Section 026-31-3 - Competency Standards for Certification of Commercial ApplicatorsA. Applicants seeking commercial certification must establish competency in the general principles of safe pest control by demonstrating knowledge of basic subjects including, but not limited to, pesticide labeling, safety, environmental concerns, pest organisms, pesticides, equipment, application techniques and applicable laws and regulations. (Core Exam).B. Applicants seeking commercial certification must demonstrate competency in each applicable category or subcategory. (Category Exam). Competency in the applicable category or subcategory shall be established as follows: I.Agricultural Animal and Plant Pest Controla.Agricultural Animals. Applicants seeking certification in the subcategory of Animal Pest Control as described in Section 2(A)(I)(a) must demonstrate knowledge of animals, their associated pests, and methods of pest control. Areas of practical knowledge shall include specific toxicity, residue potential, relative hazards of different formulations, application techniques, and hazards associated with age of animals, stress, and extent of treatment.b.Agricultural Plant1. Option I - Limited Commercial Blueberry - Applicants seeking certification in Limited Commercial Blueberry must demonstrate practical knowledge of blueberries. This option includes commercial applicators using or supervising the use of pesticides in producing blueberries only. Areas of such practical knowledge shall include IPM, soil and water problems, preharvest intervals, reentry intervals, phytotoxicity, potential for environmental contamination, non-target injury, and community problems related to pesticide use in certain areas. Also required shall be knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals, or humans.2. Option II - Chemigation - This option includes commercial applicators using or supervising the use of pesticides applied through irrigation equipment in the production of crops. Areas of such practical knowledge shall include IPM, soil and water problems, preharvest intervals, reentry intervals, phytotoxicity, potential for environmental contamination, non-target injury, and community problems related to pesticide use in certain areas. The proper meteorological conditions for applying pesticides and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals, or humans.3. Option III - Agricultural Soil Fumigation - This option includes commercial applicators using or supervising the use of fumigant pesticides in the production of crops. Applicants seeking certification must demonstrate practical knowledge of the crops grown and the specific pests of those crops on which they may be using pesticides. Areas of such practical knowledge shall include IPM, soil and water problems, preharvest intervals, reentry intervals, phytotoxicity, potential for environmental contamination, non-target injury, and community problems related to pesticide use in certain areas. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans. Applicants must demonstrate practical knowledge of agricultural soil fumigation as outlined in 40 CFR 171.103(d)(13) and 40 CFR 171.103(c)(1)-(10) (2023).4. Option IV - Post-Harvest Treatment - This option includes commercial applicators using or supervising the use of pesticides in the post-harvest treatment of food crops. Applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the crops being treated, the specific pests of those crops on which they may be using pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on animals or humans.II.Forest Pest ManagementApplicants seeking certification in the category of Forest Pest Management as described in Section 2(A) (II) must demonstrate practical knowledge of forest vegetation management, forest tree biology and associated pests. Such required knowledge shall include population dynamics of pest species, pesticide-organism interactions, integration of pesticide use with other pest control methods, environmental contamination, pesticide effects on non-target organisms, and use of specialized equipment. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans.
III.Ornamental and Turf Pest Controla.Outdoor Ornamentals. Applicants seeking certification in the Outdoor Ornamental subcategory as defined in Section 2(A) (III)(a) must demonstrate practical knowledge of pesticide problems associated with the production and maintenance of trees, shrubs and floral plantings. Such knowledge shall include potential phytotoxicity, undue pesticide persistence, and application methods, with particular reference to techniques used in proximity to human habitations. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans.b.Turf. Applicants seeking certification in the Turf subcategory as described in Section 2(A) (III)(b) must demonstrate practical knowledge of pesticide problems associated with the production and maintenance of turf. Such knowledge shall include potential phytotoxicity, undue pesticide persistence, and application methods, with particular reference to techniques used in proximity to human habitations. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans.c.Indoor Ornamentals. Applicants seeking certification in the Indoor Ornamental subcategory described in Section 2(A) (III)(c) must demonstrate practical knowledge of pesticide problems associated with the production and maintenance of indoor ornamental plantings. Such knowledge shall include pest recognition, proper pesticide selection, undue pesticide persistence, and application methods with particular reference to techniques used in proximity to human presence.IV.Seed TreatmentApplicants seeking certification in the category of Seed Treatment as described in Section 2(A) (IV) must demonstrate practical knowledge of seed types and problems requiring chemical treatment. Such knowledge shall include seed coloring agents, carriers and binders which may affect germination, hazards associated with handling, sorting, and mixing in the treatment process, hazards of introduction of treated seed into food and feed channels, and proper disposal of unused treated seeds.
