Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators Core Exam – Questions & Correct Answers | Latest Version (A Grade Score Solution)

Virginia Commercial Pesticide
Applicators Core Exam – Questions &
Correct Answers | Latest Version (A
Grade Score Solution)

Question 1
What is the main purpose of the Virginia Core Manual?
Answer: Support general safety training for all pesticide users
Rationale: The manual provides comprehensive guidance to ensure safe and effective pesticide
use.



Question 2
What state law sets the rules for pesticide use in Virginia?
Answer: Virginia Pesticide Control Act
Rationale: This act governs pesticide registration, use, and applicator certification in Virginia.



Question 3
Which state agency oversees pesticide use in Virginia?
Answer: VDACS
Rationale: The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) enforces
pesticide regulations.



Question 4
Explain the difference between key pests, occasional pests, and secondary pests.
Answer: Key pests are always present and require regular control; occasional pests are
migratory or cyclical, needing intermittent control; secondary pests require control only under
certain conditions.
Rationale: Understanding pest types helps prioritize control strategies.

,Question 5
What should you do first if you see damage to a plant, animal, or valuable product?
Answer: Identify the cause
Rationale: Accurate identification ensures appropriate pest control measures.



Question 6
What should you do first if you discover a pest that may need to be controlled?
Answer: Identify the pest
Rationale: Correct pest identification is critical for effective management.



Question 7
What is an economic threshold?
Answer: The pest level where economic losses exceed control costs
Rationale: It determines when pest control is economically justified.



Question 8
How are thresholds important to a sound pest control strategy?
Answer: They prevent unacceptable pest damage
Rationale: Thresholds guide timely and cost-effective interventions.



Question 9
What is monitoring in pest control?
Answer: Regular observation of pest populations
Rationale: Monitoring informs control decisions based on pest levels.



Question 10
What is a restricted-use pesticide (RUP)?
Answer: Pesticides requiring special care, limited to certified applicators
Rationale: RUPs are regulated due to higher risks to health or the environment.



Question 11
Who can purchase and apply restricted-use pesticides?
Answer: Certified applicators or those under their supervision
Rationale: Certification ensures safe handling of RUPs.

, Question 12
What is FIFRA?
Answer: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
Rationale: FIFRA regulates pesticide registration, use, and safety at the federal level.



Question 13
What are the major provisions of the 1972 FIFRA amendments?
Answer: All pesticides must be registered; applicators must be certified
Rationale: These amendments enhanced safety and environmental protections.



Question 14
What is a Section 18 exemption?
Answer: Allows pesticide use for unregistered purposes in emergencies
Rationale: Exemptions address urgent pest issues with no registered solutions.



Question 15
What are the four types of Section 18 exemptions?
Answer: Specific, quarantine, public health, crisis
Rationale: Each addresses different emergency scenarios.



Question 16
What does the signal word "Warning" on a pesticide label indicate?
Answer: Moderately toxic; a teaspoon to a tablespoon can kill
Rationale: Signal words indicate toxicity levels to humans.



Question 17
What is the purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
Answer: Provide technical information on pesticide effects and accident response
Rationale: MSDS details health, environmental, and safety data.



Question 18
Must all pesticides sold or used in Virginia be registered with VDACS?