Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which type of pesticide users must have specific certification or supervision under FIFRA?

1. General-use pesticide users

2. Private certified applicators

3. Restricted-use pesticide users

4. Agricultural pesticide manufacturers

The correct answer is: Restricted-use pesticide users

The classification of pesticides under FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) establishes specific usage regulations for different categories of pesticide users. Restricted-use pesticides are those that pose a higher risk to human health or the environment compared to general-use pesticides. Because of these potential hazards, the law requires that users of restricted-use pesticides obtain specific certification or operate under the supervision of a certified applicator. This certification involves a thorough understanding of the safe handling, application techniques, and mitigation strategies for any potential risks associated with these potent chemicals. General-use pesticide users do not face the same stringent requirements, as these products are deemed safe enough to be sold to the general public without specialized training. Private certified applicators, while they do require certification for certain types of pesticide applications, are primarily focused on use in their own farming operations. Agricultural pesticide manufacturers are involved in the production and formulation of pesticides rather than their application, so they are not subject to the same certification requirements for use. Therefore, restricted-use pesticide users are the only group mandated by FIFRA to have specific training and certification to ensure safety and compliance with environmental standards.