Testing, everybody’s favorite thing. I am sure some of your best school memories were of taking a test, so this blog should just make you so excited. Jokes aside we have very important updates to share, so come learn about Florida Pesticide Testing Updates.
I sure hope none of our readers were trying to travel the day of the internet meltdown. Unlike the companies that were blindsided by the update failing, UF/IFAS is more than prepared. Microsoft has required updates coming in 2025 that would have made all our computers useless. Imagine that happening with no warning!
Luckily, we found out early enough to develop a plan with our partners at FDACS to ensure there is no interruption to testing. Here are the basics of the changes coming up:
Effective January 1, 2025
Paper exams will no longer be offered at UF/IFAS county Extension offices.
Exams will still be available using the following two options:
- Computer exams at county Extension offices. Check the schedule and availability of your local extension office: https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/public/testcenters.jsp
- Testing with your own equipment using the Everblue testing portal (additional fees required).
Effective October 1, 2025
Testing will no longer be available at UF/IFAS county Extension offices. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is in the process of selecting a testing vendor to take over at that point. Their stated plan is to have two options available for examinations:
- Testing on a remote proctored platform. This would be similar (if not the same) as the current Everblue portal.
- Testing at licensed testing centers around the state. These locations host a variety of other tests, like the GRE, SAT, and other professional certification exams.
The vendor, locations and processes related to testing after October 1, 2025, are still to be determined, but will be communicated as soon as that information is available.
What Next?
This is certainly a change, but there is plenty of time to prepare and there is another silver lining. Our office calculated that our extension personnel spent over 20,000 labor hours a year proctoring these exams. They did so admirably, competently, and really represented the best we have to offer. However, their greatest skill lies in the ability to educate. Just think of how many more pesticide precertification training they can provide. Think of how many more CEU classes they can offer. In short, you are going to be even better served by them in the future.
Remember paper stops December 31st, 2024, and UF/IFAS stops testing October of 2025. FDACS is identifying the next set of solutions and testing should be widely available. We will continue to keep you in the loop on any future Florida Pesticide Testing Updates.
For questions, contact the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office:
Brett Wells Bultemeier
352-392-4721
352-294-6941 Direct Line
Click To Subscribe
4