V.Aquatic Pest Controla.General Aquatic - Applicants seeking certification in the subcategory of General Aquatic as described in Section 2(A)(V)(a) must demonstrate practical knowledge of proper methods of aquatic pesticide application, application to limited area, and a recognition of the adverse effects which can be caused by improper techniques, dosage rates, and formulations. Such knowledge shall include basic factors contributing to the development of nuisance aquatic plant growth such as algal blooms, understanding of various water use situations and potential downstream effects from pesticide use, and potential effects of various aquatic pesticides on plants, fish, birds, insects and other organisms associated with the aquatic environment. Also required shall be an understanding of the Department of Environmental Protection laws and regulations pertaining to aquatic discharges and aquatic weed control and a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans.b.Sewer Root Control - Applicants seeking certification in the subcategory of Sewer Root Control as described in Section 2(A)(V)(b) must demonstrate practical knowledge of proper methods of sewer root control pesticide application, application to pipes, and a recognition of the adverse effects which can be caused by improper techniques, dosage rates, and formulations. Such knowledge shall include potential effects on water treatment plants, movement of pesticides into off target pipes or buildings and the hazards of sewer gases.VI.Vegetation Managementa.Rights-of-Way Vegetation Management - This subcategory includes commercial applicators using or supervising the use of pesticides in the management of vegetation on utility, roadside, and railroad rights-of-way. Applicants seeking certification must demonstrate practical knowledge of the impact of pesticide use on a wide variety of environments. Such knowledge shall include maintenance of public roads to Maine vegetation management rights of ways vegetation management. The ability to recognize target organisms and circumstances specific to the subcategory, awareness of problems of runoff, root pickup, and aesthetic considerations associated with excessive foliage destruction and "brown-out," and an understanding of the mode of action of herbicides and reasons for the choice of particular chemicals for particular problems, the importance of the assessment of the potential impact of spraying on adjacent public and private properties and activities, and effects of spraying on fish and wildlife species and their habitat. Also required shall be knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals, or humans.b.General Vegetation Management - This subcategory includes commercial applicators using or supervising the use of pesticides in managing vegetation (including invasive plants). Applicants seeking certification must demonstrate practical knowledge of the impact of pesticide use on a wide variety of environments. Such knowledge shall include the ability to recognize target organisms and circumstances specific to the subcategory, awareness of problems of runoff, root pickup, and aesthetic considerations associated with excessive foliage destruction and "brown-out," and an understanding of the mode of action of herbicides and reasons for the choice of particular chemicals for particular problems, and effects of spraying on fish and wildlife species and their habitat. Also required shall be knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals, or humans.VII.Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health Related Pesta.General. Applicants seeking certification in the subcategory of General Pest Control as described in Section 2(A) (VII)(a) must demonstrate a practical knowledge of a wide variety of pests and methods for their control. Such knowledge shall include identification of pests and knowledge of life cycles, formulations appropriate for various indoor and outdoor uses, methods to avoid contamination of food and feed, and damage to structures and furnishings, avoidance of risk to humans, domestic animals, and non-target organisms and risks to the environment associated with structural pesticide use.b.Fumigation. Applicants seeking certification in the subcategory Fumigation as described in Section 2(A) (VII)(b) must demonstrate a practical knowledge of wide variety of pests and fumigation methods for their control. Such knowledge shall include identification of pests and knowledge of life cycles, fumigant formulations, methods to avoid contamination of food and damage to structures and furnishings, and avoidance of risks to employees and customers. Applicants must also demonstrate practical knowledge of topics indicated in 40 CFR 171.103(d)(14) and 40 CFR 171.103(c)(1)-(10) (2023).c.Disinfectant and Biocide. Applicants seeking certification in the subcategory of Disinfectant and Biocide as described in Section 2(A) (VII)(c) must demonstrate practical knowledge of water organisms and their life cycles, pool and spa design systems, drinking water treatment plant designs, cooling water system designs, mold and problematic microbial organisms, labels, hazards of disinfectants and biocides and proper application techniques to ensure adequate control while minimizing exposure to humans and the environment.d.Wood Preserving. Applicants seeking certification in the Wood Preserving Subcategory described in Section 2(A) (VII)(d) must demonstrate practical knowledge in wood destroying organisms and their life cycles, nonchemical control methods, pesticides appropriate for wood