• 108 questions

CA Applicators Practice Test

Unofficial practice on California pesticide laws and regulations: every answer names its Food and Agricultural Code or 3 CCR section.

How long must pesticide use records be retained under 3 CCR 6624?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 40 questions, no time limit, 28 right to pass (70%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation or PSI. Bank checked October 15, 2026.

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All 108 questions

Licenses, certificates and who needs one 18

  • A farmer who is not regularly in the pest control business sprays for neighbors near his own property. What does FAC 11709 require? FAC 11709, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • A license holder changes business address. What does 3 CCR 6508 require? 3 CCR 6508, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A pest control business changes ownership. What happens to its license under 3 CCR 6508? 3 CCR 6508, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A tree surgeon removes diseased tissue and applies disinfectant to the wounds. Is a pest control license needed for that work? FAC 11710, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • An applicator certified only in another state uses a restricted material in California. How does 3 CCR 6406 treat that person? 3 CCR 6406, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
Show all 108 questions (103 more)

Licenses, certificates and who needs one, continued

  • An employer applies for a pest control business license. What insurance detail must accompany the application under FAC 11711? FAC 11711, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Besides its state license, what must a pest control business do before operating in a California county? FAC 11732, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Under FAC 14015, who may possess or use a restricted material? FAC 14015, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • What does a Maintenance Gardener (Subcategory Q) qualified applicator certificate not allow? 3 CCR 6531, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What is the most a county may charge a year to register a pest control business licensed in the maintenance gardener category? FAC 11734, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • What must a person hold before advertising, soliciting or operating as a pest control business in California? FAC 11701, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • What must a private applicator hold to possess, use or supervise the use of a restricted material? FAC 14090, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Where is an application for a new private applicator certificate filed, and what is the application fee? 3 CCR 6580, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Which category covers pest control along roadsides, power lines, pipelines, canals and railways? 3 CCR 6530, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Which category is needed to fumigate pest burrows in fields, ditches and equipment yards? 3 CCR 6530, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Which pest control business may be supervised by someone without a qualified applicator license? FAC 12201.1, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Which work falls outside Category A, Residential, Industrial and Institutional Pest Control? 3 CCR 6530, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Whom must every principal and branch office of a licensed pest control business have in a supervisory position? FAC 11701.5, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15

Exams, renewal and continuing education 24

  • A license holder takes the same continuing education course twice in one calendar year. How is it credited? 3 CCR 6511, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A license was valid for less than 12 months at the time of its renewal. What continuing education applies? 3 CCR 6511, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A private applicator wants to use a restricted fumigant on burrowing rodents. What does 3 CCR 6580.2 require beyond the basic certificate? 3 CCR 6580.2, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A QAL holder does not complete the continuing education within the two-year license period. What does 3 CCR 6510 require? 3 CCR 6510, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A qualified applicator's name begins with a letter from A through L. When does the two-year license expire? 3 CCR 6500, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A renewal application is not postmarked by December 31 of the year the license expires. What is added? 3 CCR 6502, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • An applicant fails an examination, or does not appear for it. What does rescheduling cost? 3 CCR 6505, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • An applicant fails the private applicator examination. How long before a retake? FAC 14094, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • For how long is a California private applicator certificate issued? FAC 14095, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • How long does the application fee give an applicant to become licensed or certified? 3 CCR 6502, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • How long must a license or certificate holder keep the record of a completed continuing education course? 3 CCR 6513, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • How many examinations may an applicant request on one application? 3 CCR 6504, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • How may a certified private applicator renew the certificate for another three years? FAC 14096, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • How much approved continuing education must most QAL and QAC holders complete to renew? 3 CCR 6511, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • How much continuing education must a QAC holder with only the maintenance gardener subcategory complete? 3 CCR 6511, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • How much continuing education must a qualified applicator who holds only the seed treatment category complete? 3 CCR 6511, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • To be first licensed, an applicant for a QAL or QAC must pass the laws and regulations examination and what else? 3 CCR 6504, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What are the new application fees for a Qualified Applicator License and a Qualified Applicator Certificate? 3 CCR 6502, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What does FAC 11792 say about a licensing examination? FAC 11792, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • What is the fee for the Laws, Regulations, and Basic Principles examination? 3 CCR 6505, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What minimum age must an applicant meet before admission to a DPR licensing examination? 3 CCR 6502, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What score is required to be issued a California pesticide license or certificate? 3 CCR 6504, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What score passes the California private applicator examination? FAC 14092, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Who prepares the private applicator examination, and who gives it? FAC 14092, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15

