QAL Laws & Regs Exam Prep
(California) Questions and Answers
Latest Version Already Passed
What is the primary purpose of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)?
✔✔ To regulate the sale and use of pesticides in California to protect public health and the
environment.
What must pesticide applicators do before applying a pesticide in an agricultural setting?
✔✔ They must read and understand the pesticide label and ensure they have the appropriate
certification for the job.
What does the term "restricted use pesticide" (RUP) mean in California?
✔✔ A pesticide that can only be purchased and applied by certified applicators due to its
potential risks.
Which of the following is required by California law for all pesticide containers?
✔✔ The container must have a label that includes instructions on how to use, store, and dispose
of the pesticide safely.
1
,What is the purpose of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) in California pesticide regulation?
✔✔ To protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from the risks associated with
pesticide exposure.
How long must records of pesticide applications be kept in California?
✔✔ For at least two years from the date of application.
What is the minimum distance a pesticide applicator should maintain from a water source when
applying pesticides?
✔✔ It varies by the pesticide and location but should always follow the label instructions to
prevent contamination.
When can a pesticide applicator legally apply a pesticide without following the instructions on
the label?
✔✔ Only if there is a specific exemption authorized by the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation.
What should be done if a pesticide spill occurs during application?
2
,✔✔ The applicator should immediately follow the emergency procedures outlined on the
pesticide label and report the spill to the appropriate authorities.
What is the role of a certified pesticide applicator?
✔✔ A certified applicator is responsible for ensuring that pesticides are applied safely and in
compliance with all laws and regulations.
What are the consequences for failing to comply with California’s pesticide regulations?
✔✔ Fines, suspension, or revocation of pesticide applicator certification, and potential legal
action.
What is required for a pesticide applicator to legally apply a pesticide in a school or daycare
facility in California?
✔✔ They must follow specific notification and posting requirements as well as adhere to the
school or daycare’s pesticide application policies.
How does California law regulate the application of pesticides near schools or residential areas?
✔✔ Pesticides cannot be applied during certain hours, and notification of nearby residents and
schools is required.
3
, What is the purpose of pesticide applicator training in California?
✔✔ To ensure that applicators understand the risks of pesticides and know how to apply them
safely and effectively.
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and why is it important for pesticide use?
✔✔ An MSDS provides detailed information on the hazards, handling, and emergency measures
related to a pesticide, and it is crucial for ensuring safety.
In California, what is required before applying pesticides to a crop that will be harvested?
✔✔ Applicators must observe the required pre-harvest interval (PHI) as indicated on the
pesticide label to ensure that pesticide residues are within safe levels.
What is the definition of "pesticide drift"?
✔✔ Pesticide drift refers to the movement of pesticide droplets or dust away from the intended
area of application, potentially affecting nearby areas or non-target species.
Who is responsible for ensuring that pesticides are applied according to the laws and regulations
in California?
4
(California) Questions and Answers
Latest Version Already Passed
What is the primary purpose of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)?
✔✔ To regulate the sale and use of pesticides in California to protect public health and the
environment.
What must pesticide applicators do before applying a pesticide in an agricultural setting?
✔✔ They must read and understand the pesticide label and ensure they have the appropriate
certification for the job.
What does the term "restricted use pesticide" (RUP) mean in California?
✔✔ A pesticide that can only be purchased and applied by certified applicators due to its
potential risks.
Which of the following is required by California law for all pesticide containers?
✔✔ The container must have a label that includes instructions on how to use, store, and dispose
of the pesticide safely.
1
,What is the purpose of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) in California pesticide regulation?
✔✔ To protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from the risks associated with
pesticide exposure.
How long must records of pesticide applications be kept in California?
✔✔ For at least two years from the date of application.
What is the minimum distance a pesticide applicator should maintain from a water source when
applying pesticides?
✔✔ It varies by the pesticide and location but should always follow the label instructions to
prevent contamination.
When can a pesticide applicator legally apply a pesticide without following the instructions on
the label?
✔✔ Only if there is a specific exemption authorized by the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation.
What should be done if a pesticide spill occurs during application?
2
,✔✔ The applicator should immediately follow the emergency procedures outlined on the
pesticide label and report the spill to the appropriate authorities.
What is the role of a certified pesticide applicator?
✔✔ A certified applicator is responsible for ensuring that pesticides are applied safely and in
compliance with all laws and regulations.
What are the consequences for failing to comply with California’s pesticide regulations?
✔✔ Fines, suspension, or revocation of pesticide applicator certification, and potential legal
action.
What is required for a pesticide applicator to legally apply a pesticide in a school or daycare
facility in California?
✔✔ They must follow specific notification and posting requirements as well as adhere to the
school or daycare’s pesticide application policies.
How does California law regulate the application of pesticides near schools or residential areas?
✔✔ Pesticides cannot be applied during certain hours, and notification of nearby residents and
schools is required.
3
, What is the purpose of pesticide applicator training in California?
✔✔ To ensure that applicators understand the risks of pesticides and know how to apply them
safely and effectively.
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and why is it important for pesticide use?
✔✔ An MSDS provides detailed information on the hazards, handling, and emergency measures
related to a pesticide, and it is crucial for ensuring safety.
In California, what is required before applying pesticides to a crop that will be harvested?
✔✔ Applicators must observe the required pre-harvest interval (PHI) as indicated on the
pesticide label to ensure that pesticide residues are within safe levels.
What is the definition of "pesticide drift"?
✔✔ Pesticide drift refers to the movement of pesticide droplets or dust away from the intended
area of application, potentially affecting nearby areas or non-target species.
Who is responsible for ensuring that pesticides are applied according to the laws and regulations
in California?
4
