What must a commercial applicator do every 5 years?

A commercial applicator must complete a set number of training hours every five years to maintain their certification. This requirement ensures that applicators remain informed about the latest techniques, regulations, and safety practices associated with pesticide application. Continuing education is crucial in this field as it helps professionals keep up with new products, changes in laws, and evolving best practices, which ultimately contribute to safer and more effective pest management.

While renewing a license without additional training might seem convenient, the emphasis on ongoing education is critical in a field that may see rapid changes. Passing an advanced certification exam is not a standard requirement for all commercial applicators, and attending a yearly refresher course could be beneficial but does not satisfy the specific five-year training mandate, which is focused on a cumulative training hour requirement.