Pesticide safety and education
University of Idaho Pesticide Safety Education Program provides resources for students studying for a statewide pesticide exam and for applicators recertifying their Idaho pesticide license. On this page you will find online modules for pre-license training, online courses that provide recertification credit, and information on WPS and upcoming trainings offered by U of I.
Study manuals
For ISDA approved study manuals and guidance, visit the ISDA Exams and Study Materials site, where you can also find a study materials guide (pdf) which outlines which materials are needed to study for which exam.
Pre-License exam preparation modules
Agriculture crop pest control (AC)
This course will prepare you for Idaho State Department of Agriculture pesticide exam Agriculture Crop Pest Control (AC) category. For professional applicators who use or oversee the use of pesticides in the production of agricultural commodities, including grasslands and non-crop agricultural lands.
You will have access to nine online instructional sessions to complete at your own pace. Each session contains an outline to use for enhancing your study and quizzes to evaluate your knowledge. Register for the Agriculture crop pest control ($75 fee for one-month access) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Chemigation (CH)
A chemigation license is required for both private applicators and professional applicators if you plan to chemigate with any type of fertilizer or pesticide. This course satisfies the Idaho State Department of Agriculture Chemigation exam.
Register for the Chemigation course (free course) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with a username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Idaho pesticide applicator pre-license core and restricted use training
This course site covers essential information on pesticides, including safe and effective use, proper disposal methods, key product characteristics, first aid procedures, understanding of labeling and relevant legal regulations.
These eight interactive modules prepare pesticide applicators for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture pesticide exams: Private Applicator (PA) Applicator Core Competency (CO), Regulatory Pest Control (RP) and Commercial Apprentice (CA) category.
Access interactive lessons while studying a variety of pesticide safety topics. Register for the Idaho pesticide applicator pre-license core training ($35 fee for one-month access) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Industrial, institutional and structural pest control — non-commodity (IP)
This course will prepare you for Idaho State Department of Agriculture pesticide exam Industrial, Institutional and Structural Pest Control — Non-Commodity (IP) category. For professional applicators responsible for using or supervising pesticide use on manufactured products or commodities in food handling establishments, packing houses, food-processing facilities, industrial establishments and similar areas.
You will have access to one online instructional session to complete at your own pace. This session contains an outline to use for enhancing your study and a quiz to evaluate your knowledge. Register for Industrial, Institutional and Structural Pest Control — non-commodity ($15 fee for one-month access) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Ornamental pest (OP)
This course will prepare you for Idaho State Department of Agriculture pesticide exam Ornamental Pest (OP) category. For professional applicators responsible for using or supervising the use of pesticides to manage pests in the maintenance and cultivation of ornamental plants and turf.
You will have access to six online instructional sessions to complete at your own pace. Each session contains an outline to use for enhancing your study and quizzes to evaluate your knowledge. Register for Ornamental Pest ($50 fee for one-month access) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Right-of-way herbicide (RW)
This course will prepare you for Idaho State Department of Agriculture pesticide exam Right-of-Way Herbicide (RW) category. For professional applicators responsible for using or overseeing pesticide applications in the maintenance of roadsides, powerlines, pipelines, railway rights-of way and related areas.
You will have access to seven online instructional sessions to complete at your own pace. Each session contains an outline to use for enhancing your study and quizzes to evaluate your knowledge. Register for Right of Way Herbicide ($25 fee for one-month access) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Worker protection standard (WPS)
These free courses have been approved by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) for one (1) ISDA pesticide credit.
Recertification courses
Herbicide resistance course
This pesticide recertification course discusses the global, national and regional situation, regarding herbicide resistance. It covers prevention strategies to try and avoid problems from herbicide resistance. The course also covers mitigation strategies to avoid resistance problems. We will conclude by providing some resources for more information on herbicide resistance. Register for the Herbicide Resistance course (free course) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Idaho chemigation
This pesticide recertification course covers Idaho's chemigation laws, rules and requirements for chemigating with any type of fertilizer or pesticide. Also, you will review sources of water back flow and back flow prevention; backflow prevention equipment and methods, chemical injectors and tanks, pesticide label requirements, and calculating field size and application rates. Register for the Idaho Chemigation course (free course) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
IPM methods for controlling landscape pests
This pesticide recertification course describes the six steps for an Integrated Pest Management program for managing landscape pests. The course covers common pests found in landscapes, nurseries or greenhouses. Several case studies with specific scenarios and pest management practices are discussed. Register for IPM methods for controlling landscape pests (free course) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Pesticide toxicity and health risks
This pesticide recertification course covers fundamental concepts of toxicology and how to choose and handle pesticides safety. The course covers both short- and long-term health risks from handling pesticides and how to protect yourself. Register for Pesticide Toxicity and Health Risks (free course) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Pocket gopher and vole control
This pesticide recertification course discusses two major rodent pests in Idaho. The course contains useful information for controlling these rodents with cultural practices and trapping. Additionally, current information on registered rodenticides is covered. Register Pocket gopher and vole control (free course) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Pollinators and pesticides
This pesticide recertification course is about the toxicity and non-target effects of pesticides to Idaho pollinators and beneficial insects. Several examples and research studies are explained. Register for Pollinators and pesticides (free course) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Residential herbicides and water quality
This pesticide recertification course is designed to help applicators understand the cause of herbicide resistance. The course reviews common residential herbicides and methods to identify the herbicide groups for resistance management. IPM measures are also discussed to help control weeds around the home landscape without complete reliance on herbicides and discusses the importance of understanding how pH, hardness and turbidity can affect herbicide mixes. Register for Residential herbicides and water quality (free course) on the Extension Foundation national course site (account required).
Extension Foundation Account “Set up your free account with the Extension Foundation”
- Go to https://campus.extension.org/login/signup.php
- Create an account with username and password.
- Verify account.
- Login with your personal credentials.
Pesticide recertification webinars
Recertification webinars offer applicators certification credit hours through the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
2025 Fall Recertification Schedule
- Tuesday Dec 2 - Pesticide Label Mastery: A Practical Guide to Proper Use and Risk Mitigation (Jason Thomas)
- Wednesday Dec 3 - Biological Control: Helping the Helpers (Desiree Wickwar)
- Wednesday Dec 10 - Topic: Roundup product changes and implications (Doug Finkelnburg)
- Thursday Dec 11 - Pesticide history, chemistry, and resistance (Marcelo Dimase)
- Wednesday Dec 17 - Common insect pests and their management in southern Idaho crops (Armano Falcon-Brindis)
- Thursday Dec 18 - War on Weeds (Justin Hatch)
Register for one-hour webinars (noon-1 p.m. Mountain time) to be held via Zoom (no camera/account required)
Cost: $10 per webinar per applicator
Completed webinars receive one pesticide credit each applicator*
*Note: Pesticide applicators must answer questions within the webinar session. This requires individual computer and internet access for each user. For group settings, you will need approval from the instructor. Contact Desiree Wickwar (cals-ipm@uidaho.edu) before the day of the webinar.
Pre-License Trainings
Pre-License trainings prepare students for regulated statewide pesticide exams. No trainings scheduled at this time.
Resources
- Join the IPM mailing list
- National Pesticide Information Center
- Pesticide Application Recordkeeping (PAR)
- CIS1211 Pesticide Record Keeping Using the OnePlan PAR
- BUL0908 - Reading and Understanding Pesticide Labels
- Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
- PNW Pest Alert Network
- Idaho Master Gardener's Pesticide Safety Education course PHP
- Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Pest Control and Pesticide Safety for Consumers
- Homestead Assessment System (PDF, 21MB)
- UI Extension pests and pesticides publications