Pesticide applicator core review, MDARD testing and RUP credits offered in Sterling on December 5
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EmailParticipants will review the core manual and take the core pesticide applicator test on Dec. 5 in Sterling, Michigan. Private and commercial core, fumigation and aerial standard tests will be available. Participants can receive four core RUP credits.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), in conjunction with Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension), will be offering an in-person pesticide applicator testing and core review on Dec. 5, 2025, at the Deep River Township Hall, 525 E State Street, Sterling, MI 48659. Registration and payment are required. You can register online at 2026 Pesticide Applicator Core Review and MDARD Core Testing or for registration help, contact Melissa Burns at the Lenawee County MSU Extension office at 517-264-5315 or Laura Miller at the Hillsdale County MSU Extension office at 517-439-9301.
We recommend participants read and study the core manual before attending this review. Core manual copies may be ordered from the Pesticide Safety Study Manual website. County MSU Extension offices may also have copies available. Please call ahead for availability.
Test day
Registration starts at 8 a.m. on Dec. 5 with review class beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register online prior to the event for facility setup and meal reservations. Walk-ins will be acceptable until room capacity is met. If registering online, you will be able to pay with a credit card. Walk-ins must pay with exact cash or check payable to Michigan State University.
Local MSU Extension educators Teresa Crook and Saltanat Mambetova will lead the mandatory 4-hour review from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The review covers all the chapters in the National Pesticide Applicators Certification Core Manual. A light lunch will be provided. MDARD will start testing at approximately 1 p.m.
MDARD tests will only be offered for Private Core, Commercial Core, Fumigation Standard and Aerial Standard. Specific category commercial exams must be taken at a Metro Institute site.
Restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits
Four RUP recertification credits for private or commercial core are available at all 2026 Pesticide Applicator Core Review and MDARD Testings. When registering, you need to indicate if you want credits.
Fees
The cost of the review is $25. Payment can be made online at registration or with exact cash or check payable to Michigan State University on the day of the event.
No on-site MDARD fees are required to take the proctored exam. MDARD staff will provide a self-addressed stamp envelope for everyone passing their exam to mail the certification fees. The private applicator certification fee is $50, the commercial applicator certification fee is $75 and the registered applicator certification fee is $45. Only checks payable to the State of Michigan are acceptable payments. Private applicator fees can be waived for Military Veterans if a copy of their DD214 is provided.
Register for the Sterling Pesticide Applicator Core Review and MDARD Core Testing
We are grateful to the Arenac Conservation District for providing the facility and helping coordinate local logistics.
For more information or questions, contact Teresa Crook at 989-652-3552 or crookter@msu.edu, or Saltanat Mambetova at 517-230-1427 or mambetov@msu.edu.
