PESTICIDE APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM —
100 PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
RATIONALES
1. Which signal word indicates the highest level of pesticide toxicity?
A. Warning
B. Caution
C. Danger
D. Notice
Danger is used on labels for highly toxic pesticides (Category I).
2. The term LD50 refers to:
A. The time needed for pesticide breakdown
B. The concentration required for effective control
C. The lethal dose that kills 50% of test organisms
D. The maximum safe exposure
LD50 measures acute toxicity; lower LD50 = more toxic.
3. Which PPE is typically required when mixing concentrated
pesticides?
A. Cotton gloves
B. No PPE is needed
C. Chemical-resistant gloves
D. Leather gloves
Chemical-resistant gloves protect against concentrated formulations.
4. The EPA registration number on the pesticide label indicates:
,A. Expiration date
B. Signal word
C. Product identification approved by EPA
D. Storage guidelines
EPA registration numbers confirm regulatory approval and identify
specific products.
5. Drift is more likely to occur when:
A. Using coarse droplets
B. Wind speed is high
C. Humidity is high
D. Temperature is low
High wind speeds move pesticide droplets away from the target.
6. Which formulation is most prone to inhalation exposure?
A. Granules
B. Emulsifiable concentrates
C. Wettable powders
D. Fumigants
Fumigants are gases and easily inhaled.
7. The label statement “Restricted Use Pesticide” means the product:
A. Is only for indoor use
B. Can only be applied by certified applicators
C. Is discontinued
D. Is safe for all uses
RUPs require certification due to high risk.
8. Which is an example of chronic toxicity?
A. Immediate headache
B. Nausea after exposure
, C. Cancer after long-term exposure
D. Skin redness
Chronic toxicity results from repeated long-term exposure.
9. What is the first step in spill management?
A. Leave the area
B. Control the spill
C. Call the fire department
D. Apply absorbent
Stop the leak or contain the source to prevent further contamination.
10. The re-entry interval (REI) refers to:
A. The time needed before harvest
B. The amount of time workers must stay out of treated areas
C. The mixing ratio
D. Time between applications
REI protects workers from harmful residues.
11. When triple-rinsing containers, the rinse water should be:
A. Disposed down the drain
B. Added to the spray tank
C. Poured onto soil
D. Discarded in trash
Rinse water is pesticide-containing and must be reused in the spray
mix.
12. Pesticide resistance occurs when:
A. Equipment is incorrectly calibrated
B. Pests survive treatment and reproduce
C. Labels are misread
100 PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
RATIONALES
1. Which signal word indicates the highest level of pesticide toxicity?
A. Warning
B. Caution
C. Danger
D. Notice
Danger is used on labels for highly toxic pesticides (Category I).
2. The term LD50 refers to:
A. The time needed for pesticide breakdown
B. The concentration required for effective control
C. The lethal dose that kills 50% of test organisms
D. The maximum safe exposure
LD50 measures acute toxicity; lower LD50 = more toxic.
3. Which PPE is typically required when mixing concentrated
pesticides?
A. Cotton gloves
B. No PPE is needed
C. Chemical-resistant gloves
D. Leather gloves
Chemical-resistant gloves protect against concentrated formulations.
4. The EPA registration number on the pesticide label indicates:
,A. Expiration date
B. Signal word
C. Product identification approved by EPA
D. Storage guidelines
EPA registration numbers confirm regulatory approval and identify
specific products.
5. Drift is more likely to occur when:
A. Using coarse droplets
B. Wind speed is high
C. Humidity is high
D. Temperature is low
High wind speeds move pesticide droplets away from the target.
6. Which formulation is most prone to inhalation exposure?
A. Granules
B. Emulsifiable concentrates
C. Wettable powders
D. Fumigants
Fumigants are gases and easily inhaled.
7. The label statement “Restricted Use Pesticide” means the product:
A. Is only for indoor use
B. Can only be applied by certified applicators
C. Is discontinued
D. Is safe for all uses
RUPs require certification due to high risk.
8. Which is an example of chronic toxicity?
A. Immediate headache
B. Nausea after exposure
, C. Cancer after long-term exposure
D. Skin redness
Chronic toxicity results from repeated long-term exposure.
9. What is the first step in spill management?
A. Leave the area
B. Control the spill
C. Call the fire department
D. Apply absorbent
Stop the leak or contain the source to prevent further contamination.
10. The re-entry interval (REI) refers to:
A. The time needed before harvest
B. The amount of time workers must stay out of treated areas
C. The mixing ratio
D. Time between applications
REI protects workers from harmful residues.
11. When triple-rinsing containers, the rinse water should be:
A. Disposed down the drain
B. Added to the spray tank
C. Poured onto soil
D. Discarded in trash
Rinse water is pesticide-containing and must be reused in the spray
mix.
12. Pesticide resistance occurs when:
A. Equipment is incorrectly calibrated
B. Pests survive treatment and reproduce
C. Labels are misread