preservation, hazards associated with their use, proper handling of the finished product, proper disposal of waste preservatives, and proper application techniques to assure adequate control while minimizing exposure to humans, livestock and the environment.e.Biting Fly and Other Arthropod Vector Pests. Applicants seeking certification in the subcategory of Biting Fly and Other Arthropod Vector Pest control as described in Section 2(A) (VII)(e) must demonstrate a practical knowledge of the species involved, their potential roles in disease transmission, and the use of pesticides in their control. Such knowledge shall include identification of and familiarity with life cycles and habitat requirements, special environmental hazards associated with the use of pesticides in control programs, and knowledge of the importance of integrating chemical and non-chemical control methods. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans.f.Termite Pests. Applicants seeking certification in this subcategory must demonstrate a practical knowledge of Termite pests and methods for their control. Such knowledge shall include identification of termites and knowledge of life cycles, formulations appropriate for various indoor and outdoor uses, methods to avoid contamination of food and feed, and damage to structures and furnishings, avoidance of risk to humans, domestic animals, and non-target organisms and risks to the environment associated with structural pesticide use.VIII.Public Health Pest Controla.Biting Fly and Other Arthropod Vector Pests. Applicants seeking certification in the subcategory of Biting Fly and Other Arthropod Vector Pest Control as described in Section 2(A) (VIII)(a) must demonstrate a practical knowledge of the species involved, their potential roles in disease transmission, and the use of pesticides in their control. Such knowledge shall include identification of and familiarity with life cycles and habitat requirements, special environmental hazards associated with the use of pesticides in control programs, and knowledge of the importance of integrating chemical and non-chemical control methods. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans.b.Other Pests. Applicants seeking certification in the subcategory of Other Pest Control as described in Section 2(A) (VIII)(b) must demonstrate a practical knowledge of the species involved, their potential roles in disease transmission, and the use of pesticides in their control. Such knowledge shall include identification of and familiarity with life cycles and habitat requirements, special environmental hazards associated with the use of pesticides in control programs, and knowledge of the importance of integrating chemical and non-chemical control methods. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans.IX.Regulatory Pest ControlApplicants seeking certification in the category of Regulatory Pest Control as described in Section 2(A) (IX) must demonstrate practical knowledge of regulated pests and applicable laws relating to quarantine and other regulations of pests. Such knowledge shall also include environmental impact of pesticide use in eradication and suppression programs, and factors influencing introduction, spread, and population dynamics of relevant pests. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans.
X.Demonstration and Research Pest ControlApplicants seeking certification in the category of Demonstration and Research Pest Control as described in Section 2(A)(X) must demonstrate practical knowledge in the broad spectrum of activities involved in advising other applicators and the public as to the safe and effective use of pesticides. Persons involved specifically in demonstration activities will be required to demonstrate knowledge of pesticide-organism interactions, the importance of integrating chemical and non-chemical control methods, and a grasp of the pests, life cycles and problems appropriate to the particular demonstration situation. Field researchers will be required to demonstrate general knowledge of pesticides and pesticide safety, as well as a familiarity with the specific standards of this Section which apply to their particular areas of experimentation. All individuals certified in this category must also be certified in one or more of the previous categories or subcategories which represent at least 80% of their practice. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans.
XI.Aerial Pest ControlApplicants seeking certification in the category of Aerial Pest Control as described in Section 2(A) (XI) must demonstrate at least a practical knowledge of problems which are of special significance in aerial application of pesticides, including chemical dispersal equipment, tank, pump and plumbing arrangements; nozzle selection and location; ultra-low volume systems; aircraft calibration; field flight patterns; droplet size considerations; flagging methods; and loading procedures. Applicants must also demonstrate competency in the specific category or subcategory in which applications will be made, as described in paragraphs I, II, VI and VIII herein. Also required shall be a knowledge of current methodology and technology for the control of pesticide drift to non-target areas, the proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides, and the potential adverse effect of pesticides on plants, animals or humans. Applicants must also demonstrate practical knowledge of topics indicated in 40 CFR 171.103(d)(15) and 40 CFR 171.103(c)(1)-(10) (2023).
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