• Label and labeling comprehension: i.e. an understanding of instructions, warnings, terms, symbols, and other information commonly appearing on pesticide labeling.  Classification of the product, general or restricted and necessity for use consistent with the labeling.
• Safety factors, i.e. Pesticide toxicity, hazard to man and common exposure routes, common types and causes of pesticide accidents.  Precautions necessary to guard against injury to applicator and other individuals in or near treated areas; symptoms of pesticide poisoning; first aid and other procedures to be followed if a pesticide accident occurs; Proper identification, storage, transport, handling, mixing procedures and disposal methods for pesticides and used pesticide containers, including precautions to be taken to prevent children from having access to pesticide containers; Practical application of the Worker Protection Standards, 40 CFR 156 and 170, FIFRA and 217B.  The proper selection and use of personal protective equipment for handling and application of pesticides.
• The potential environmental consequences of use and misuse of pesticides as me be influenced by factors such as; weather and other climatic conditions, types of terrain, soil or other substrata; presence of fish, wildlife, and other nontarget organisms; drainage patterns; storage or use of pesticides and fertilizer including bulk fertilizer or pesticide; other nonchemical controls including, but not limited to sanitation.

• Pest identification, including consideration of the following factors; common features of pest organisms and characteristics of damage necessary to facilitate pest recognition and pest maturation and development as it may relate to the problem of identification and control.
• Pesticides, including consideration of the following factors; types of pesticides; types of pesticide formulations; compatibility, synergism, persistence and animal and plant toxicity of the formulation; hazards and residues associated with use; factors which influence effectiveness or lead to such problems as resistance to pesticides; dilution procedures.
• Equipment, types of pesticide application equipment and advantages and limitations of each and uses, maintenance and calibration of equipment.
• Application techniques, methods used to apply various formulations of pesticides, solutions and gases together with knowledge of which technique or application to use in a given situation.  Relationship of discharge and placement of pesticides to proper use, unnecessary use, and misuse and prevention of drift and pesticide loss into the environment.
• Laws and regulations, Knowledge of pertinent aspects of the Federal Environmental Pesticides Control Act, 7 USC 136, and KRS Chapter 217B.

Category 1. Agricultural. This category shall be subdivided as follows:

(a) Plant and animal. Persons requesting agricultural plant and animal certification shall demonstrate practical knowledge of crops and specific pests of those crops for which they may be using pesticides. Practical knowledge shall be required concerning soil and water problems, preharvest intervals, reentry intervals, phytotoxicity, potential for environmental contamination, nontarget injury, and community problems resulting from the use of pesticides in agricultural areas. They shall demonstrate practical knowledge of agricultural animals and their associated pests. A practical knowledge shall also be required concerning specific pesticide toxicities and residue potentials since host animals will frequently be used for food. Further, the person shall know the relative hazards associated with such factors as formulation, application techniques, age of animals, stress, and extent of treatment.

(b) Agricultural fumigation. This category shall include persons requesting agricultural fumigation certification. They shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the use of pesticide gases and fumigants in the treatment of enclosed areas used for the production, storage, or transportation of agricultural commodities and the use of pesticide gases and fumigants in preparing land for the production of agricultural commodities and for the control of pests in growing agricultural commodities.

Category 2. Forestry. Persons requesting forest certification shall demonstrate practical knowledge of types of forests, forest nurseries, seed production in the Commonwealth, and the pests involved therein. They shall possess practical knowledge of the cyclic occurrence of certain pests and their specific population dynamics as a basis for programming pesticide applications. A practical knowledge shall be required of the relative biotic agents and their vulnerability to the pesticides to be applied. Because forest stands may be large and frequently include natural aquatic habitation and harbor wildlife, the consequences of pesticide use may be difficult to assess. The applicator shall, therefore, demonstrate practical knowledge of control methods which will minimize the possibility of secondary problems such as unintentional effects on wildlife. Proper use of specialized equipment shall be demonstrated, especially as it may relate to meteorological factors and adjacent land use.

