New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Pesticide Practice Exam

A "certified applicator" is defined as an individual who has completed a certain level of training and certification specific to pesticide use. This designation ensures that the applicator has been educated on the proper methods, safety protocols, and regulations surrounding pesticide application. Certification typically involves passing an examination that covers topics such as pesticide safety, environmental impact, and integrated pest management strategies. By requiring certified applicators to undergo formal training, regulatory bodies aim to reduce risks to human health and the environment associated with pesticide misuse.

In contrast, purchasing pesticides for personal use does not necessarily require any kind of formal training or certification, which leaves the user without the knowledge needed to apply them safely and effectively. Government employees involved in pesticide handling may or may not require certification, as this is not a defining characteristic of certified applicators. Additionally, while farmers do apply pesticides, they may not always be "certified" unless they have gone through the proper training and testing required for certification in their state. Thus, it is the completion of training and the achievement of certification that distinctly define a certified applicator.