NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATOR
CATEGORY A3 EXAM — AGRICULTURAL PEST CONTROL,
FIELD CROPS QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES
Core Domains
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles
• Pesticide Laws, Regulations & Licensing
• Pesticide Labels & Safety
• Field Crop Pest Identification & Management
• Application Equipment & Calibration
• Environmental Protection & Setback Requirements
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination assesses the knowledge
required for the New Hampshire Commercial Pesticide Applicator
Category A3 (Field Crops) certification. It evaluates IPM principles,
pesticide regulations, field crop pest management, and application
techniques. Questions emphasize practical decision-making, regulatory
compliance, and environmental protection. The examination prepares
agricultural applicators for the NH Division of Pesticide Control exam.
1. What is the main goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
A. To eliminate all pests regardless of cost
B. To manage pest populations at acceptable levels while minimizing
environmental impact
C. To use only chemical pesticides
D. To focus solely on biological control
, Correct answer: B. To manage pest populations at acceptable levels
while minimizing environmental impact
RATIONALE: IPM combines cultural, biological, and chemical
strategies to control pests effectively and safely .
2. Which of the following is a systemic pesticide?
A. Neem oil
B. Imidacloprid
C. Bacillus thuringiensis
D. Pyrethrin
Correct answer: B. Imidacloprid
RATIONALE: Systemic pesticides are absorbed by the plant and
transported internally to control pests feeding on the plant .
3. The label on a pesticide container is considered:
A. A suggestion
B. Optional guidance
C. Legal and enforceable instructions
D. Only for manufacturers
Correct answer: C. Legal and enforceable instructions
RATIONALE: Pesticide labels are legally binding documents and
must be followed exactly .
4. What is the first step in diagnosing a pest problem?
,A. Apply a pesticide immediately
B. Identify the pest and understand its life cycle
C. Remove all affected plants
D. Collect information and inspect the site
Correct answer: D. Collect information and inspect the site
RATIONALE: Accurate diagnosis is essential to choose the correct
control method and prevent unnecessary pesticide use. The first step is
collecting information and inspecting the site to correctly identify the
pest .
5. Which type of sprayer is best for applying pesticides to tall crops
such as corn or sunflowers?
A. Backpack sprayer
B. Boom sprayer
C. Hand gun sprayer
D. Aerosol fogger
Correct answer: B. Boom sprayer
RATIONALE: Boom sprayers provide uniform coverage for large,
tall crops .
6. Which of the following increases the risk of pesticide drift?
A. Low wind speed
B. Using a shielded sprayer
C. High wind speed and small droplet size
, D. Applying pesticides early in the morning
Correct answer: C. High wind speed and small droplet size
RATIONALE: Drift occurs when small droplets are carried off-
target by wind .
7. What is the purpose of using a surfactant with a pesticide spray?
A. To increase the toxicity
B. To improve coverage and adhesion on plant surfaces
C. To dilute the pesticide
D. To change the pesticide's color
Correct answer: B. To improve coverage and adhesion on plant
surfaces
RATIONALE: Surfactants reduce surface tension, helping the
pesticide spread and stick to leaves .
8. Which of these organisms is considered a biological control agent?
A. Glyphosate
B. Copper sulfate
C. Lady beetles
D. Malathion
Correct answer: C. Lady beetles
RATIONALE: Biological control uses living organisms such as
predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations .
CATEGORY A3 EXAM — AGRICULTURAL PEST CONTROL,
FIELD CROPS QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES
Core Domains
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles
• Pesticide Laws, Regulations & Licensing
• Pesticide Labels & Safety
• Field Crop Pest Identification & Management
• Application Equipment & Calibration
• Environmental Protection & Setback Requirements
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination assesses the knowledge
required for the New Hampshire Commercial Pesticide Applicator
Category A3 (Field Crops) certification. It evaluates IPM principles,
pesticide regulations, field crop pest management, and application
techniques. Questions emphasize practical decision-making, regulatory
compliance, and environmental protection. The examination prepares
agricultural applicators for the NH Division of Pesticide Control exam.
1. What is the main goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
A. To eliminate all pests regardless of cost
B. To manage pest populations at acceptable levels while minimizing
environmental impact
C. To use only chemical pesticides
D. To focus solely on biological control
, Correct answer: B. To manage pest populations at acceptable levels
while minimizing environmental impact
RATIONALE: IPM combines cultural, biological, and chemical
strategies to control pests effectively and safely .
2. Which of the following is a systemic pesticide?
A. Neem oil
B. Imidacloprid
C. Bacillus thuringiensis
D. Pyrethrin
Correct answer: B. Imidacloprid
RATIONALE: Systemic pesticides are absorbed by the plant and
transported internally to control pests feeding on the plant .
3. The label on a pesticide container is considered:
A. A suggestion
B. Optional guidance
C. Legal and enforceable instructions
D. Only for manufacturers
Correct answer: C. Legal and enforceable instructions
RATIONALE: Pesticide labels are legally binding documents and
must be followed exactly .
4. What is the first step in diagnosing a pest problem?
,A. Apply a pesticide immediately
B. Identify the pest and understand its life cycle
C. Remove all affected plants
D. Collect information and inspect the site
Correct answer: D. Collect information and inspect the site
RATIONALE: Accurate diagnosis is essential to choose the correct
control method and prevent unnecessary pesticide use. The first step is
collecting information and inspecting the site to correctly identify the
pest .
5. Which type of sprayer is best for applying pesticides to tall crops
such as corn or sunflowers?
A. Backpack sprayer
B. Boom sprayer
C. Hand gun sprayer
D. Aerosol fogger
Correct answer: B. Boom sprayer
RATIONALE: Boom sprayers provide uniform coverage for large,
tall crops .
6. Which of the following increases the risk of pesticide drift?
A. Low wind speed
B. Using a shielded sprayer
C. High wind speed and small droplet size
, D. Applying pesticides early in the morning
Correct answer: C. High wind speed and small droplet size
RATIONALE: Drift occurs when small droplets are carried off-
target by wind .
7. What is the purpose of using a surfactant with a pesticide spray?
A. To increase the toxicity
B. To improve coverage and adhesion on plant surfaces
C. To dilute the pesticide
D. To change the pesticide's color
Correct answer: B. To improve coverage and adhesion on plant
surfaces
RATIONALE: Surfactants reduce surface tension, helping the
pesticide spread and stick to leaves .
8. Which of these organisms is considered a biological control agent?
A. Glyphosate
B. Copper sulfate
C. Lady beetles
D. Malathion
Correct answer: C. Lady beetles
RATIONALE: Biological control uses living organisms such as
predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations .
