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Massachusetts Commercial Applicator Certification
Category 37 Turf Pest Control Examination EXAM
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
1. Regulatory & Legal Requirements
o Pesticide law, label compliance, recordkeeping, certification rules.
2. IPM Principles
o Cultural, mechanical, biological, monitoring, thresholds.
3. Turf Biology & Pest Identification
o Turf species, insects, diseases, weeds, nematodes.
4. Pesticide Products & Application
o Active ingredients, equipment, calibration, drift control.
5. Safety & Environmental Protection
o PPE, WPS, storage, disposal, endangered and sensitive sites.
6. Best Management Practices for Turf Pest Control
o Timing, cultural adjustments, resistance prevention.
)
1.
A golf course superintendent wants to apply herbicide on a newly seeded turf area. Before applying,
what must you verify?
A) The turfgrass species’ tolerance to the herbicide
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B) That the wind is blowing toward a water body
C) That no pest has been observed in two years
D) That everyone on site wears athletic gear
Answer: A
Rationale: Herbicide selection must match turf species tolerance; incorrect choice can injure turf.
2.
During a pesticide application, a bystander complains of strong odor and eye irritation. What is your first
appropriate action?
A) Immediately evacuate the area and check label safety precautions
B) Ignore because turf pests are more important
C) Increase the application rate
D) Ask bystander to continue mowing
Answer: A
Rationale: Human safety is priority; symptoms may indicate inappropriate conditions or PPE use.
3.
A client wants to apply the same pesticide monthly regardless of pest presence. What is the best reason
to advise against this?
A) Monthly applications always cost more
B) Routine use can lead to pest resistance and environmental harm
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C) PP&E only works once per year
D) Turf will always die afterward
Answer: B
Rationale: Repeated unnecessary pesticide use contributes to resistance and ecosystem damage.
4.
You notice the broadcast spreader calibration indicates half the expected application rate. What should
you do before starting the job?
A) Adjust the settings to calibrate to labeled rate
B) Apply twice to make up for deficiency
C) Use the application table for a different pesticide
D) Stop calibrating and begin after lunch
Answer: A
Rationale: Correct calibration ensures accurate dosing and compliance with label instructions.
5.
Weather forecasts predict strong winds on the day of your scheduled turf pesticide application. What is
the most responsible decision?
A) Postpone application to reduce drift risk
B) Apply pesticides earlier than planned
C) Only apply half the rate
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D) Increase water volume to dilute spray
Answer: A
Rationale: Wind increases drift, risking off-target damage and violating best practices.
6.
A pesticide label states “do not enter treated area for 24 hours.” What regulation is this an example of?
A) Worker Protection Standard requirement
B) Grazing timetable
C) Federal Aviation Regulation
D) Airport Illumination guideline
Answer: A
Rationale: Re-entry intervals protect workers and the public as required by law.
7.
A turf disease spreads rapidly after a heavy rain. What IPM step should be taken first?
A) Identify the pathogen before recommending treatment
B) Apply every fungicide in inventory
C) Clear all turf and reseed immediately
D) Shut down irrigation permanently
Answer: A
Rationale: Correct pest identification is the primary step in IPM.
Massachusetts Commercial Applicator Certification
Category 37 Turf Pest Control Examination EXAM
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
1. Regulatory & Legal Requirements
o Pesticide law, label compliance, recordkeeping, certification rules.
2. IPM Principles
o Cultural, mechanical, biological, monitoring, thresholds.
3. Turf Biology & Pest Identification
o Turf species, insects, diseases, weeds, nematodes.
4. Pesticide Products & Application
o Active ingredients, equipment, calibration, drift control.
5. Safety & Environmental Protection
o PPE, WPS, storage, disposal, endangered and sensitive sites.
6. Best Management Practices for Turf Pest Control
o Timing, cultural adjustments, resistance prevention.
)
1.
A golf course superintendent wants to apply herbicide on a newly seeded turf area. Before applying,
what must you verify?
A) The turfgrass species’ tolerance to the herbicide
, Page 2 of 98
B) That the wind is blowing toward a water body
C) That no pest has been observed in two years
D) That everyone on site wears athletic gear
Answer: A
Rationale: Herbicide selection must match turf species tolerance; incorrect choice can injure turf.
2.
During a pesticide application, a bystander complains of strong odor and eye irritation. What is your first
appropriate action?
A) Immediately evacuate the area and check label safety precautions
B) Ignore because turf pests are more important
C) Increase the application rate
D) Ask bystander to continue mowing
Answer: A
Rationale: Human safety is priority; symptoms may indicate inappropriate conditions or PPE use.
3.
A client wants to apply the same pesticide monthly regardless of pest presence. What is the best reason
to advise against this?
A) Monthly applications always cost more
B) Routine use can lead to pest resistance and environmental harm
, Page 3 of 98
C) PP&E only works once per year
D) Turf will always die afterward
Answer: B
Rationale: Repeated unnecessary pesticide use contributes to resistance and ecosystem damage.
4.
You notice the broadcast spreader calibration indicates half the expected application rate. What should
you do before starting the job?
A) Adjust the settings to calibrate to labeled rate
B) Apply twice to make up for deficiency
C) Use the application table for a different pesticide
D) Stop calibrating and begin after lunch
Answer: A
Rationale: Correct calibration ensures accurate dosing and compliance with label instructions.
5.
Weather forecasts predict strong winds on the day of your scheduled turf pesticide application. What is
the most responsible decision?
A) Postpone application to reduce drift risk
B) Apply pesticides earlier than planned
C) Only apply half the rate
, Page 4 of 98
D) Increase water volume to dilute spray
Answer: A
Rationale: Wind increases drift, risking off-target damage and violating best practices.
6.
A pesticide label states “do not enter treated area for 24 hours.” What regulation is this an example of?
A) Worker Protection Standard requirement
B) Grazing timetable
C) Federal Aviation Regulation
D) Airport Illumination guideline
Answer: A
Rationale: Re-entry intervals protect workers and the public as required by law.
7.
A turf disease spreads rapidly after a heavy rain. What IPM step should be taken first?
A) Identify the pathogen before recommending treatment
B) Apply every fungicide in inventory
C) Clear all turf and reseed immediately
D) Shut down irrigation permanently
Answer: A
Rationale: Correct pest identification is the primary step in IPM.
