Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
ATCP 20-54 - Agricultural Resource Management
Chapter ATCP 29 - Pesticide Use And Control
Subchapter VI - Individuals Handling Or Applying Pesticides
Section ATCP 29.27 - Private applicator certification

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง ATCP 29.27

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) CERTIFICATION REQUIRED. No individual may use or direct the use of a restricted-use pesticide as an agricultural producer unless one of the following applies:

(a) The individual is certified as a private applicator under this section.

(b) The individual is certified as a commercial applicator under s. ATCP 29.26 in the appropriate certification category or categories, and is not engaged in any activity for which a commercial applicator license is required under s. ATCP 29.25.

(c) The individual is licensed as a commercial applicator under s. ATCP 29.25 and certified under s. ATCP 29.26 in the appropriate certification category or categories.

(d) The individual is all of the following:
1. Certified as a pesticide mixer and loader under s. ATCP 29.28.

2. Engaged only in mixing and loading pesticides for application by others.

3. Licensed under s. ATCP 29.25 if engaged in any activity for which a license is required.

(2) SCOPE OF PRIVATE APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION. The department may certify an individual agricultural producer to use or direct the use of restricted-use pesticides as a private applicator. Private applicator certification does not authorize an agricultural producer to engage in activities for which a commercial applicator license is required under s. ATCP 29.25.

(3) LENGTH OF CERTIFICATION. A private applicator certification is valid for 5 years unless the department suspends or revokes the certification. The department may renew a private applicator certification for another 5 years if the private applicator again satisfies the requirements for certification.

(4) SPECIAL APPLICATION METHODS; SUPPLEMENTARY CERTIFICATION. No private applicator may use aircraft, chemigation or fumigation to apply restricted-use pesticides unless that private applicator is also certified under s. ATCP 29.29 to apply pesticides by that method.

Note: See certification requirements under s. ATCP 30.22(2) for applicators using metam sodium.

(5) CERTIFICATION CARD.

(a) Within 30 business days after an individual agricultural producer satisfies the requirements for certification as a private applicator, the department shall issue a private applicator certification card to that individual. The card shall include all of the following:
1. The individual's name and certification number.

2. A statement that the individual is certified as a private applicator.

3. A statement indicating that the individual is certified under s. ATCP 29.29 to apply restricted-use pesticides as a private applicator by means of aerial application, chemigation or fumigation, if that is the case.

4. The expiration date of the certification.

(b) A private applicator shall carry a current certification card when engaged in any activity for which certification is required under this section.

(c) The department may, upon request, replace a certification card that is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed. The card holder shall pay the replacement cost.

(6) CERTIFICATION STANDARDS. To be certified as a private applicator, an individual agricultural producer shall demonstrate practical knowledge and competency related to the general areas identified under s. ATCP 29.30.

(7) CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE. To be certified as a private applicator, an individual agricultural producer shall do one of the following:

(a) Attend a training program provided by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, and score at least 50 percent on an open-book examination administered by the training provider. An individual who fails the open-book examination may be retested.

(b) Complete self-study training using materials provided by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, and score at least 70 percent on an open-book examination administered by the department or its designee. An individual who fails the open-book examination may be retested.

(8) APPLYING FOR CERTIFICATION. An individual agricultural producer may contact the University of Wisconsin-Extension agent, in the county where the producer resides, to arrange for training and evaluation under sub. (7).

Note: The University of Wisconsin-Extension may charge a fee to cover the cost of training.

(9) PRIVATE APPLICATORS CERTIFIED IN OTHER STATES. An individual agricultural producer who is currently certified as a private applicator in another state is automatically deemed to be certified as a private applicator in this state. The certification card issued by the other state serves as a certification card under sub. (5), so that the producer need not obtain a certification card from the department.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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