Nova Scotia Pesticide Applicator Core Exam
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Nova Scotia Pesticide Applicator Core Exam
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
The Nova Scotia Pesticide Applicator Core Exam is administered by Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) and
is required for all commercial applicator classes . Candidates must pass the Core exam plus a category-
specific exam (Structural, Agriculture, Landscape, etc.) . The passing grade is 75% overall, with a
requirement of 70% on the label and calculation section . Certification is valid for 5 years and can be
renewed by rewriting the exam or completing Continuing Education Points (CEPs) . The exam is based
on the Applicator Core Manual published by NSE .
Key domains include: federal pesticide legislation (PMRA, Pest Control Products Act, PCP numbers);
provincial regulations (Nova Scotia Environment Act, Pesticide Regulations); pesticide labels (signal
words, classification, directions); toxicity and LD50; personal protective equipment (PPE); environmental
fate (leaching, runoff, volatilization, persistence); application equipment and calibration; integrated pest
management (IPM); pesticide resistance; safe storage, handling, transport, and disposal; first aid and
spill response; and recordkeeping requirements.
1. Which federal government agency is responsible for registering pesticides and establishing conditions
for their use in Canada?
A) Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
B) Environment and Climate Change Canada
C) Health Canada – Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)
D) Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Answer: C
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Rationale: The PMRA is the federal body responsible for pesticide regulation in Canada under the Pest
Control Products Act .
2. What is the primary purpose of the Pest Control Products Act?
A) To generate revenue through pesticide registration fees
B) To prevent the sale and use of pesticides in Canada
C) To protect human health and the environment by regulating pesticide products
D) To promote the use of biological pest controls
Answer: C
Rationale: The Pest Control Products Act ensures pesticides undergo rigorous scientific assessment
before registration and continue to be monitored after entering the market .
3. What does the Pest Control Product (PCP) number on a pesticide label indicate?
A) The product is manufactured in Canada
B) The product has been registered by PMRA and is approved for sale and use in Canada
C) The product is classified as "Domestic" class
D) The product has been tested for organic use
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Answer: B
Rationale: A PCP number indicates federal registration, meaning the product has been evaluated for
safety, efficacy, and environmental impact .
4. The PMRA classifies pesticides into which three classes?
A) Low, Medium, High
B) Domestic, Commercial, Restricted
C) General, Limited, Professional
D) Household, Agricultural, Industrial
Answer: B
Rationale: Domestic class is for home and garden use; Commercial class requires certification; Restricted
class has additional handling restrictions .
5. What is the minimum passing grade required for the Nova Scotia pesticide applicator certification
exam?
A) 65%
B) 70%
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C) 75%
D) 80%
Answer: C
Rationale: NSE guidelines require an overall score of 75% to pass, with a passing grade of 70% on the
label and calculation section .
6. How long is a Pesticide Applicator Certificate valid in Nova Scotia?
A) 1 year
B) 3 years
C) 5 years
D) Indefinitely, unless revoked
Answer: C
Rationale: Applicator and vendor certificates are valid for 5 years and can be renewed by exam or
Continuing Education Points (CEPs) .
7. According to NSE, what is the responsibility of the permit holder regarding certificate renewal?