Category 3. Ornamentals and lawn care. Persons requesting ornamental and lawn care certification shall demonstrate practical knowledge of pesticide problems associated with the production and maintenance of ornamental trees, shrubs, plantings, and lawns, including cognizance of potential phytotoxicity due to a wide variety of plant material, drift, and persistence beyond the intended period of pest control. Because of the frequent proximity of human habitations to application activities, applicators in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of application methods which will minimize or prevent hazards to humans, pets, and other domestic animals.

Category 4. Seed treatment. Persons requesting seed treatment certification shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the types of seeds that require chemical protection against pests and factors such as seed coloration, carriers, and surface active agents which influence pesticide binding and may affect germination. They shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the hazards associated with handling, sorting, mixing, misuse of treated seed such as introduction of treated seed into food and feed channels, and proper disposal of unused treated seeds.

Category 5. Aquatic. Persons requesting aquatic certification shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the secondary effects which can be caused by improper application rates, incorrect formulations, and faulty application of pesticides used in this category. They shall demonstrate practical knowledge of various water-use situations and potential pesticide effects on plants, fish, birds, beneficial insects, and other organisms which may be present in aquatic environments. They shall also demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles of limited-area application.

Category 6. Right-of-way. Persons requesting right-of-way certification shall demonstrate practical knowledge of a wide variety of environments since rights-of-way can traverse many different terrains, including waterways. They shall demonstrate practical knowledge of problems of run-off, drift, excessive foliage destruction, and the ability to recognize target organisms. They shall also demonstrate practical knowledge of the nature of herbicides, the need for containment of these pesticides within the right-of-way area, and the impact of their application activities upon the adjacent areas and communities.

Category 7. Industrial, institutional, structural, and health-related pest control. This category shall be subdivided as follows:

(a) Structural pest control certification. Persons requesting certification in this subcategory shall demonstrate practical knowledge of a wide variety of pests including general pests and wood-destroying organisms. This practical knowledge shall include their life cycles, types of formulations appropriate for their control, minimum standards of application, and methods of application that avoid contamination of habitat and exposure of people and pets. Since human exposure, including babies, pregnant women, and elderly people, is frequently a potential problem, applicants shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition. Because school and health-related pest control may involve outdoor applications, persons shall also demonstrate practical knowledge of environmental conditions.

(b) Integrated pest management. Persons requesting certification in this subcategory shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of an integrated pest management program to determine if and when a treatment is needed. Components of an integrated pest management program may include education, proper waste management, structural repair, maintenance, biological and mechanical control techniques, and pesticide application. A prerequisite for integrated pest management certification shall be 7(a) certification.

(c) Structural fumigation certification. Persons requesting certification in this subcategory shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of those pests for which treatment by fumigation is an appropriate control technique. This practical knowledge shall include their life cycles, fumigants appropriate for their control, and alternative control techniques. Because of the potential dangers inherent in the use of fumigant gases, the applicant shall demonstrate knowledge of the dangers involved and the safety precautions established by these administrative regulations and by good operating practice.

Category 8. Public health. Persons requesting public health certification shall demonstrate practical knowledge of vector-disease transmission as it relates to and influences pesticide application programs. A wide variety of pests are involved and they shall be known and recognized; and appropriate life cycles and habitats shall be understood as a basis for control strategy. These applicants shall have practical knowledge of a great variety of environments ranging from streams to those conditions found in buildings. They shall also have practical knowledge of the importance and employment of such nonchemical control methods such as sanitation, waste disposal and drainage.

Category 9. Regulatory. Persons applying for certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of regulated pests, applicable laws relating to quarantine and other regulation of pests, and the potential impact on the environment of pesticides used in suppression and eradication programs. They shall demonstrate knowledge of factors influencing introduction, spread, and population dynamics of relevant pests. Their knowledge shall extend beyond that required by their immediate duties since their services are frequently required in other areas of the country where emergency measures are invoked to control regulated pests and where individual judgments must be made.

