VIRGINIA COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATORS
CORE EXAM 2026 Advanced Prep | Solved and
Explained | Review Pack
• What is the main purpose of the Virginia Core Manual? Answer: to
support general safety training for all pesticide users. This will help you
become a competent pesticide manager.
• What state law sets the rules for pesticide use in Virginia? Answer:
The Virginia Pesticide Control Act.
• What 2 state agencies are responsible for ensuring the safe use of
pesticides in Virginia? Answer: The Virginia pesticide control board and
the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• What is the difference between a private applicator and a commercial
applicator? Answer: A private applicator is a farmer who uses restricted-
use pesticides while producing an agricultural commodity on private
land. (corn, soybeans, tobacco, food animals, lumber)
Commercial applicators control pests on the job for consumers, their
employers, and/or the public.
• What is the main difference between the 4 classes of commercial
applicators? Answer: Their employer
, • How does a registered technician differ from a certified commercial
applicator? Answer: A registered technician may only use general-use
pesticides unless directly supervised by a certified commercial
applicator.
• What sort of training is required for registered technicians? Answer: At
least 20 hours of instruction and self study
• What sort of credentials do you need to apply to take a commercial
applicator exam in Virginia? Answer: One of the following: 1) a valid
Virginia registered technician certificate that has been in force for at
least a year
2) a valid commercial applicator certificate from another state with
requirements similar to Virginia's
3) proof of enough formal education, training, and/or experiences in
pesticide use to qualify for training
• What are the formats for the certifications exam? Answer: Paper/pencil
or touch-screen computers
• In which commercial applicator category would you need certification
if you controlled weeds along roadsides for the Virginia DoT? Answer:
Category 6, Right-of-Way Pest Control
• Who is required to have a pesticide business license? Answer: Persons
engaged in the business of distributing, applying, or recommending the
use of a pesticide product and those who store or sell pesticides.
CORE EXAM 2026 Advanced Prep | Solved and
Explained | Review Pack
• What is the main purpose of the Virginia Core Manual? Answer: to
support general safety training for all pesticide users. This will help you
become a competent pesticide manager.
• What state law sets the rules for pesticide use in Virginia? Answer:
The Virginia Pesticide Control Act.
• What 2 state agencies are responsible for ensuring the safe use of
pesticides in Virginia? Answer: The Virginia pesticide control board and
the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• What is the difference between a private applicator and a commercial
applicator? Answer: A private applicator is a farmer who uses restricted-
use pesticides while producing an agricultural commodity on private
land. (corn, soybeans, tobacco, food animals, lumber)
Commercial applicators control pests on the job for consumers, their
employers, and/or the public.
• What is the main difference between the 4 classes of commercial
applicators? Answer: Their employer
, • How does a registered technician differ from a certified commercial
applicator? Answer: A registered technician may only use general-use
pesticides unless directly supervised by a certified commercial
applicator.
• What sort of training is required for registered technicians? Answer: At
least 20 hours of instruction and self study
• What sort of credentials do you need to apply to take a commercial
applicator exam in Virginia? Answer: One of the following: 1) a valid
Virginia registered technician certificate that has been in force for at
least a year
2) a valid commercial applicator certificate from another state with
requirements similar to Virginia's
3) proof of enough formal education, training, and/or experiences in
pesticide use to qualify for training
• What are the formats for the certifications exam? Answer: Paper/pencil
or touch-screen computers
• In which commercial applicator category would you need certification
if you controlled weeds along roadsides for the Virginia DoT? Answer:
Category 6, Right-of-Way Pest Control
• Who is required to have a pesticide business license? Answer: Persons
engaged in the business of distributing, applying, or recommending the
use of a pesticide product and those who store or sell pesticides.
