Commercial pesticide applicator testing available electronically

PIERRE — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) announces Commercial Pesticide Applicator testing is now available on electronic tablets at Regional South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Centers across the state.

“Instant exam results create convenience for those wanting to apply pesticides,” said Valerie Mitchell, SDDA ag program specialist. “The exam’s reference materials are displayed on the tablet screen, along with the test, making the tablet an all-in-one platform.”

Exams are still open book and focus mainly on reading comprehension. Multiple tablets are available at each Regional SDSU Extension Center to handle multiple testers at once. Previously, testing was administered by paper and results were mailed out three to five days later.

Results are instantly sent to SDDA for review and approval. The electronic processing will expedite the applicator’s license issuance. An e-mail is sent to the tester confirming the exam has been processed and gives instruction on how to apply and pay for a commercial applicator license once certification is complete. Following payment, the applicator’s license is mailed to their home address.

Please call your Regional SDSU Extension Center to schedule an appointment to take the exam. Contact information for these centers can be found at http://sdda.sd.gov and search “Commercial and Private Applicator Testing Sites.” Local SDSU Extension offices will have access to the new testing format in the near future.