Training dates are set for Nebraska's commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicators seeking first-time certification or recertification of their license to buy or use restricted-use pesticides in 2017. The statewide training is coordinated through the Nebraska Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP).

Again this year the training is offered at a variety of locations from January through April. Commercial and noncommercial applicators whose certifications expire in April are to be mailed a schedule booklet showing certification information and dates. The booklet also is available at local extension offices; by phoning PSEP at 800-627-7216 or 402-472-1632; or by visiting http://pested.unl.edu/commercialschedule.

In 2017 approximately 3,700 commercial and non-commercial applicators will need to be recertified. They include fumigators, ornamental and turf applicators, exterminators and others.

Commercial applicators are those using restricted-use pesticides, and in some cases, general-use pesticides, on a contract or for-hire basis. Noncommercial applicators are those applying these same pesticides to sites owned by an employer or for a governmental agency or political subdivision of the state.

Advance registration is required for all initial commercial and noncommercial applicator training, as well as for most other training sessions. Each applicator pays a $60 fee, regardless of the number of training sessions. Required initial training study materials range from $10 to $30 per manual, depending on category.

Initial certification requires passing a general standards exam, in addition to one or more specific applicator categories. Applicants can study by themselves although for best results, combine training with study materials, as that has the best track record for preparing someone to take the state license exams.

Recertification opportunities are available at extension offices in February and March, and at several annual conferences and trade association meetings early in 2017. The best opportunity for commercial applicators to recertify in the agricultural plant category and demo/research subcategory, other than by examination, will be at Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics in January.

Extension conducts the training programs, while the Nebraska Department of Agriculture issues the licenses. NDA testing is offered at initial training locations; new this year is computer-based testing for several categories at various testing centers. For information about this testing, see www.nda.nebraska.gov/pesticide/pearson_vue_testing.html. Questions about individual applicator license status should be directed to NDA by calling 402-471-2351.

Initial Certification

Initial certification in several categories is offered at the following locations and dates. Available categories vary at each of the locations; check the schedule booklet or website for details. Those seeking initial certification must pre-register for one of the following training sessions and purchase study materials at least 10 days in advance. Pre-registration is required at pested.unl.edu.

• Beatrice: Gage County Extension Office, Fairgrounds, 1115 W. Scott, March 21.
• Columbus: Platte County Courthouse, 2610 14th St., Feb. 2.
• Fremont: Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd St., Feb. 9.
• Grand Island: College Park, Hall County Extension Office, 3180 W. Highway 34, Feb. 2 and 28.
• Lincoln: Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Feb. 9 and 28, April 13.
• Norfolk: Madison County Extension Office, Lifelong Learning Center, 601 E. Benjamin Ave., Feb. 2, March 2.
• North Platte: Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road, Feb. 9, March 2 and 21, April 13.
• Omaha: Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, 8015 W. Center Road, Feb. 2, March 2, April 13.
• O’Neill: Holt County Annex, 128 N. Sixth St., Suite 100, April 20.
• Scottsbluff: Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Ave. I, Feb. 9 and 28, March 2, April 13.
• Valentine: Cherry County Extension Office, 365 N. Main St., Suite 3, March 21.

Recertification Training

Recertification in several applicator categories is offered at the following locations and dates. Available categories vary at each of the locations; check the pesticide applicator education schedule booklet for details. Pre-registration is required at pested.unl.edu.

• Beatrice: Gage County Extension Office, Fairgrounds, 1115 W. Scott, Feb. 16, March 14 and 23.
• Columbus: Platte County Courthouse, 2610 14th St., Feb 23.
• Fremont: Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd St., Feb. 28, March 14.
• Grand Island: College Park, Hall County Extension Office, 3180 W. Hwy. 34, Feb. 7 and 16.
• Holdrege: Phelps County Fairgrounds, Ag Center, 1308 2nd St., Feb. 14, March 30.
• Lincoln: Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherrycreek Rd., Feb. 7 and 23, March 30.
• Norfolk: Madison County Extension Office, Lifelong Learning Center, 601 E. Benjamin Ave., Feb. 7 and 16, March 14.
• North Platte: Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Rd., Feb. 14, and 16, March 23.
• O'Neill: Holt County Annex, 128 N. Sixth St., Suite 100, Feb. 14, March 23.
• Omaha: Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, 8015 W. Center Rd., Feb. 14, March 21 and 30.
• Scottsbluff: UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Ave. I, Feb. 7 and 23, March 14.
• Valentine: Cherry County Extension Office, 365 N. Main St., Suite 3, Feb. 23.

Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics also are a great way to recertify in the agricultural pest control — plant category (01). Pre-register online for $65 at http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc to attend one of the following:

• Jan. 4 – Gering, Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.
• Jan. 5 – North Platte, Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers
• Jan. 6 – York, Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Ave.
• Jan. 10 – Beatrice, Classics Country Club, 1301 Oak St.
• Jan. 11 – Hastings, Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S. Baltimore
• Jan. 12 – ARDC, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca
• Jan. 17 – Atkinson, Atkinson Community Center, 206 W. 5th St.
• Jan. 18 – Norfolk, Lifelong Learning Center, 601 E. Benjamin Ave.
• Jan. 19-20 – Kearney, Younes Conference Center, 416 Talmadge Rd. (Recertification Day is Jan. 19, fee of $65. The two-day conference fee is $150.)

Recertification for specific categories is available by attending annual trade organization conferences:

• Nebraska Turf Conference: Jan. 10-12, La Vista Conference Center, 12540 Westport Parkway, La Vista, recertification in ornamental and turf pest control category. Pre-register at http://www.nebraskaturfgrass.com/events/nebraska-turf-conference, or call the Nebraska Turfgrass Association at 402-472-5351 with questions.
• Nebraska Urban Pest Management Conference: Feb. 21-22, The Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13th St., Lincoln, recertification in structural/health-related pest control and wood-destroying organisms. Pre-register at http://nspca.org or call the Nebraska State Pest Control Association, 402-476-1528 for copies of the program and registration information.
• Nebraska Aviation Trades Association Convention: Feb. 20-22, Holiday Inn, 110 S. Second Ave., Kearney, recertification in the aerial pest control category. For more information, email nata@windstream.net or call the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association, 402-475-6282.