Pesticide Education

2012 Pesticide Certification Training

Please click here for information for our 2012 Pesticide Certification Training and schedule for trainings in other counties.

NYSDEC Region 3 requires a Core training session for potential NYSDEC Certified Pesticide Applicators.  This training is offered annually in the fall and spring. In addition a 30 hour eligibility training program is conducted each spring and fall through an affiliation with Dutchess Community College. Recertification credits are available at almost all commercial horticulture workshops and conferences.

The Cornell University Pesticide Management Education Program’s website contains information on applicator eligibility, categories of certification, pesticide sales/use reporting, Pesticide Information Management System (PIMS, which is a list of all pesticides currently registered in NYS). 

Core and Category manuals to prepare for the core and category exams can be ordered here.

NYSDEC Certified Pesticide Applicators must obtain recertification credits to keep their certified applicator license current: 

• Pesticide Training Course Database
• PMEP Distance Learning Center- online courses for recertification credits.

Cornell Pest Management Guides (Trees and Shrubs, Greenhouse, Turf, etc.) can be purchased here.

 Pesticide Emergency Numbers:

• Emergency responder information on pesticide spills and accidents CHEMTREC: 800-424-9300
• For pesticide information: National Pesticide Information Center: 800-858-7378
• To Report Oil and Hazardous Material Spills in New York State: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Response: 800-457-7362 (in NYS); 518-457-7362 (outside NYS)
• Poison Control Centers: Poison Control Centers nationwide: 800-222-1222
• If you are unable to reach a Poison Control Center or obtain the information your doctor needs, the office of the NYS Pesticide Coordinator at Cornell University, 607-255-1866, may be able to assist you in obtaining such information.