Pesticide applicator core review, MDARD testing and RUP credits offered April 16 in Frankenmuth
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EmailParticipants will review the core manual and take the core pesticide applicator test. Private and commercial core, fumigation and aerial standard tests will be available. If space is available, participants can register and receive four core RUP credits.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), in conjunction with Michigan State University Extension, will be offering in-person pesticide applicator testing and core review on April 16, 2026, at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, 3775 S Reese Rd, Frankenmuth, Michigan. Registration and payment are required. You can register online at 2026 Pesticide Applicator Core Review and MDARD Core Testing. For registration help, contact Melissa Burns at the Lenawee County MSU Extension office, 517-264-5315, or Laura Miller at the Hillsdale County MSU Extension office, 517-439-9301.
We recommend participants read and study the Core Manual before attending this review. Core Manual copies may be ordered from the Pesticide Safety Study Manual Site. County MSU Extension offices may also have copies available. Please call ahead for availability.
Test day
Registration starts at 8 a.m. on April 16 with review class beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register online prior to the event for facility setup and meal reservations. Walk-ins will be accepted until room capacity is met. If registering online, participants will be able to pay with a credit card. Walk-ins must pay with exact cash or check payable to Michigan State University.
Local MSU Extension educators Derek Plotkowski, Teresa Crook and Saltanat Mambetova will lead the mandatory 4-hour review from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The review covers all the chapters in the National Pesticide Applicators Certification Core Manual. A light lunch will be provided. MDARD will start testing at approximately 1 p.m.
Restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits
Four RUP recertification credits for the private or commercial core are available at 2026 Pesticide Applicator Core Review and MDARD Testing. When registering, indicate if you want credits or are taking the test.
Fees
The cost of attending this event for the review followed by testing is $25. Payment can be made online at registration or with exact cash or check payable to Michigan State University on the day of the event.
No on-site MDARD fees are required to take the proctored exam. MDARD staff will provide a self-addressed stamp envelope for everyone passing their exam to mail the certification fees. The private applicator certification fee is $50; the commercial applicator certification fee is $75; and the registered applicator certification fee is $45. Only checks payable to the State of Michigan are acceptable payments. Private applicator fees can be waived for Military Veterans if a copy of their DD214 is provided.
Registration for 2026 Pesticide Applicator Core Review and MDARD Core Testing
For more information or questions, contact Teresa Crook at 989-652-3552 or crookter@msu.edu or Saltanat Mambetova at 517-230-1427 or mambetov@msu.edu.
