Pesticide applicators often rely on UF/IFAS Extension to obtain pesticide education, training, support, and to take their respective exams. All 67 county offices have historically offered free exams, through paper or using a computer. Due to technological updates to Windows, internet networks, and the computers UF/IFAS uses for testing, there will be changes to the testing process going forward. This blog’s purpose is to list these new changes for a better understanding of the new process.
Changes to the Pesticide Examination Process
- Starting on January 1, 2025, UF/IFAS Extension Offices will no longer offer paper testing.
- Computer exams will still be available at UF/IFAS Extension Offices up to October 2025. To apply and schedule an examination please access the following link: https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/
- You can also take the exam online using your computer through Everblue. For more information about Everblue please click here.
- Starting on October 1, 2025, UF/FAS Extension Offices will no longer offer any type of testing.
- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is currently working on determining what will be the process moving forward after October 1, 2025. Right now, they are in the process of selecting a testing vendor to take over testing procedures at the time of the change. They are looking at 2 options:
- 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.
- UF/IFAS Extension will still be committed to best serving the community through education. This means that extension agents will continue to offer pesticide training and support to all pesticide applicators in Florida.
- For more information about these changes please contact the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office (352-392-4721) or visit their website here: https://pested.ifas.ufl.edu/
- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is currently working on determining what will be the process moving forward after October 1, 2025. Right now, they are in the process of selecting a testing vendor to take over testing procedures at the time of the change. They are looking at 2 options:
Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance (LCLM) License Application Process Changes
Applicators in need of an LCLM license are no longer required to complete a 6-hour training before applying for the license. They still need to complete their respective category exam and pay any applicable fees, but are no longer required to take any training for the application process.
For a Spanish version of this blog, click on the following link:
Actualizaciones y Cambios del Proceso de Examinación de Pesticidas de Florida
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