Important Update from VDACS re Pesticide Testing
Authorization to Test – Expiration dates for all authorization letters for prospective applicators to take the exam(s) to become certified issued on or after December 20, 2019, have been extended to January 31, 2021 or the current date of expiration, whichever is greater. Prospective applicators that do not take the exam(s) by January 31, 2021 or the current date of expiration, whichever is greater, will be required to submit a new application with appropriate fees to take the exam(s).
As you know, the most current information regarding testing at DMV is available at https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/general/#appointments.asp . According to their website, four months of appointment slots are available at any time on the calendar. Each day, a new day of appointments is added to the end of the available period and new appointment slots are posted multiple times every hour. Cancellations can also create earlier availability in the calendar. Individuals wanting to take a certification exam(s) at DMV should check the site frequently for availability and should also check outside their area. Should an applicator need additional information regarding DMV reopening or services available, please instruct them to contact DMV directly.
For registered technicians, please be reminded that under the “Temporary Registered Technician Requirement” licensed pesticide businesses can allow their employees to apply pesticides without obtaining a registered technician certification, for the duration of the state of emergency due to COVID-19, as declared by Governor Northam (Executive Order 51), when these employees meet certain training and testing requirements. This also applies to registered technicians not for hire (any registered technician who uses or supervises the use of pesticides as part of his job duties only on property owned or leased by him or his employer. It also applies to governmental employees who use or supervise the use of pesticides, whether on property owned or leased by them or their employers or not, in the performance of their official duties). Allowing employees to apply pesticides without obtaining a registered technician certification will cease 30 days after Governor Northam rescinds Virginia’s COVID-19 state of emergency. The training and testing requirements, as well as the requirements for the licensed pesticide business, can be found on our website http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/covid-temporary-registered-technicianrequirements.pdf . Pesticide businesses should complete one form per pesticide business location and return the form to VDACS. Copies of the training or testing (exam) should not be sent VDACS. Pesticide businesses are required to keep documentation of the training and testing of employees under this temporary requirement for two years.
We will continue to update our website. You are encouraged to check our website for the most current pesticide applicator certification information at https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-applicator-certification.shtml
