How to Prepare for an Exam
There are two ways to prepare for WSDA (Washington State Department of Agriculture) pesticide exams although a combination of the two methods is highly recommended. You may obtain and study the corresponding Washington State University (WSU) exam study manual or you may attend a pre-license training course. WSU maintains study manuals for most of the WSDA exams. WSU conducts statewide pre-license shortcourses in English each winter. Go to their website to determine availability of courses in your area. Brochures on these courses are mailed annually to all WSDA pesticide license holders.
To begin studying for the exam, you can stop by the WSU Ferry County Extension office located in the basement of the Ferry County Courthouse and check out a book free of charge. Or you can order your own study manuals through WSU Publications. You can also order the study manuals by downloading the WSU Pesticides Study Material Order Form, and either mail or fax the form with payment to WSU Publications. Limited and Rancher Private Applicator Licenses Fact Sheet
Recertification Credits
Workshops
The WSU Ferry County Extension office offers a variety of ways for you to earn credits towards your pesticide re-certification. Workshops are held throughout the year including "Hands on Calibration" held at various locations throughout Ferry County each April in conjunction with Ferry County Pride Month. Weed Identification classes are occasionally held in the fall. Most workshops offer 3 credits. WSU offers pre-license training and recertification courses throughout Washington State. Find out what courses are available for 2008-2009. Course Calendar
Ferry County Noxious Weed Control Board Meetings
Meetings are the 1st Wednesday of each month at various locations throughout Ferry County. For the next meeting date and location, contact the Weed office at (509) 775-5210. Each meeting earns 1 credit.
Video Recertification
Call the WSU Ferry County Extension office to schedule a time to come and watch videos on a wide variety of topics, such as Calibration, Ground Squirrel Management, or A Balanced Approach to Noxious Weeds. Each hour of video earns 1 credit.
Internet Course
You can also earn credits by taking an Internet Course. Pre-license and recertification internet course modules are available for people in Washington and in other states. Pre-license modules are self-study courses that can be used in conjunction with study manuals to prepare for state pesticide exams. Internet recertification modules provide one state recertification credit and take approximately 50 minutes to complete.
Study Materials
WSU study materials are to help people prepare for the Washington State Department of Agriculture pesticide license exams. The study manuals are a prerequisite for the WSU Pre-License Training courses. The courses are based on information from the study materials. It is strongly advised that you obtain and study these materials before taking a course.
| WA State
Dept of Agriculture Exam Title |
Washington State University (WSU) Study Material Title |
Publication Number |
| Private Applicator | Private Applicator Pesticide Education Manual | MISC0126 |
| Aplicadores Privados | Manual para Aplicadores Privados de Pesticidas | MISC0126S |
| Laws and Safety | Washington Pesticide Laws and Safety | MISC0056 |
| Dealer Manager | Washington Pesticide Laws and Safety | MISC0056 |
| Agricultural Weed Control | Agricultural Weed Management Principles | MISC0167 |
| Rights-of-Way Vegetation Control | Rights-of-Way Vegetation Management | MISC0185 |
| Ornamental Weed Control | Turf & Ornamental Weed Management Principles | MISC0170 |
| Ornamental and Turf Weed Management and Laws and Safety (Spanish) | Los Principios de Manejo de las Malezas en Césped y Plantas Ornamentales | MISC0492S |
| Agricultural Insect & Disease Control | Introduction to Insect and Disease Management | MISC0175 |
| Ornamental Insect & Disease Control | Introduction to Insect and Disease Management | MISC0175 |
| Aquatic Pest Control | Aquatic Pest Control | MISC0134 |
| Aquatic Pest Control by Irrigation Districts | Aquatic Pest Control | MISC0134 |
| PCO—General | Pest Management Study Manual for Pest Control Operators | MISC0096 |
| PCO—Structural | Pest Management Study Manual for PCO’s | MISC0096 |
| Public Health Pest Control | Public Health Pest Control | MISC0151 |
| Structural Pest Inspector | Structural Pest Inspector Manual | MISC0562 |
Limited or Rancher Private Applicator |
Private Applicator Pesticide Education Manual | MISC0126 |
| Weed Control Supplement | MISC0547E |