What has changed?
The University of Florida IFAS Extension is no longer responsible for administering the FDACS pesticide exams. On October 1st, UF/IFAS officially handed over administration of the Pesticide exams to Everblue.
So, what exactly does that mean for someone looking to become—or continue working as—a pesticide applicator in Florida?
The only change is where and how you will take the exam.
Updated steps for taking an exam:
The steps to become a pesticide applicator have remained essentially unchanged. Here are the steps necessary to get your pesticide license:
Firstly, knowing the site where pesticides will be used will help determine what exam you will need.
There are numerous pesticide applicator licenses in Florida, which are determined by the site where pesticides are applied. The following link will direct you to a publication that contains all the necessary information for each license. It includes details such as prerequisites, the required exams and passing scores, and associated fees. For quick reference and easy viewing, you may download the file as a PDF.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PI292
Secondly, the next step is to study for the exam(s). There are several options to help you prepare. Check with your local extension office, as they will offer classes for different exams. Resources and classes are available online through the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office (PIO). Study guides can be purchased from the UF/IFAS Bookstore at the following link.
The UF/IFAS Bookstore offers study guides that can be purchased at this link:
https://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/c-114-pesticide-exam-study-materials.aspx
Once you are ready to take the exam(s), you will need to create an account with the new FDACS licensing system if you have not done so already. The link to the licensing portal is below:
https://aeslicensing.fdacs.gov/
After you have created your account and selected which exams you want to take, the system will give you a voucher number for each test.
Here is where the major change takes place:
You will have two options for taking the exam using your voucher number:
In-Person Exams:
- Available at Everblue test centers across Florida.
- Cost: $59.00
- View testing locations here:
- There will be occasional testing days with waived fees. For questions or assistance, contact AESCares@fdacs.gov.
Remote Exams:
- Scheduled directly through Everblue. See the technical specifications in the next section.
- Cost: $32.00
- Flexible testing from any location.
Remote Online Exam Technical Specifications & Requirements:
- You must use a regular computer (Windows 7+ / MacOS 10.11+ computer or laptop). Chromebooks and mobile devices are not supported (e.g., iPhone, iPad, Android devices, etc.).
- Be sure your computer operating system (OS) software is up to date and that you have shut down/restarted your computer before taking your exam. We recommend that you refrain from opening any other programs on your computer while taking your exam.
- You must use the current version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your web browser.
- You must install the free extension Proctorio. Instructions on how to do this will be available before your exam. Please review the Proctorio Minimum System Requirements
- You will need to have Internet Speed Upload: 1 Mbps and Download: 2 Mbps. VPN, Tethering, Cellular, and Hotspots are not supported.
- You will need at least 2 GB of free RAM on your computer.
- You need a working webcam and microphone, and these devices must NOT be shut off or blocked in any way during your exam session. Failure to maintain a working webcam and mic or blocking such devices will terminate your exam session and /or disqualify you from the exam. Once the exam begins, your face and eyes must remain facing the webcam for the duration of your exam session. Please note that your webcam view is displayed in the exam Quiz Tools. If you cannot see your entire face in the Quiz Tools webcam image, then the exam Proctor cannot see you either—leading to disqualification.
- Be sure to have a government-issued photo ID ready—you will need to show it on the webcam before your exam begins.
- A room scan will be required. Be prepared to turn the webcam 360 ° to allow for a full view of the room. Proctorio may ask more than once if the program hears noises—the application is trying to ensure there is no one else in the room.
- You must be alone during your exam attempt.
- The use of outside resources is strictly prohibited (e.g., mobile devices, books, calculators, notes).
Here is a detailed blog about Testing from Home, and What You Need to Know!
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/2022/09/15/testing-from-home-what-you-need-to-know/
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