The national Pesticide Applicator Certification & Training (PACT) conference was held in July of 2021. Throughout the meeting, the legality of virtual and hybrid pesticide safety trainings was discussed in the context of EPA’s 2017 final Certification & Training rule. At this point in time, hybrid and online trainings will be permitted. Here is how this impacts your training:
Private
An online version of private applicator training will be available through eXtension and will eventually be transitioned to Canvas Catalog once it becomes available. This online training provides two options. One option is a “test-out.” With this option, applicators can take a test with 88 questions, and if they pass with a 70% or higher, they are certified to apply for a license and are not required to complete the rest of the training. Alternatively, they can choose to go through a group of training modules with small quizzes included. Once they complete the modules they are certified to apply for their applicator license. In addition to online training, Zoom trainings will be allowed in 2022. The PSEP Office will help organize and promote the Zoom trainings.
Commercial/Noncommercial
An online version of the recertification training will be available on Canvas Catalog in the coming months. This training will require applicators to show government-issued identification. For 2022, the training will still be primarily video-based but over the next few years it will transition to being an interactive course that will provide the applicators a more diverse learning experience. A combination of multiple techniques such as activities, puzzles, videos, and discussions will be used to address different learning styles. The goal of this online training option will be to promote the best learning environment possible in an online format.
Chemigation
Chemigation will also have an online version available. It will be housed on eXtension but will eventually be transferred to Canvas Catalog. Chemigation is also going through updates to multiple aspects of that training.
We look forward to exploring these virtual learning spaces with applicators and Educators alike. If you have questions regarding online or virtual trainings, or if you would like to provide suggestions, please contact Jennifer Weisbrod at jweisbrod2@unl.edu.