Category 10. Demonstration and research. Persons demonstrating the safe and effective use of pesticides to other persons and the public shall meet comprehensive standards reflecting a broad spectrum of pesticide use. Practical knowledge of problems, pests, and population levels occurring in each demonstration situation shall be required. Further, they shall demonstrate an understanding of pesticide-organism interactions and the importance of integrating pesticide use with other control methods. In general, persons conducting demonstration pest control work shall possess a practical knowledge of all of the standards detailed in this administrative regulation.

Category 11. Aerial certification. Persons applying pesticides using aircraft shall obtain aerial certification. Aerial applicators shall possess knowledge of aerial application equipment and calibration of that equipment, spray efficiency testing, field flight patterns, swath markings, turning procedures and subsequent considerations, awareness of obstacles and obstructions, personal safety of pilot, flagman, and ground crew, and preflight checklists of spray personnel. Persons obtaining certification in this category shall also be certified in at least one (1) other category of pesticide use as appropriate for their business.

Category 12. Pesticide sales agent. Persons desiring certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of pesticide labels and label comprehension including environmental hazards, rates of application, proper application techniques, storage, shipping, handling, worker protection safety issues, and the different types of pesticides.

Category 13. Antifouling marine paint. Persons desiring certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of using antifouling paints, including toxicity to humans and nontarget organisms via common exposure routes; proper cleaning, disposal and containment techniques; climatic factors that may influence environmental hazards; common types and features of target and nontarget aquatic/marine organisms; proper handling, mixing and application procedures; and the laws and regulations governing pesticides and antifouling paints.

Category 14. Pest control consultant. Persons desiring certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of soils, plant identification, pest identification, and soil fertility and have knowledge of pesticides for the purpose of controlling insect pests, plant diseases, weeds, and other pests.

Category 15. Antimicrobial pest control. Persons desiring certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of disinfecting, sanitation, reduction or mitigation of growth or development of microbiological organisms; protection of inanimate objects, industrial processes, systems or services, water, or other chemical substances from contamination, fouling, or deterioration caused by bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa, algae, or slime. Water and wastewater treatment plant operators shall be included in this category. This category shall not include homeowners maintaining personal swimming pools.

Category 16. Sewer root control. Persons desiring certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the safe handling and proper application of sewer root control chemicals, including practical knowledge of root growth and biology, equipment type and calibration procedures, proper pesticide handling, mixing and application procedures, proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment, toxicity of root control pesticides to human and nontarget organisms via common exposure routes, proper cleaning, disposal and containment techniques, effects of root control pesticides on ground water, sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, holding tanks, lift stations, and other sewage treating, conveying, or handling equipment, environmental effects, factors that may lead to a hazardous condition, and the laws and regulations that cover pesticide use.

Category 17. Wood preservative. Persons desiring certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge in the use of wood preservatives, air monitoring procedures, personal protective clothing and equipment, hygiene, related health and safety measures, emergency procedures, and practices necessary to prevent environmental contamination.

Category 18. Golf courses. Persons requesting certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the safe handling and proper application of pesticides and fertilizers; practical knowledge of fungi, weeds, insect infestation, disease control, and fertility; proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment; toxicity of pesticides to human and nontarget organisms; proper cleaning, disposal and containment techniques; effects of control pesticides on ground water; conveying or handling equipment; environmental effects; factors that may lead to hazardous conditions; and the laws and regulations that cover pesticide use.

Category 19. Interior plantscapes. Persons requesting certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the safe handling and proper application of pesticides; practical knowledge of fungi, weeds, insect infestation, and disease control; proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment; toxicity of pesticides to human and nontarget organisms; proper cleaning and disposal techniques; effects of pesticides on conveying and handling equipment; environmental effects; factors that may lead to hazardous conditions; and the laws and regulations that cover pesticide use.

Category 20. Sports turf. Persons requesting certification in this category shall demonstrate practical knowledge of the safe handling and proper application of pesticides; practical knowledge of fungi, weeds, insect infestation, and disease control; proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment; toxicity of pesticides to human and nontarget organisms; proper cleaning and disposal techniques; effects of pesticides on conveying or handling equipment; environmental effects; factors that may lead to hazardous conditions; and the laws and regulations that cover pesticide use.