Prospective pesticide applicators can gain a foundation of knowledge about safe and proper handling and use of pesticides by attending the “Private Pesticide Applicator Short Course,” a Penn State Extension workshop aimed at those who would like to become certified private pesticide applicators. Private applicators include those who intend to purchase and apply restricted-use pesticides to the property they or their employer own or rent to produce an agricultural commodity, including nurseries and greenhouses.

This event, portions of which may be livestreamed, is designed to help participants prepare for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s private pesticide applicator certification exam. Instructors will review and highlight key material in the Pesticide Core and Supplemental Manual. Small group activities and breaks will take place between chapters.

The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Dec. 11 and from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Penn State Extension’s Potter County office, 216 Gunzburger Building, 1 N. Main St., Coudersport. Participants can register for the workshop through Dec. 9 for a $40 fee. More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/private-pesticide-applicator-short-course-workshop .

Organizers point out that the registration fee does not include study materials. All participants are responsible for obtaining their own private pesticide applicator core certification examination training materials for the class. Instructors recommend ordering training packets in advance on the Penn State Extension website or by calling the Penn State Publications Distribution Center toll-free at 877-345-0691.