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About the Profession & Course
What is the Georgia Pesticide Exam?
The Georgia Department of Agriculture requires individuals
who apply restricted-use pesticides, or who apply general-use pesticides for a
fee, to be licensed as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator. To earn this license,
candidates must demonstrate a thorough understanding of safe pesticide
handling, environmental protection, label interpretation, and effective pest
management strategies by passing state-administered examinations.
Exam Structure and Passing Score
To become a certified commercial applicator in Georgia, you
do not need a private applicator license first. However, you must pass two
distinct exams, typically taken at a Georgia Technical College testing center:
- General
Standards Exam: This mandatory test covers foundational knowledge,
including pesticide laws, environmental hazards, toxicity, safety gear,
and application procedures.
- Category
Exam: In addition to the general exam, you must pass at least one
specialized exam tailored to your specific field of work.
- Passing
Score: You must achieve a score of 70% or higher on both
the General Standards exam and your chosen Category exam(s) to qualify for
your license.
Popular Certification Categories
When registering, you will select the specific category
exams that align with your industry. Some of the most frequently tested
categories include:
- Category
24 (Ornamental and Turf Pest Control): Essential for lawn care
specialists, groundskeepers, and golf course maintenance.
- Category
29 (Household Pest Control): The standard requirement for residential
and commercial exterminators dealing with common indoor pests.
- Category
30 (Wood-Destroying Organisms): Required for professionals handling
termite control and preventing structural wood damage.
- Category
28 (Fumigation): For operators using restricted-use fumigants in
enclosed spaces.
Career Opportunities and Earning Potential
Securing your Georgia Commercial Pesticide Applicator
License is a direct investment in your career. The agriculture, landscaping,
and structural pest control sectors in Georgia are robust, meaning licensed
professionals are consistently in high demand.
Roles You Can Pursue
Earning your certification qualifies you for a variety of
hands-on, secure positions, such as:
- Commercial
Pest Control Technician (Residential or Commercial)
- Turf
and Lawn Care Route Manager
- Grounds
Maintenance Technician / Golf Course Superintendent
- Agricultural
Spray Technician
- Forestry
or Right-of-Way Applicator