If you’ve been thinking about getting certification as a pesticide applicator in New Hampshire, it’s time to take action. UNH Cooperative Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) will host a series of all-day training workshops this fall for individuals seeking pesticide certification from the state of New Hampshire.
“Demand for licensed pesticide applicators is huge right now,” says PSEP program coordinator Rachel Maccini. There are more than 2,000 certified applicators in the Granite State.
Cooperative Extension’s PSEP is a federally-mandated program that provides objective information about pests and pesticides. It promotes sound decision making and safe handling practices among people who choose to use pesticides.
Fall courses include two core classes and sessions on turf, ornamental and right-of-way pesticide application. Classes are $140 per day; study materials are available at an additional cost.
Pesticide certification creates professional opportunities
The courses are an invaluable resource that opens up professional opportunities, according to past participants.
Lee Gilman went through a supervisory certificate course a few years ago. “I had some of my employees in it, and it was a new course, so I wanted to see what they were experiencing,” he says.
“By taking the course, you start with a more rounded education” in pesticide application, Gilman says. “But most critically, it allows you to get on a fast-track to certification. It opens up opportunities for people who want to do this line of work.”
Tom Estabrooks is another past participant. He works at the White Mountain Country Club in Ashland and attended the PSEP supervisory registration program in September 2016. Taking the course and getting certified opens up opportunities for pesticide applicators, whether they’re working for a larger company or in business on their own, Estabrooks says. Having the certification “makes you more versatile.”
Hearing from experienced instructors and getting hands-on experience makes the course especially valuable, he adds. “You can study books all you want to, but hearing information out loud from experts, especially the important things that are on the certification test” is important, he says. “It can be kind of a scary thing, to spray pesticides … but knowing you’re doing it right because you’re educated on it is good.”
Registration for fall training courses is open now, but classes fill up fast. Unsure if you need a license? Read our overview of licensing information, or contact us today.
