VIRGINIA COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE
APPLICATOR CORE EXAM / VIRGINIA
COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATOR
CORE EXAM PREPARATION 2025/2026 WITH
ACTUAL CORRECT QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED DETAILED ANSWERS
|FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS|ALREADY GRADED
A+|NEWEST|BRAND NEW
VERSION!!|GUARANTEED PASS
what is the difference between 'point source' and a 'nonpoint source' pesticide pollution?
Point source pollution comes from a specific identifiable place or point. ex. a pesticide spill that
moves into a storm drain.
Nonpoint source pollution comes from a wider area. ex. the movement of pesticides into
streams after a broadcast application.
List three ways in which pesticides can move off site.
1. in air- wind or air currents
2. water- runoff or leaching
3. objects- soil, plants, animals, humans
how do illegal pesticide residues often occur?
too much pesticide is applied
the PHI is ignored
move off site and contaminate plants or animals nearby
sprayed off-labeled, on a site not permitted by the label
which factors influence whether a pesticide will drift?
1|Page
,the weight and density of dry particle applied
whether adjuvants were used in liquid sprays
whether the pesticide tends to form vapors
how can volatility contribute to drift?
in vapor form, a pesticide can move great distances and injure sensitive plants and animals.
volatility may also contribute to illegal residues
what application factors influence pesticide drift?
droplet or particle size
height and direction of release
both determined by applicator decisions
what weather factors influence pesticide drift?
strong winds or gusts
low RH
high temps
temp inversions
explain how the solubility, adsorption, and persistence of a pesticide affect its ability to move
offsite in water
-solubility- some pesticides dissolve easily in water
-adsorption- some pesticides become tightly attached to soil particles. they will move with
eroded soil.
-persistence- some pesticides break down slowly and remain in the environment for a long time.
what is groundwater and why is it important?
water located beneath the earths surface, usually in rock and soil. this water is used in wells and
household irrigation
how can you help to prevent pesticides from reaching groundwater?
-do not use more than the labeling directions
-avoid application methods that present special risks
-keep pesticides from back siphoning
-correctly dispose of unused pesticides,containers, and rinse water
2|Page
, purpose of core manual?
support general safety training for all pesticide users.
what state law sets the rules for pesticide use in VA?
The Virginia Pesticide Control Act
Which state agency is responsible for ensuring safe use of pesticides in VA?
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
What is the difference between a private applicator and a commercial applicator
A private applicator is a farmer who uses restriced use pesticides while producing an agricultural
commodity on private land. Agricultural commodities comprise a wide range of goods and raw
materials. Commercial applicators control pests on the job for consumers, their employers, and
or the public.
How long must Worker Protection Standard (WPS) application records be posted and what
information is included?
No later than 24 hrs after an application is completed and continuously until 30 days after the
last applicable restricted entry interval or until workers or handlers are no longer on the
establishment, whichever is earlier. Information includes pesticide application info and hazard
info for all pesticides in a central area
Four classes of commercial applicators?
-Commercial applicator for hire works for a pesticide business
-Commercial applicator not for hire use pesticides as one of several job duties
-A government employee works for a local, state or federal government agency applying
pesticides at their direction
-An inactive applicator does not use pesticides on the job, but must still retain their certificate
by renewing every two years and attending recertification courses as required.
What differentiates the four classes of commercial applicators?
Their employer
How does a registered tech differ from a certified commercial applicator?
Though they do the same type of work, a registered tech may only use general use pesticides
unless directly supervised by a certified commercial applicator. Techs also fall into the same four
commercial applicator categories.
3|Page
APPLICATOR CORE EXAM / VIRGINIA
COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATOR
CORE EXAM PREPARATION 2025/2026 WITH
ACTUAL CORRECT QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED DETAILED ANSWERS
|FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS|ALREADY GRADED
A+|NEWEST|BRAND NEW
VERSION!!|GUARANTEED PASS
what is the difference between 'point source' and a 'nonpoint source' pesticide pollution?
Point source pollution comes from a specific identifiable place or point. ex. a pesticide spill that
moves into a storm drain.
Nonpoint source pollution comes from a wider area. ex. the movement of pesticides into
streams after a broadcast application.
List three ways in which pesticides can move off site.
1. in air- wind or air currents
2. water- runoff or leaching
3. objects- soil, plants, animals, humans
how do illegal pesticide residues often occur?
too much pesticide is applied
the PHI is ignored
move off site and contaminate plants or animals nearby
sprayed off-labeled, on a site not permitted by the label
which factors influence whether a pesticide will drift?
1|Page
,the weight and density of dry particle applied
whether adjuvants were used in liquid sprays
whether the pesticide tends to form vapors
how can volatility contribute to drift?
in vapor form, a pesticide can move great distances and injure sensitive plants and animals.
volatility may also contribute to illegal residues
what application factors influence pesticide drift?
droplet or particle size
height and direction of release
both determined by applicator decisions
what weather factors influence pesticide drift?
strong winds or gusts
low RH
high temps
temp inversions
explain how the solubility, adsorption, and persistence of a pesticide affect its ability to move
offsite in water
-solubility- some pesticides dissolve easily in water
-adsorption- some pesticides become tightly attached to soil particles. they will move with
eroded soil.
-persistence- some pesticides break down slowly and remain in the environment for a long time.
what is groundwater and why is it important?
water located beneath the earths surface, usually in rock and soil. this water is used in wells and
household irrigation
how can you help to prevent pesticides from reaching groundwater?
-do not use more than the labeling directions
-avoid application methods that present special risks
-keep pesticides from back siphoning
-correctly dispose of unused pesticides,containers, and rinse water
2|Page
, purpose of core manual?
support general safety training for all pesticide users.
what state law sets the rules for pesticide use in VA?
The Virginia Pesticide Control Act
Which state agency is responsible for ensuring safe use of pesticides in VA?
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
What is the difference between a private applicator and a commercial applicator
A private applicator is a farmer who uses restriced use pesticides while producing an agricultural
commodity on private land. Agricultural commodities comprise a wide range of goods and raw
materials. Commercial applicators control pests on the job for consumers, their employers, and
or the public.
How long must Worker Protection Standard (WPS) application records be posted and what
information is included?
No later than 24 hrs after an application is completed and continuously until 30 days after the
last applicable restricted entry interval or until workers or handlers are no longer on the
establishment, whichever is earlier. Information includes pesticide application info and hazard
info for all pesticides in a central area
Four classes of commercial applicators?
-Commercial applicator for hire works for a pesticide business
-Commercial applicator not for hire use pesticides as one of several job duties
-A government employee works for a local, state or federal government agency applying
pesticides at their direction
-An inactive applicator does not use pesticides on the job, but must still retain their certificate
by renewing every two years and attending recertification courses as required.
What differentiates the four classes of commercial applicators?
Their employer
How does a registered tech differ from a certified commercial applicator?
Though they do the same type of work, a registered tech may only use general use pesticides
unless directly supervised by a certified commercial applicator. Techs also fall into the same four
commercial applicator categories.
3|Page
