Canadian Pesticides Applicators' Core Training

 

 

Today, new laws and bylaws regulate the use of pesticides, and we are more aware of the environmental impact and risks involved with using commercially available products. Fundamental knowledge for the effective and safe use of pesticides is now available online.

Planning to take a Canadian Pesticide Applicator Certification exam? This course, along with the special category material, will prepare you for the core portion of various certification exams.

This course teaches the core knowledge required for certification as a pesticide applicator in Canada. It is also a valuable resource for anybody applying pesticides. The course introduces the practices of Integrated Pest Management and the foundational knowledge to prevent and control pests while having the least impact on the environment.

This online course has been developed by Open School BC and is based on the 2011 edition of the Canadian Pesticide Education Program’s Applicator Core Manual (the Applicator Core Manual required to take the certification exam is purchased separately).

The course allows 8 weeks to complete the approximately 10 hours of online material. Please note that additional Applicator Core Manual readings are required in addition to the online activities.

 

Upon successful completion learners will:

• Understand the core knowledge requirements for pesticide application.
• Know the required elements for a complete integrated pest management plan.
• Be able to refer to the legislation and regulations for pesticide use and handling.
• Understand the elements of application equipment and technology.
• Be able to calculate the amount of pesticide needed for an application.
• Understand how to apply pesticides safely.
• Be able to protect human health and the environment when using pesticides.
• Plan emergency response, and be able to respond to the most common pesticide emergencies.

Interactive multi-media clips and videos deliver much of the content.
Multimedia features include:

• Video interview with pest management expert.
• A seven-part video detailing a pesticide application from start to finish.
• Drag & drop tutorial activities.
• Tour of PMRA’s label search tool.
• Legislative lineup: interactive activity to learn about the relevant legislation.
• Tour the routes of exposure on the human body.
• Interactive illustration ‘Pesticides Through the Environment.’
• Decision making activity for choosing the best Protective Clothing and Equipment for Pesticide use.
• Practice test modelled on the provincial pesticide applicator certification examination.

Applicators may use pesticides only in the category for which they are certified. Applicators in all categories will require core training. But candidates wishing to prepare for provincial pesticide applicator certification exams will also require additional pesticide certification study materials to be used at home or in classroom training.

It is important to note that while learners will receive a printable statement of completion for Applicators’ Core Training, completion of this course does not certify pesticides applicators. This course prepares candidates on a significant number of outcomes that will be tested on the provincial certification exam. Candidates also need to study training material specific to they type of work the will be doing.

 

Click here for a complete course outline.

 

Job aids and other resources included:

• BC Pesticide Certification information links
• Comprehensive web directory of pesticide information
• Math for applicators with practice activities: a review of ratio and rates, the background necessary to making the calculations for correct pesticide applications
• Links to the BC provincial record keeping form and usage tips
• Safe Storage Checklist
• Poisoning Response Checklist
• Pesticide emergency phone list
• Posters for safe transportation and symptoms of poisoning
• Critical parts inspection form for maintaining equipment