UGA Extension Office

Pesticide Management

Pollinator Protection

Pollinator Protection Resources

Private Pesticide Applicators

Private Pesticide Instructions

Commercial Pesticide Applicators

Commercial Pesticide Instructions

Integrated Pest Management Program Newsletter

FAQs

Q: What does the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) at the University of Georgia do?

A: The PSEP develops and delivers educational resources, manuals, training programs, and other valuable information to teach Commercial and Private Certified Applicators throughout Georgia how to safely transport, store, use, and dispose of pesticide products. In addition we conduct training programs on pesticide safety for parks and recreation public employees, educational institution road and grounds crew members, city and county public works and mosquito control public employees, Master Gardener Extension Volunteers, and garden clubs. While this training does not lead to a state pesticide applicator license, it does increase these individual's competence and self-confidence in safely and effectively applying general use and unclassified pesticides without harming themselves, their fellow Georgians, and our environment.


Q: I work in a Parks and Recreation Department and we only apply general-use pesticides on city property. However, I want to learn more about properly and safely using pesticides. Is there a training program available that will teach me about pesticides and will I get a Certificate that I can use in my work?

A: Yes, there is a training program that you can take. It's called the Georgia Competent Applicators of Pesticides Program (GCAPP). Upon successful completion of the training, you receive a certificate from the University of Georgia and Georgia Department of Agriculture that is valid for five-years. Ask your County Extension Agent about how to purchase access to and complete the program. The GCAPP training program is now available on-line. Homeowners, public service employees, master gardeners, other volunteers, and all Georgians may purchase access to the training at the Georgia Professional Certifications Course Access storefront on the UGA Market Place. You will be enrolled in the course and sent an email message with a username and password to begin the training at the Georgia Professional Certifications website. It requires a total time commitment of 4.5-5.5 hours by participants, but this can be accomplished in multiple sessions.


Q: When and where does PSEP conduct most of their training programs?

A: Most face-to-face pesticide safety training is conducted during late fall, winter, and spring, when a majority of both commercial and private applicators have down-time. County Extension agents, industry groups, trade and business associations, and some others organize trainings across the State. You can find many of these events on our calendar or go to the Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification Courses search site to find upcoming courses that have been approved for re-certification credits.


Q: Are there online courses I can take for recertification credit?

A: Yes, the Georgia Department of Agriculture Plant Industry Division's Pesticides web page for Pesticide Applicator Licensing and Certification has links to approved online classes.


Q: I'm a homeowner and want to learn more about applying pesticides correctly but neither qualify for nor need or want a pesticide license. Is there a program for me?

A: Yes, the Georgia Competent Applicators of Pesticides Program (GCAPP) is designed to train Master Gardeners and homeowners on the safe and effective use of pesticides. Instructions are given in the question from a parks and recreation department above that describes how to access the online training program. If you would prefer a face-to-face training session, contact your county Extension Office about organizing a group training or Dr. Mickey Taylor (mickeyt@uga.edu) for information about other group training opportunities.


For Pesticide Management questions, please call ANR Agent Stephanie Butcher at 770-254-2620.