Pesticide Certification & Training

Certified pesticide applicators must have a valid, current certification identification (ID) card in their possession to make any commercial or private applications of pesticides. Registered pesticide businesses and agencies must have a current registration to operate as a pesticide business or agency.

Under the regulations, a certified pesticide applicator has until 90 days past their recertification date to complete recertification without additional recertification credits being assessed.

Any questions regarding the expiration of the enforcement discretion should be addressed to the Pesticide Reporting & Certification Section at pestmgt@dec.ny.gov or by telephone at (518) 402-8748.

Information on the Pesticide Certification process can be found on the DEC website

For chemical disposal:

homeowners:  ECOPark is a Monroe County service and may be able to help you

farmers:  Clean Sweep or contact Dec staff

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Lots of educational information and credits are now available through the new and expanded PMEP (Pesticide Management Education Program) website where you will find:

• Tutorials for studying for the exam
• Books and “Guidelines” for purchase
• Online Distance Learning Credits for recertification (NEW!)

For more specific information about upcoming classes across the state, please visit the NYS DEC training calendar.

• Recertification courses are available year round through local agriservice and the regional agriculture teams. Check out the specialist teams’ websites for more information and to enroll so that you get the most up to date info on new classes and workshops.
• An order form for core and category manuals can be found at the Cornell Store website.
• Information specifically about certification can be found at the DEC website.  If you need specific info on phone numbers, etc, Wayne County is in region 8.

Pesticide Worker Safety (EPA requirements) :

• Website for information on the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS)
• Website for Educational Resources, including free videos on line, posters, handouts, and CDs to purchase
• How to Comply Manual
  • Updates page 3, additions effective Jan 2, 2017 and Jan 2, 2018

Upcoming Trainings

Need DEC Credits?

The Pesticide Management Education Program (PMEP) on campus offers some online DEC credits. This link goes to all the courses that are approved for on-line credit for NY applicators, https://pmepcourses.cce.cornell.edu/catalog?pagename=ny-credits. There were 17 courses that give credit for Category 21 as well as some CORE options. Fees are $30/credit.

CCE Wayne County works with our regional specialist teams to host training in preparation to take the pesticide certification exam. 

Pesticide Training at CCE Ontario County: Anyone interested in obtaining a pesticide certification and meets the D.E.C. experience/education requirements or current applicators seeking pesticide re-certification credits should attend. This training is NOT a 30-hour certification course.

Pesticide Certification and Re-Certification Classes:.

For more information or with any questions, please contact Janet Van Zoeren at 585 797-8368 / jev67@cornell.edu or Christy Hoepting at 585 721-6953 / cah59@cornell.edu.

Don’t forget: all specialist teams have trainings for credits for recertification. Activities like Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Corn Congress, Soybean Congress, Lake Ontario Fruit School – are all opportunities for you to earn credits. Every summer the teams also have tours and more opportunities to get credits – check out the calendar page (toggle at the top of this page) for more information on those events.

Last updated May 13, 2024