Pesticide applicator private applicator certification practice questions
20 free practice questions from 40 CFR 171.105. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
Pesticide applicator private applicator certification
20 questions across 8 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Who must be certified
1. Which of these persons does 171.105(i) exclude from the private applicator certification requirements in 171.105(a) through (h)?
- A. A farmer who applies restricted use pesticides only to crops on rented land
- B. A person conducting laboratory research involving restricted use pesticides
- C. A private applicator who applies restricted use pesticides only by aircraft
- D. A rancher who applies restricted use pesticides only to livestock he or she owns
Show answer
Answer: B. A person conducting laboratory research involving restricted use pesticides
171.105(i): "The requirements in § 171.105(a)-(h) of this part do not apply to the following persons: (1) Persons conducting laboratory research involving restricted use pesticides." The other listed exception is for Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Veterinary Medicine treating patients.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
2. A farmer holds only general private applicator certification and wants to buy a restricted use pesticide to fumigate soil. What does 171.105(a) say about general certification alone?
- A. It covers soil fumigation but not non-soil fumigation
- B. It covers purchase but not use of fumigants
- C. It covers fumigation if the farmer is at least 18 years old
- D. It is not sufficient to authorize the purchase, use, or supervision of use of products in the categories in (b) through (f)
Show answer
Answer: D. It is not sufficient to authorize the purchase, use, or supervision of use of products in the categories in (b) through (f)
"Certification in this general private applicator certification category alone is not sufficient to authorize the purchase, use, or supervision of use of the restricted use pesticide products in the categories listed in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section." Soil fumigation is paragraph (d).
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
3. Under 171.105(a), what must persons seeking certification as private applicators demonstrate?
- A. Practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control associated with the production of agricultural commodities and effective use of restricted use pesticides
- B. At least two years of experience farming
- C. Ownership of the land on which the pesticides will be used
- D. A degree in agriculture from an accredited college
Show answer
Answer: A. Practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control associated with the production of agricultural commodities and effective use of restricted use pesticides
"Persons seeking certification as private applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control associated with the production of agricultural commodities and effective use of restricted use pesticides."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
4. Under 171.105(a), when must a person be certified by an appropriate certifying authority?
- A. Within 30 days after first using a restricted use pesticide
- B. Before purchasing a restricted use pesticide, but not before supervising its use
- C. Only before applying a restricted use pesticide on land the person does not own
- D. Before using or supervising the use of a restricted use pesticide as a private applicator
Show answer
Answer: D. Before using or supervising the use of a restricted use pesticide as a private applicator
"Before using or supervising the use of a restricted use pesticide as a private applicator, a person must be certified by an appropriate certifying authority."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
5. Under 171.105(a), the necessary competency to use restricted use pesticides for pest control in the production of agricultural commodities includes which ability?
- A. The ability to read and understand pesticide labeling
- B. The ability to write pesticide labeling for new products
- C. The ability to run a pesticide sales business
- D. The ability to register pesticides with EPA
Show answer
Answer: A. The ability to read and understand pesticide labeling
The necessary competency is one "which includes the ability to read and understand pesticide labeling."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Pests, application, laws and stewardship
6. A private applicator plans to have a restricted use pesticide applied by aircraft. Under the application methods standard in 171.105(a)(7)(ii), what must private applicators know about aerial application?
- A. That it is limited to commercial applicators
- B. That it is permitted only on land the applicator owns
- C. That it requires additional certification
- D. That it is covered by general private applicator certification
Show answer
Answer: C. That it requires additional certification
171.105(a)(7)(ii) covers "Knowledge of which application method to use in a given situation and that use of a fumigant, aerial application, or predator control device containing sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate requires additional certification." Private aerial applicators must meet 171.105(f) "In addition to satisfying the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section".
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Labeling and safety knowledge
7. A private applicator will have a noncertified family member apply a restricted use pesticide while the applicator works elsewhere on the farm. Under 171.105(a)(1)(iv), the private applicator must understand when a certified applicator must be physically present at the site of the application based on what?
