Michigan adopts the new National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual
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EmailMichigan pesticide applicators will transition to updated training materials and certification exams designed to reflect current federal pesticide safety, stewardship and regulatory competency standards
The Michigan Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) at Michigan State University has adopted the English version of the newly released National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual Third Edition (2025), developed by the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC). The new manual became available for purchase through Michigan State University Extension’s online Pesticide Safety Study Manual Site on May 1, 2026. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will begin administering certification examinations based on the new manual effective Aug. 1, 2026.
The National Core Manual in English serves as the primary study resource for individuals seeking private or commercial pesticide applicator certification. It provides the foundational knowledge needed for the safe, legal and effective use of pesticides and serves as the basis for pesticide certification programs across the United States.
Why was the manual updated?
The third edition was developed in response to revisions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Certification of Pesticide Applicators Rule found in 40 CFR Part 171. These federal regulations establish the minimum competency standards that pesticide applicators must demonstrate before becoming certified.
For private applicators, EPA regulations outline the required competency standards in 40 CFR §171.105(a)(1), including supervision of noncertified applicators, pesticide labeling, pesticide safety, environmental protection, application equipment and calibration, pest management, pesticide characteristics, storage and disposal, and drift prevention. Learn more about the Private Applicator Competency Standards.
For commercial applicators, the required competency standards are described in 40 CFR §171.103(c) and include many of the same core topics while placing additional emphasis on professional responsibilities such as pesticide stewardship, communication of pesticide risks, and compliance with pesticide laws and regulations. Learn more about the Commercial Applicator Competency Standards.
To ensure certification programs adequately prepare applicators to meet these federal standards, PERC undertook a comprehensive revision of the National Core Manual. The result is a new study resource that aligns with EPA's required competencies while maintaining the foundational pesticide safety principles that have long been part of applicator education.
Aligning with EPA competency standards
One of the primary goals of the third edition was to ensure that study materials align with the specific knowledge areas outlined in EPA's 2017 revised certification of pesticide applicators rule. Under the revised standards, applicators are expected to demonstrate a broader understanding of pesticide safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance than previous certification programs.
Greater emphasis is placed on understanding pesticide labels, minimizing human and environmental exposure, selecting and using appropriate protective equipment, calibrating application equipment, preventing drift, managing pesticide resistance, and supervising noncertified applicators when applicable. The updated manual addresses these competencies throughout the text, helping ensure that applicators are preparing for both certification examinations and real-world pesticide use.
What's new in the third edition?
The third edition does not replace the fundamental principles of pesticide safety that applicators have studied for years. Instead, it reorganizes and expands those principles to better align with current federal certification standards and modern pesticide stewardship practices. Expanded coverage emphasizes safe and effective pesticide use, including interpreting labels, proper personal protective equipment, risk reduction, environmental and pollinator protection, compliance with Endangered Species Act requirements (Bulletins Live! Two), integrated pest management and resistance strategies, equipment operation and calibration, and safe storage, handling, transport and disposal practices.
In addition to the new responsibilities associated with supervising noncertified applicators, pesticide stewardship and professional responsibilities, understanding of how weather, site conditions, and application decisions influence pesticide performance and environmental risk.
Many of these topics were included in previous editions of the manual; however, the third edition presents them in a more comprehensive and organized manner that better reflects the competencies required under current EPA regulations.
Michigan addendums remain unchanged
While Michigan has adopted the new National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual in English, the Michigan-specific addendums used for certification preparation have not changed.
The Michigan Private Applicator Addendum and Michigan Commercial Applicator Addendum continue to serve as the official study materials covering Michigan pesticide laws, regulations and state-specific certification requirements. These publications remain an essential component of certification preparation and will continue to be used alongside the new national core manual.
Applicators preparing for certification should study both the National Core Manual and the appropriate Michigan addendum. The national manual provides the foundational knowledge required under federal certification standards, while the Michigan addendums cover state laws and regulatory requirements unique to Michigan.
At this time, only the National Core Manual in English has been revised. A Michigan Spanish-language core manual is currently under development and is expected to be completed this fall. In conjunction with its release, an updated Spanish pesticide applicator core exam will also be introduced to align with the new training materials.
Important dates for Michigan applicators
Michigan applicators should be aware of the following implementation dates:
- May 1, 2026: The National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual, Third Edition, became available for purchase through MSU Extension’s Pesticide Safety Study Manual Site.
- July 31, 2026: Final day before the transition to examinations based on the new manual.
- August 1, 2026: MDARD begins administering certification examinations based on the third edition manual.
If you plan on taking a core certification examination in English on or after Aug. 1, 2026, you should prepare using the third edition manual.
MSU PSEP, MSU Extension and MDARD work together to support applicators
Michigan State University (MSU) PSEP and MSU Extension are working closely with MDARD to support a smooth transition to the new National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual in English and the updated certification examinations. This collaboration ensures that pesticide applicators across Michigan have access to consistent, high-quality training. MSU PSEP and MSU Extension are coordinating with MDARD to align educational programming, review materials and exam preparation resources with the updated federal competency standard found in 40 CFR Part 171.
As part of this effort, the upcoming in-person core review sessions offered by MSU PSEP and MSU Extension will use updated materials to ensure the coverage of the new competency standards and to prepare pesticide applicators for the MDARD core exam. In partnership with MDARD, these core review sessions will continue to include opportunities for certification examination immediately following the training, providing applicators with a convenient and integrated pathway from preparation to testing. This coordinated approach helps ensure participants are well-prepared and confident in applying the updated knowledge required under the new certification standards.
For more information about purchasing pesticide training manuals, pesticide applicator certification process, exam options or recertification opportunities, visit the MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program website.
