By Andi Anderson
Michigan pesticide applicators will have an opportunity to complete important certification, recertification, and safety training requirements through a special educational program organized by Michigan State University Extension in partnership with state agricultural agencies.
The training session will take place on November 19, 2026, at the MSU Extension Ottawa County Fillmore Complex in West Olive, Michigan. The event is designed for both new and experienced pesticide applicators who want to improve their knowledge and meet regulatory requirements.
A major feature of the program is a four-hour review of the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual. This session is intended to help participants better understand key principles of pesticide safety and prepare for the Michigan pesticide applicator certification examination. The review class will be conducted during the morning, followed by certification testing administered in the afternoon.
The program offers benefits for individuals seeking certification as well as those who are already certified. Current Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) applicators can attend the Core Manual review session to earn four recertification credits, helping them maintain their professional qualifications and remain compliant with state requirements.
In addition to certification and recertification opportunities, the event will also provide Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training. Participants who need annual worker protection education can complete this requirement during the same program, making the event a convenient one-stop training opportunity.
Organizers encourage attendees to obtain and study the Core Manual before participating in the review session. Preparing in advance can help individuals better understand the material and improve their readiness for the certification examination.
Program check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m. The review session is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with certification testing beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. This structured schedule allows participants to receive training and complete testing on the same day.
The registration fee for the review class is $25 per participant. Registration includes educational materials, refreshments, and any planned meal service. Participants should note that certification fees are handled separately through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and are not collected at the testing site.
Advance registration is strongly recommended to ensure adequate seating, materials, and meal arrangements. The program serves as a valuable resource for pesticide applicators seeking to improve safety knowledge, maintain professional credentials, and promote responsible pesticide use in agriculture and related industries.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu-extension
Categories: Michigan, Sustainable Agriculture