Texas Pesticide Applicators Exam, including answers in
bold and rationales in italics, based on the official Texas
Department of Agriculture (TDA) pesticide applicator
guidelines
1. What is the primary purpose of the signal word on a pesticide label?
A. To indicate the pesticide’s effectiveness
B. To indicate the product’s relative toxicity to humans
C. To show the price range
D. To list active ingredients
The signal word (e.g., Caution, Warning, Danger) reflects the product's acute
toxicity level to humans.
2. What does the signal word “Danger” indicate?
A. Slightly toxic
B. Highly toxic or corrosive
C. Moderately toxic
D. Not toxic
“Danger” is used for highly toxic pesticides or those causing severe skin or eye
irritation.
3. Which federal agency regulates the registration of pesticides in the United
States?
A. FDA
,B. EPA
C. USDA
D. OSHA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for pesticide
regulation under FIFRA.
4. What does the term “restricted use pesticide” mean?
A. It can be sold only by the manufacturer
B. It can be used only by certified applicators
C. It is more effective
D. It is banned in Texas
Restricted use pesticides pose potential risks to humans or the environment if
not used properly.
5. Who enforces pesticide laws in the state of Texas?
A. EPA
B. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
C. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
D. USDA
TDA administers pesticide laws and regulations in Texas.
6. Which of the following is NOT part of the pesticide label?
A. Signal word
B. Directions for use
C. Price
D. Precautionary statements
The price is not required and is typically determined by the retailer.
, 7. What type of PPE is always recommended when mixing concentrated
pesticides?
A. Shorts and t-shirt
B. Hat and sandals
C. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
D. Leather gloves
Concentrated pesticides pose higher exposure risks, so proper protection is
essential.
8. What is the proper way to dispose of unused pesticide concentrate?
A. Flush it down the toilet
B. Pour it on the ground
C. Follow the label instructions and local disposal regulations
D. Burn it
Disposal instructions must comply with the label and local/state/federal
regulations.
9. Drift can be minimized by:
A. Spraying on windy days
B. Using smaller droplet sizes
C. Applying pesticides when wind is calm and using larger droplets
D. Spraying in the hottest part of the day
Larger droplets and calm wind conditions reduce the risk of drift.
10. What is a common symptom of organophosphate poisoning?
A. High blood pressure
B. Muscle twitching and excessive salivation
bold and rationales in italics, based on the official Texas
Department of Agriculture (TDA) pesticide applicator
guidelines
1. What is the primary purpose of the signal word on a pesticide label?
A. To indicate the pesticide’s effectiveness
B. To indicate the product’s relative toxicity to humans
C. To show the price range
D. To list active ingredients
The signal word (e.g., Caution, Warning, Danger) reflects the product's acute
toxicity level to humans.
2. What does the signal word “Danger” indicate?
A. Slightly toxic
B. Highly toxic or corrosive
C. Moderately toxic
D. Not toxic
“Danger” is used for highly toxic pesticides or those causing severe skin or eye
irritation.
3. Which federal agency regulates the registration of pesticides in the United
States?
A. FDA
,B. EPA
C. USDA
D. OSHA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for pesticide
regulation under FIFRA.
4. What does the term “restricted use pesticide” mean?
A. It can be sold only by the manufacturer
B. It can be used only by certified applicators
C. It is more effective
D. It is banned in Texas
Restricted use pesticides pose potential risks to humans or the environment if
not used properly.
5. Who enforces pesticide laws in the state of Texas?
A. EPA
B. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
C. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
D. USDA
TDA administers pesticide laws and regulations in Texas.
6. Which of the following is NOT part of the pesticide label?
A. Signal word
B. Directions for use
C. Price
D. Precautionary statements
The price is not required and is typically determined by the retailer.
, 7. What type of PPE is always recommended when mixing concentrated
pesticides?
A. Shorts and t-shirt
B. Hat and sandals
C. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
D. Leather gloves
Concentrated pesticides pose higher exposure risks, so proper protection is
essential.
8. What is the proper way to dispose of unused pesticide concentrate?
A. Flush it down the toilet
B. Pour it on the ground
C. Follow the label instructions and local disposal regulations
D. Burn it
Disposal instructions must comply with the label and local/state/federal
regulations.
9. Drift can be minimized by:
A. Spraying on windy days
B. Using smaller droplet sizes
C. Applying pesticides when wind is calm and using larger droplets
D. Spraying in the hottest part of the day
Larger droplets and calm wind conditions reduce the risk of drift.
10. What is a common symptom of organophosphate poisoning?
A. High blood pressure
B. Muscle twitching and excessive salivation
