Nebraska Ag Connection - NDA Sets New Testing Service, Sites for Pesticide Exams

Nebraska Ag News Headlines

NDA Sets New Testing Service, Sites for Pesticide Exams
Nebraska Ag Connection - 06/23/2016

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) announced a new computer-based testing service for people taking pesticide applicator exams in order to receive their licenses. NDA has signed a contract with a national testing company to offer pesticide applicator exams at nine different testing sites throughout Nebraska. NDA will still offer pesticide applicator testing in person, but the addition of these computer-based testing sites will give people more options when it comes to taking their exams.

"We want to make it easier for pesticide operators to get their application licenses," said NDA Director Greg Ibach. "Additional testing sites improve our current licensing process, make government more customer-friendly and benefit the people we serve."

NDA's contract with the Pearson VUE company lets pesticide applicators take exams at various test centers located throughout the state. The testing centers are located in Alliance, Columbus, Grand Island, Lincoln, McCook, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha and Scottsbluff.

Nebraskans who apply restricted-use pesticides are required to get pesticide applicator licenses. Persons who make structural and lawn care applications to the property of others for hire are also required to be licensed regardless of the type of pesticide they are using.

Currently, Pearson VUE is offering seven pesticide applicator exams: General Standards, Agricultural Plant Pest Control, Ornamental & Turf Pest Control, Right-of-Way Pest Control, Structural/Health-related Pest Control, Wood Destroying Organisms, and Aerial Pest Control. Each exam costs $55, payable to Pearson VUE.

Exams will be proctored on computers at each test site, and the content is identical to the paper exams currently proctored by NDA staff. People can register for their exams at www.pearsonvue.com/ne/agriculture, and must do so at least 24 hours in advance.

For questions concerning pesticide applicator licensing, please contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351. For questions concerning Pearson VUE testing, go to www.pearsonVUE.com/ne/agriculture/contact/.

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