Page 1 of 101
New York Category 3a – Ornamental and Turf Pest Control
Certification ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
New York Category 3a – Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Certification Test
ACTUAL EXAM COVERAGE (FULL TOPICS)
1. Pest Biology & Identification
• Insects affecting turf (grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms)
• Plant diseases (fungal, bacterial, viral pathogens)
• Weeds (broadleaf, grassy, sedges)
• Life cycles and damage patterns
2. Turfgrass & Ornamental Plant Health
• Turf species identification
• Nutrient deficiencies vs pest damage
• Stress factors (heat, drought, compaction)
3. Pesticide Chemistry
• Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides
• Systemic vs contact chemicals
• Mode of action groups
• Resistance management
4. Application Methods & Equipment
• Calibration of sprayers
• Granular vs liquid application
• Drift prevention
• Nozzle types and pressure control
5. Label Laws & Regulations
• EPA pesticide label requirements
• “The label is the law” principle
• Restricted-use pesticide rules
• NYSDEC regulations
6. Environmental Protection
• Water contamination risks
• Pollinator protection
• Buffer zones
• Runoff and leaching prevention
7. Safety & Handling
• PPE requirements
• Mixing and loading safety
• Exposure routes (dermal, inhalation, ingestion)
• Emergency procedures
8. IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
• Monitoring and scouting
• Threshold-based control
• Cultural, biological, chemical controls
• Resistance prevention
, Page 2 of 101
1.
A turf area shows irregular brown patches that pull up easily like carpet; what pest is most likely
responsible?
A. Aphids
B. White grubs feeding on roots
C. Spider mites
D. Leafhoppers
Answer: B
2.
What is the primary principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
A. Use strongest pesticide immediately
B. Combine monitoring, thresholds, and multiple control methods
C. Spray weekly regardless of pest presence
D. Avoid all chemical use
Answer: B
, Page 3 of 101
3.
A pesticide label indicates “RESTRICTED USE”; what does this mean?
A. Anyone can apply it
B. Only certified applicators may legally apply it
C. It is banned
D. It is organic
Answer: B
4.
What is the main purpose of calibrating pesticide application equipment?
A. Increase chemical strength
B. Ensure correct application rate and uniform coverage
C. Reduce pest resistance
D. Improve color of spray
Answer: B
, Page 4 of 101
5.
A weed has narrow leaves and grows in clumps in turf; what type is it most likely?
A. Broadleaf weed
B. Grass weed
C. Woody shrub
D. Moss only
Answer: B
6.
What is the primary risk of pesticide drift during application?
A. Improved coverage
B. Damage to non-target plants and environmental contamination
C. Faster pest control
D. Increased soil fertility
Answer: B
7.
New York Category 3a – Ornamental and Turf Pest Control
Certification ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
New York Category 3a – Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Certification Test
ACTUAL EXAM COVERAGE (FULL TOPICS)
1. Pest Biology & Identification
• Insects affecting turf (grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms)
• Plant diseases (fungal, bacterial, viral pathogens)
• Weeds (broadleaf, grassy, sedges)
• Life cycles and damage patterns
2. Turfgrass & Ornamental Plant Health
• Turf species identification
• Nutrient deficiencies vs pest damage
• Stress factors (heat, drought, compaction)
3. Pesticide Chemistry
• Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides
• Systemic vs contact chemicals
• Mode of action groups
• Resistance management
4. Application Methods & Equipment
• Calibration of sprayers
• Granular vs liquid application
• Drift prevention
• Nozzle types and pressure control
5. Label Laws & Regulations
• EPA pesticide label requirements
• “The label is the law” principle
• Restricted-use pesticide rules
• NYSDEC regulations
6. Environmental Protection
• Water contamination risks
• Pollinator protection
• Buffer zones
• Runoff and leaching prevention
7. Safety & Handling
• PPE requirements
• Mixing and loading safety
• Exposure routes (dermal, inhalation, ingestion)
• Emergency procedures
8. IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
• Monitoring and scouting
• Threshold-based control
• Cultural, biological, chemical controls
• Resistance prevention
, Page 2 of 101
1.
A turf area shows irregular brown patches that pull up easily like carpet; what pest is most likely
responsible?
A. Aphids
B. White grubs feeding on roots
C. Spider mites
D. Leafhoppers
Answer: B
2.
What is the primary principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
A. Use strongest pesticide immediately
B. Combine monitoring, thresholds, and multiple control methods
C. Spray weekly regardless of pest presence
D. Avoid all chemical use
Answer: B
, Page 3 of 101
3.
A pesticide label indicates “RESTRICTED USE”; what does this mean?
A. Anyone can apply it
B. Only certified applicators may legally apply it
C. It is banned
D. It is organic
Answer: B
4.
What is the main purpose of calibrating pesticide application equipment?
A. Increase chemical strength
B. Ensure correct application rate and uniform coverage
C. Reduce pest resistance
D. Improve color of spray
Answer: B
, Page 4 of 101
5.
A weed has narrow leaves and grows in clumps in turf; what type is it most likely?
A. Broadleaf weed
B. Grass weed
C. Woody shrub
D. Moss only
Answer: B
6.
What is the primary risk of pesticide drift during application?
A. Improved coverage
B. Damage to non-target plants and environmental contamination
C. Faster pest control
D. Increased soil fertility
Answer: B
7.
