BPC at 609-984-6568 and request a duplicate invoice or license[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”14. What are the license fees?” tab_id=”what-are-the-license-fees”][vc_column_text css=””]

• Commercial Pesticide Applicator – $80/year
• Private Pesticide Applicator – No fee. The license is valid for 5 years.
• Certified Pesticide Dealer – $75/year
• Pesticide Operator – $30/year
• Pesticide Applicator Business – $150/year
• Pesticide Dealer Business – $150/year

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”15. How do I maintain my license?” tab_id=”how-do-i-maintain-my-license”][vc_column_text css=””]Private and Commercial Pesticide Applicators maintain their license by attending continuing education (recertification) courses and accumulating units of recertification credit. Each unit is based on 30 minutes of instruction time. The required number of recertification units (8 in Core & 16 in each category) must be accumulated during the five-year recertification period established once an exam is passed. Applicators may also retake their certification exams within five years for recertification. There currently is no recertification requirement for Certified Pesticide Dealers. Pesticide Operators shall renew their license annually with the invoice provided by the Department.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”16. Why didn’t I receive a renewal of my license?” tab_id=”why-didnt-i-receive-a-renewal-of-my-license”][vc_column_text css=””]There may be several reasons for this:

1. For Private and Commercial Pesticide Applicators: The applicator did not accumulate enough recertification units within the five-year recertification period, in one or more of the certification areas.
2. The license has not been renewed for two consecutive years.
3. A change of address was not been reported to the BPC.
4. Pesticide Operators, Applicator Businesses, and Dealer Businesses will not receive a renewal if the responsible pesticide applicator or dealer associated with the license becomes ineligible as a result of a, b or c above.

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Recertification FAQs

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”1. How many recertification units do I need to maintain my pesticide applicator certification?” tab_id=”how-many-recertification-units-do-i-need-to-maintain-my-pesticide-applicator-certification”][vc_column_text css=””]An applicator requires 8 units in Core and 16 units in each category over the exam’s five year recertification period.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”2. How is the recertification period determined?” tab_id=”how-is-the-recertification-period-determined”][vc_column_text css=””]The recertification period starts on the November 1st after you pass an exam and lasts until October 31st five years later. Each exam has its own 5-year recertification period.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”3. How many recertification units do I currently have?” tab_id=”how-many-recertification-units-do-i-currently-have”][vc_column_text css=””]Refer to your most recent license renewal document. Your recertification status is indicated in the document. Private Pesticide Applicators will be sent a Recertification Update notice once a year during their five-year license period (which corresponds to their five-year recertification period). You may also check the number of units you have by going to the Online Report portal and running the “Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicators – Specific Information” or “Private Pesticide Applicator – Specific Information” report.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”4. What recertification courses are available?” tab_id=”what-recertification-courses-are-available”][vc_column_text css=””]Refer to the Recertification Course page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”5. How do I get recertification course information?” tab_id=”how-do-i-get-recertification-course-information”][vc_column_text css=””]By joining an association that represents your industry, contacting the Rutgers Cooperative Extension office in your area, and checking the Recertification Course page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”6. When do I get an update on my recertification status?” tab_id=”when-do-i-get-an-update-on-my-recertification-status”][vc_column_text css=””]With each annual renewal for Commercial Pesticide Applicators and at least once a year for Private Pesticide Applicators (private applicators have a five year license). You can also get your recertification status anytime by going to the Online Report portal and running the “Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicators – Specific Information” or “Private Pesticide Applicator – Specific Information” report.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]

Record Keeping FAQs

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”1. What do inspectors look for in a Commercial Applicator Business Inspection?” tab_id=”what-do-inspectors-look-for-in-a-commercial-applicator-business-inspection”][vc_column_text css=””]Licensing, business insurance pesticide application records, notification documents, service vehicle requirements, pesticide storage area requirements. The inspector may also perform a use inspection comparing pesticide application records to labeling instructions for the pesticide applied.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”2. What exactly constitutes the pesticide concentrate, and diluent? How is this recorded on my application record?” tab_id=”what-exactly-constitutes-the-pesticide-concentrate-and-diluent-how-is-this-recorded-on-my-application-record”][vc_column_text css=””]The pesticide concentrate is the amount of product used from the manufacturers container, the diluent is the amount of water or other medium used that the concentrate is mixed in. For example; 1ounce of pesticide is mixed into 1 gallon of water. This is recorded as Concentrate + Diluent, e.g. 1oz of concentrate is recorded, and 1gal of diluent recorded.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]

School IPM FAQs

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”1. What does the School IPM Act require, in general terms?” tab_id=”what-does-the-school-ipm-act-require-in-general-terms”][vc_column_text css=””]Schools will be responsible for naming an “IPM coordinator” who will oversee the IPM and pest control activities at the school, retain recorded information about pest control at the school, and act as a contact for inquiries from students, staff, and parents. Additional responsibilities of the school include an annual notice to parents and staff that describes the IPM program, specific written notice and posting when pesticides are used, restrictions on when pesticide can be applied, and re-entry times for pesticide treated areas. The law requires schools to begin implementing an IPM Policy by June 12, 2004. A Model IPM Policy required by the law to be developed by the DEP is available for use by schools.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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