- A. The number of acres to be treated
- B. The age of the noncertified applicator
- C. Labeling requirements
- D. The distance between the application site and the applicator's home
Show answer
Answer: C. Labeling requirements
171.105(a)(1)(iv) covers "Understanding when a certified applicator must be physically present at the site of the application based on labeling requirements." Under 171.201(b)(3)(vi), the certified applicator "must be physically present at the site of the use being supervised when required by the product labeling."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Predator control
8. A private applicator will use sodium cyanide in a mechanical ejection device. Under 171.105(b), the applicator must demonstrate comprehension of the restrictions on the use of sodium cyanide products ordered by whom?
- A. The county agricultural commissioner
- B. The EPA Administrator
- C. The device manufacturer
- D. The State veterinarian
Show answer
Answer: B. The EPA Administrator
Applicators must demonstrate comprehension of all applicable laws and regulations, "including the restrictions on the use of sodium cyanide products ordered by the EPA Administrator."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
9. A private applicator seeks certification to use sodium fluoroacetate livestock protection collars. Under 171.105(c), the applicator must demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of the requirements for disposal of what?
- A. Damaged or used sodium cyanide capsules
- B. Empty fumigant cylinders
- C. Punctured or leaking collars, and contaminated animal remains, vegetation, soil, and clothing
- D. Unused treated seeds
Show answer
Answer: C. Punctured or leaking collars, and contaminated animal remains, vegetation, soil, and clothing
171.105(c) lists specific requirements for "proper storage of collars, disposal of punctured or leaking collars, disposal of contaminated animal remains, vegetation, soil, and clothing". Sodium cyanide capsules belong to the sodium cyanide standards in 171.105(b).
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Non-soil fumigation
10. A private applicator will supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate a site other than soil. Which standards in 171.105 must the applicator meet?
- A. The aerial pest control standards
- B. The sodium fluoroacetate predator control standards
- C. No additional standards, because the applicator only supervises
- D. The non-soil fumigation standards in 171.105(e), in addition to the general standards in 171.105(a)
Show answer
Answer: D. The non-soil fumigation standards in 171.105(e), in addition to the general standards in 171.105(a)
"In addition to satisfying the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, private applicators that use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate anything other than soil must demonstrate practical knowledge" of non-soil fumigation.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Minimum age and how competency is established
11. Under 171.105(h), who must establish the competency of each candidate for private applicator certification?
- A. The candidate's agricultural employer
- B. The certifying authority
- C. The pesticide dealer that sells the restricted use pesticide
- D. A certified commercial applicator chosen by the candidate
Show answer
Answer: B. The certifying authority
"The competency of each candidate for private applicator certification must be established by the certifying authority."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
12. Under 171.105(h)(2)(ii)(A), what must the training program for general private applicator certification cover?
- A. Only the minimum age requirement in 171.105(g)
- B. Only the category standards the candidate selects
- C. Only the label and labeling comprehension standards in 171.105(a)(1)
- D. The competency standards in 171.105(a), in sufficient detail to allow the private applicator to demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and proper and effective use of restricted use pesticides
Show answer
Answer: D. The competency standards in 171.105(a), in sufficient detail to allow the private applicator to demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and proper and effective use of restricted use pesticides
"The training program for general private applicator certification must cover the competency standards outlined in paragraph (a) of this section in sufficient detail to allow the private applicator to demonstrate practical knowledge."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
13. What does 171.105(h)(2) say any candidate for certification as a private applicator may do to establish competency?
- A. Complete a training program approved by the certifying authority
- B. Submit a signed statement of farming experience
- C. Work for one season under a certified commercial applicator
- D. Present a letter from a pesticide dealer
Show answer
Answer: A. Complete a training program approved by the certifying authority
"Any candidate for certification as a private applicator may complete a training program approved by the certifying authority to establish competency."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
14. A certifying authority chooses to establish private applicator competency by examination. Under 171.105(h)(1), what must the examination process meet?
