K-State Research and Extension

Update!

All Private Pesticide Applicator tests now only available by appointment on the First and Last Monday's of each month!

To Register Call:

785-232-0062

Important Information

Our office is a testing site for the private pesticide applicator exam, which we then send on to the KDA. The KDA provides certification for private and commercial applicators to use pesticides. Please call the KDA office (785-564-6688) to confirm that the Private Pesticide Applicator Exam is the correct certification to apply for with your specific situation or your specific chemical.

Here is a link to the Kansas Department of Agriculture website, which includes more detailed information about what you can do with the certification: https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/pesticide-fertilizer/pesticide-applicator. Please read through the page, expand the section on the Private Pesticide Applicator, and read the "Pesticide Applicator Determination" section

Testing Information and Preparation

• The exam is open-book, but not open-phone or internet. If you would like to study beforehand, the Private Pesticide Applicator Manual is available online (https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF531.pdf) for free. The Office also has hard-copy manuals on hand that can be purchased: Please call our office for current price.

• The test usually takes between 1-4 hours to complete and needs to be taken during business hours in the Office. The exam should be taken in one sitting—please plan for enough time to be able to finish the exam at one time.

• The Extension Office supplies the exam, a scantron sheet, pencils, a calculator, and a hard-copy Manual to use during the test.

• Please bring a check or money order made out to the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) for $25.

Certification Process and Information

• Our Office will grade the exam upon completion and has the authority to issue a 30-day temporary certification, if needed, that allows an applicator to purchase products upon successful passing (75% or greater) of the exam prior to KDA reviewing and issuing an official pocket card.
• If you do not pass, you will need to wait a day before re-taking the test.
• The Office sends the completed exam and your payment to KDA; the certification process takes approximately 3-4 weeks.
• According to the KDA website, the certification expires on the applicant’s birthday in the 5^th calendar year after it has been issued.

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Update!

Wildlife Nuisance Damage Control Tests now only available by appointment on the First and Last Monday's of each month!

To Register Call:

785-232-0062

Important Information

Our office is a testing site for the nuisance wildlife damage control exam for permit applicants. The office will send the information to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Here is a link to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, which includes detailed information about the permit application, the Nuisance Wildlife Damage Control Training Manual, and also has more resources: https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Damage-Control/Nuisance-Wildlife-Damage-Control. Please read through the page all the way through the bottom to be familiar with the resources that are available to you.

Testing Information and Preparation

• The exam is open book, and an applicant may bring any printed materials they would like for taking the exam. Please review the resources that are available on the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website that is linked above.
• Please bring a form of identification (driver’s license, passport, or other form of valid ID)
• Shawnee County Extension Staff are unable to answer questions concerning the study material and/or correct answers on the exam. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks employees should be contacted with questions or comments concerning the study material and exam.
• If an applicant fails to pass the exam, they may retake the test 30 days after the date of the failed test

• Nutrient analysis is available through the K-State Soil Testing Lab for plants, forage, and grain. Please refer to their website for more information on the tests that are offered as well as directions for collecting samples.
• Plant Sample Information and Order Form from the K-State Soil Testing Lab website: https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/documents/PLANT%20FARMER%20INFO%20SHEET.pdf
• Abigail recommends calling the Soil Testing Lab (785-532-7897) to confirm correct sampling procedures, determine what type of bag (plastic vs. paper) the sample should be sent in, and whether the sample needs to be shipped overnight.
• Payment: If shipped through the Shawnee County Extension Office, there will be two separate costs (the cost for the test itself as well as the shipping cost).
  • Due to differences in weight between packages, the shipping cost will be invoiced once we have taken the sample to be weighed.