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ApplicatorExam

Pesticide applicator exam practice tests, by state

Free pesticide applicator practice questions written from the official certification manuals. Every answer is explained and points to the chapter and page to reread.

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  • No payment
  • Progress saves on this device

Choose your state’s exam

North CarolinaCore exam100 Q · Pass 70%FloridaCore exam50 Q · 120 min · Pass 70%OhioCommercial Core exam90 Q · Pass 70%TexasGeneral Standards examPass 70%IowaCore examPass 80%

Practice label · not a real product

  1. Restricted-use statement: certified applicators only
  2. Pesticide type and formulation (EC)
  3. Ingredient statement: 25% does the work
  4. Signal word: WARNING means moderately toxic
  5. Where to find PPE and reentry rules
  6. EPA registration and establishment numbers

Read the label, then try one

Label questions show up on every core exam. Pick an answer to see how practice works here: instant feedback, the reason, and the manual page.

Q01Pesticide Labeling
What acute hazard does the signal word WARNING indicate?
Show answer
B. A moderate acute toxicity or irritation category.

WARNING indicates moderate acute toxicity or irritation. It does not identify slight or high acute hazard, or classify environmental persistence.

National Core Manual, 2nd ed., 2014 · Ch. 3 Pesticide Labeling · p. 52

How to use these practice tests

  1. Pick your state’s exam.Each exam page shows the current question count, time limit, passing score and who gives the test, with the date we checked it.
  2. Practice chapter by chapter.225 core questions in sets of 20. Every answer is explained and points to the manual page. Missed questions are saved on your device for review.
  3. Take a timed mock exam.Same length and time limit as the real exam where the state publishes them, then a score by chapter so you know what to reread.

Passing scores by state

Most states set the core exam pass mark at 70%. Iowa asks for 80% on commercial exams. Formats change, so confirm when you book.

StateExamQuestionsTimePass
North CarolinaCore100Ask when booking70%
FloridaCore50120 min70%
OhioCommercial Core90Ask when booking70%
TexasGeneral StandardsAsk when bookingAsk when booking70%
IowaCoreAsk when bookingAsk when booking80%

What the core exam covers

Every state’s core (or general standards) exam tests the same foundation, laid out in the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual: pest management and IPM, federal law, reading the label, formulations, toxicity and first aid, PPE, protecting the environment, transport and storage, spills, planning an application, and calibration math.

On top of the core, you’ll take one or more category exams for the work you do, such as turf and ornamentals, structural pest control or right-of-way. Ohio 6A and 10A and state law questions are being written next.

Who needs to pass it

  • Lawn care and landscape technicians who apply pesticides for hire
  • Pest control and termite technicians working toward their own license
  • Golf course, grounds and right-of-way crews, and public employees who apply pesticides
  • Anyone who buys or applies restricted-use pesticides, unless working under a certified applicator’s supervision

Exact license types vary by state. Check yours on the state page.

Questions

Are these the real exam questions?

No. Official exams are confidential. Every question here is written in our own words from the manuals states use, so you learn the material rather than memorize answers.

Is it really free?

Yes. Core exam practice, explanations and mock exams are free with no account. A paid Prep Pass with category exams and extra drills is planned; the free practice stays free.

Which states are covered?

North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Texas and Iowa for now, with more states and category exams to follow.

Does my progress save?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Clearing your browser data or switching devices starts you fresh.