The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is adding a computer-based testing option for people taking pesticide applicator exams in order to receive their licenses. NDA has contracted with a national testing company to offer pesticide applicator exams at nine testing sites in Nebraska. NDA will still offer pesticide applicator testing in person, but adding these computer-based testing sites will give people more options for taking the exams.   

“We want to make it easier for pesticide operators to get their application licenses,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach. “Additional testing sites improve our current licensing process, make government more customer-friendly and benefit the people we serve.”  

NDA’s contract with Pearson VUE will provide testing centers in Alliance, Columbus, Grand Island, Lincoln, McCook, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha and Scottsbluff.

Nebraskans who apply restricted-use pesticides are required to get pesticide applicator licenses. Persons who make structural and lawn care applications to the property of others for hire are also required to be licensed regardless of the type of pesticide they use.

Currently, Pearson VUE is offering seven pesticide applicator exams:

• General Standards,
• Agricultural Plant Pest Control,
• Ornamental and Turf Pest Control,
• Right-of-Way Pest Control,
• Structural/Health-Related Pest Control,
• Wood Destroying Organisms, and
• Aerial Pest Control.

Each exam costs $55, payable to Pearson VUE.

Exams will be proctored on computers at each test site. The test content is identical to the paper exams currently proctored by NDA staff. People should register for the exams at least 24 hours in advance at www.pearsonvue.com/ne/agriculture.

For questions concerning pesticide applicator licensing, please contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351.  For questions concerning Pearson VUE testing, go to www.pearsonVUE.com/ne/agriculture/contact/.