The Colorado Department of Agriculture has announced a new testing feature in Cortez to assist those taking CDAs Commercial Pesticide Applicator examinations.
This new feature allows Coloradans to take this important test without traveling to Denver, said CDA Plant Industry Division Director, Mitch Yergert, in a written release. This provides time efficiency for those taking the test and our own staff. This is a big step forward for us.
In collaboration with Colorado State University Extension and Metro Institute, CDA now provides computer-based examinations at six locations including Cortez, with another opening soon. Tests can be taken on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the year at Cortez CSU Extension office.
A valid email address is required in order to take the examination. The examinations remain closed-book and must be proctored or monitored by CDA-approved personnel.
To sign up for the exam, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/dpi, click on Commercial Pesticide Applicator online testing now live link and follow the instructions.
The Colorado Pesticide Applicators Act requires any person or company that applies pesticides for hire, whether they are applying to a structure, lawn, or agricultural area, to be licensed as a commercial applicator. The license requires that the applicator attend classes and obtain a certain number of credits within a three year period of time to keep the license current. A person or company that performs applications for hire without holding the appropriate license may receive a minimum fine of $1,000 per violation.
Every licensed commercial applicator in Colorado must meet strict testing requirements that are enforced by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, said Yergert. For better environmental and public safety, they must have the necessary testing, training, expertise and experience to apply these chemicals.