By Tana Haugen
Private pesticide applicators who wish to renew a certification that ends on March 1, 2022 have just through the end of February to do so to keep their certification from expiring. If you are unsure of your applicator status, you can check your certification status here: https://z.umn.edu/PPAlookupMDA
Farmers, who reside in Minnesota and plan to use Restricted Use Pesticides on land or sites for the production of agricultural commodities must renew their certification if it expires on March 1, 2022. The cost is $75 for each option and certification is good for three years.
Options for recertification
These recertification options are available through the end of February:
Option 1 - In-person workshop
Attend a live in-person workshop. Workshops offer a great opportunity to review regulations and safety issues related to pesticide application, while providing you with the latest University research on integrated pest management. A complete list of remaining workshops can be found at www.pat.umn.edu.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged but not required to attend a workshop. Please note we’ve had some changes to the original workshop schedule. We don't take making a late schedule change lightly and despite all of our ways of trying to get the word out, someone who does not pre-register may not get word the workshop has changed dates or location.
Option 2 - Online course
Take an online, self-paced Canvas Course. With this option you work through educational modules at your own pace If you do not finish in one sitting, your work will be saved and resume where you left off. Registration for this option closes on February 24, 2022. You must complete 100% of the course by 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2022, to receive recertification credit. Sorry, there are no extensions or exceptions to this deadline. Registration can be found at www.pat.umn.edu under the “Self-paced course” section.
Option 3 - Online exam
Take the exam online by going to www.pat.umn.edu and clicking on the “Exams” section. The manual (19th edition), which helps with the test, is available at no cost online.
Option 4 - Written exam
Take the mail-in written exam by picking up a test packet at most county or regional Extension offices. You may also request a hard copy of the manual (cost of $10) to help with the test.
Option 5 - Online workshop
Attend a live, online Zoom workshop (Feb 24, 1:00 to 4:30). Space is very limited and pre-registration is required. See more details at www.pat.umn.edu.
Successful completion of any of these options will renew your certification for 3 years.
New or expired certification
Are you a new applicator or your certification expired? If you have never been certified or your certification has already expired, you MUST take the test either online or by the mail-in option to receive your certification. Testing options close on October 31, 2022. After successfully becoming certified, you will be eligible for recertification options when it is time to renew in 3 years.
Source : umn.edu