Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Offers Drive-Up Testing Option to Help Commercial Pesticide Applicators Obtain Certifications

Individuals will take the tests in their automobiles to maintain social distancing guidelines

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 11, 2020) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is taking a creative approach to help commercial pesticide applicators obtain their certifications after COVID-19 caused the cancellation of several in-person testing sessions earlier this spring.  

Starting May 12, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will offer drive-up commercial pesticide applicator exams in Story County. Individuals will take the tests in their automobiles to maintain social distancing guidelines to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“We recognize there’s a need to help pesticide applicators complete the in-person testing requirements to ensure the continuity of their businesses,” said Secretary Naig. “We had to get creative to find a solution that also protects the health and safety of the people taking and conducting the exams.”

The Department will hold three testing sessions at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14. Each session is limited to 20 people. To register, visit https://data.iowaagriculture.gov/pest_signup/.

Additional testing dates and locations will be added. Watch for more information at iowaagriculture.gov/pesticide-bureau.