On-Line Pesticide Training, Testing and Limited In-Person Testing
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has been working all summer to modify the pesticide training and testing program to offer on-line opportunities for applicators and operators throughout the State of Illinois.
If you were not able to take your operator or applicator exams last spring due to covid cancellations, and your license was extended until December 31, 2020 you must take the exams in order to be remain certified; those whose normal 3-year licenses expire on Dec 31 are also required to re-test. Furthermore, some operators were able to work only under the supervision of an applicator due to covid exceptions last spring, and they must also take the general standards exam. IDA indicates that there are approximately 22,000 applicators and operators whose licenses will expire on December 31, 2020. Taking the on-line exams will provide you with the ability to obtain a 3-year pesticide applicator or operator license.
IDA updated their website with details on the program, click
here for details. Here is a quick summary:
1. Training provided by the University of Illinois, in nearly all categories, will be on-line ONLY this year. The UI program and materials and on-line instructions should be available shortly. UI is still completing some of the on-line materials for a few categories, so keep checking back to the
UI Pesticide training/testing website. The links to sign up for the programs should be available very soon.
2. IDA will provide on-line testing opportunities by mid to late November, so keep checking back to their website for updates.
3. IDA is offering a few opportunities to take the exams in person, at numerous locations throughout the State. However, capacity is limited. You must pre-register on the IDA website to sign up for in-person testing, and you must agree to adhere to all CDC guidelines including wearing a face covering. To see the available in-person testing locations and to register, click here. There are no walk-ins allowed. There are several in-person opportunities available this week in Bloomington and Springfield.
IFCA thanks the staff at IDA and UI for working diligently all summer to develop an on-line training and testing program for the pesticide application industry.
Note: Dicamba training will also be required for all certified applicators who intend to apply Xtendimax, Engenia or Tavium in 2021. Keep checking IFCA's Illinois Dicamba Training website for links to the on-line training or webinars for dicamba training. The new dicamba labels are available on this website as well. Only certified applicators can apply these products; commercial applicators must pass both the general standards and field crop exams.
If you have questions please call IFCA at 309.827.2774.