- A. Only a minimum passing score set by EPA
- B. All of the examination standards in 171.103(a)(2), the same standards that apply to commercial applicator examinations
- C. Only the standards for oral examinations given on the candidate's farm
- D. Whatever requirements the candidate's employer sets
Show answer
Answer: B. All of the examination standards in 171.103(a)(2), the same standards that apply to commercial applicator examinations
171.105(h)(1): "If the certifying authority uses an examination process to determine the competency of private applicators, the examination process must meet all of the requirements of § 171.103(a)(2)."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
15. Under 171.105(h), which processes may the certifying authority use to assure the competency of private applicators?
- A. A field demonstration observed by EPA staff
- B. A signed statement by the candidate
- C. Either a written examination process or a non-examination training process
- D. A recommendation from a certified commercial applicator
Show answer
Answer: C. Either a written examination process or a non-examination training process
"The certifying authority must use either a written examination process as described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section or a non-examination training process as described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
16. A candidate is seeking private applicator certification through a non-examination training program. Under 171.105(h)(2)(i), the government-issued photo identification (or other similarly reliable identification authorized by the certifying authority) is presented as proof of what?
- A. Identity and age
- B. Ownership of the farm to be treated
- C. Prior experience applying pesticides
- D. Residence in the State
Show answer
Answer: A. Identity and age
Each person must present the identification "as proof of identity and age at the time of the training program to be eligible for certification."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
17. Under 171.105(h)(2)(ii)(B), how does the training program for a private applicator category relate to the general private applicator training program?
- A. It is taken in lieu of the general training program
- B. It is optional once the general training is complete
- C. It must be in addition to the training program required for general private applicator certification
- D. It replaces the general program for applicators over 18
Show answer
Answer: C. It must be in addition to the training program required for general private applicator certification
The category training program "must be in addition to the training program required for general private applicator certification."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Soil fumigation
18. A private applicator certified in soil fumigation will have noncertified applicators help with a soil fumigant application under direct supervision. Under 171.105(d)(1)(ii), the labeling knowledge the applicator must demonstrate includes requirements for what?
- A. The safety information that certified applicators must provide to noncertified applicators using fumigants under their direct supervision
- B. Hiring noncertified applicators only through a licensed labor contractor
- C. Registering each noncertified applicator with EPA before the application
- D. Giving each noncertified applicator a written examination before the application
Show answer
Answer: A. The safety information that certified applicators must provide to noncertified applicators using fumigants under their direct supervision
171.105(d)(1)(ii) covers "Requirements for certified applicators of fumigants, fumigant handlers and permitted fumigant handler activities, and the safety information that certified applicators must provide to noncertified applicators using fumigants under the direct supervision of certified applicators."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Aerial pest control
19. A candidate is to be certified as a private applicator in general and in aerial pest control. Under 171.105(h), the examination or training process must assure the candidate's competency in which standards?
- A. The aerial pest control standards only, in lieu of the general standards
- B. The general standards in 171.105(a) and the specific standards for aerial pest control
- C. The general standards only
- D. The standards for every category in 171.105(b) through (f), whether or not the candidate is to be certified in them
Show answer
Answer: B. The general standards in 171.105(a) and the specific standards for aerial pest control
The process must assure competency "in regard to the general certification standards applicable to all private applicators outlined in paragraph (a) of this section, and, if applicable, the specific standards for the each of the categories outlined in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section in which a private applicator is to be certified."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)
20. 171.105(f) applies to private applicators that use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides applied by which aircraft?
- A. Only fixed wing aircraft
- B. Only rotary wing aircraft
- C. Only aircraft owned by the applicator
- D. Fixed or rotary wing aircraft
Show answer
Answer: D. Fixed or rotary wing aircraft
Paragraph (f) covers "private applicators that use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides applied by fixed or rotary wing aircraft."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)