Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, what must commercial pesticide applicators using restricted-use pesticides do?

• A. Be certified
• B. Obtain a permit from the EPA
• C. Register each pesticide every season
• D. Complete a quarterly report

Answer: (A)

Restricted-use pesticides require trained professionals to handle them. Commercial applicators must be certified in the appropriate category to legally use these products, showing they’ve met the state’s training and testing requirements and understand label directions, safety, and environmental protection. Certification is typically issued by the state agency (such as MDARD) and kept current through renewal or continuing education. A permit from the EPA isn’t the way individuals become eligible to apply RUPs, because the EPA handles product registrations, not personal certification. Registration of pesticides is about registering the product itself with the EPA, not a seasonal action by the applicator. Quarterly reports aren’t a standard requirement tied to using restricted-use pesticides under FIFRA.