Restricted materials and permits 16

  • A certified commercial applicator uses a material that is restricted only because it is federally restricted use. Is a permit required? 3 CCR 6414, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A dust is labeled for outdoor use. Above what package size does 3 CCR 6400(c) make it a restricted material, with listed exceptions? 3 CCR 6400, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A pesticide is labeled a "restricted use pesticide" under federal law. What is it in California? 3 CCR 6400, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A restricted material permit expires with product left over. May the person named in it keep the material? 3 CCR 6412, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • An interested person asks the commissioner to review a restricted material permit decision. How soon must the commissioner issue a written decision? FAC 14009, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Before a noncertified applicator uses a restricted material, what must the supervising certified applicator verify? 3 CCR 6406, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • For how long may a restricted material permit be issued for a perennial agricultural planting? FAC 14007, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • How far ahead must a notice of intent reach the commissioner for a permitted restricted material that is not a soil fumigant? 3 CCR 6434, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • In whose name is a permit for agricultural use of a restricted material issued? 3 CCR 6420, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Under whose permit must restricted materials generally be possessed or used? 3 CCR 6412, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What does a notice of intent do for a restricted material permit? 3 CCR 6434, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What must a buyer give the seller before a restricted material that requires a permit is sold or delivered? FAC 14010, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • When must the certified applicator supervising a noncertified applicator be physically present at the use site? 3 CCR 6406, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Which local condition must the commissioner consider before issuing a restricted material permit? FAC 14006.5, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Which of these is a ground to refuse, revoke or suspend a restricted material permit under FAC 14008? FAC 14008, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Who is responsible for compliance with the conditions of a restricted material permit? 3 CCR 6420, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15

Use standards, storage and worker safety 25

  • After applying a pesticide for production of an agricultural plant commodity, how soon must the applicator see that the operator of the property receives notice of completion? 3 CCR 6619, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • An employee applies a toxicity category one pesticide alone, in daylight, for production of an agricultural commodity. How often must contact be made with a responsible adult? 3 CCR 6730, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • An emptied 2.5-gallon container of liquid pesticide is rinsed by the user. How much rinse medium goes in for each rinse? 3 CCR 6684, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Application equipment draws water from an outside source. Which of these satisfies the backflow rule? 3 CCR 6610, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Besides water, soap and single use towels, what must be available at each handler decontamination site? 3 CCR 6734, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Employees mix a liquid pesticide whose label says "Fatal if absorbed through skin" for production of an agricultural commodity. What does 3 CCR 6746 require? 3 CCR 6746, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • For handlers in commercial production of an agricultural commodity, how much decontamination water must be on hand at the start of each handler's work day? 3 CCR 6734, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • From what distance must the markings on a for-hire pest control business's ground rig be readable? 3 CCR 6630, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • How many rinses does the rinse and drain procedure of 3 CCR 6684(b) call for? 3 CCR 6684, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • In what kind of container may a pesticide never be placed or kept? 3 CCR 6680, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Pesticide containers are not under the personal control of the person in charge of the property. How does 3 CCR 6672 say they must be kept? 3 CCR 6672, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Pesticides are applied on school grounds or in a public park where public exposure is foreseeable. What does FAC 12978 require? FAC 12978, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Storage areas must be posted when they hold containers of pesticides labeled with which signal words? 3 CCR 6674, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Substantial drift will be prevented, but there is a reasonable possibility of contaminating the clothing of people not involved in the application. What does 3 CCR 6614 require? 3 CCR 6614, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What does the transportation rule say about where pesticides ride in a vehicle? 3 CCR 6682, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What may a person not permit a minor under 18 to do under 3 CCR 6612? 3 CCR 6612, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What may an employer not let an employee under 18 do under 3 CCR 6722? 3 CCR 6722, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What must a pesticide container carry when it is stored or transported? 3 CCR 6676, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What must be available at each use site while a pesticide is being used? 3 CCR 6602, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What must the employer post at the work site whenever employees will be handling pesticides? 3 CCR 6726, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What standard does FAC 12972 set for drift? FAC 12972, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • When must pesticide handler training be completed, and how often repeated? 3 CCR 6724, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Which of these must a service container label show? 3 CCR 6678, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Who is excused from the service container labeling rule? 3 CCR 6678, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Whose consent is needed before a pesticide is directly discharged onto a property? 3 CCR 6616, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15

Records and reports 11

  • A certified commercial applicator uses a restricted material. What must be added to the pesticide use record under 3 CCR 6624.5? 3 CCR 6624.5, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A for-hire pest control business has an accidental release of pesticide. To whom must it report, and when? 3 CCR 6634, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • A licensed agricultural pest control business does no work in a county where it is registered during one month. What must it file? 3 CCR 6628, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • An agricultural pest control business applies a pesticide to a crop. By when must it report the use to the county commissioner? 3 CCR 6626, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Before buying and using pesticides for the production of an agricultural commodity, what must the operator of the property obtain? 3 CCR 6622, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Except as regulation provides, how soon after each use of a restricted material is a pesticide use report due under FAC 14011.5? FAC 14011.5, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • For each agricultural use application that requires a permit, a for-hire pest control business must have available a copy of the use permit and what else? 3 CCR 6632, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • How long must an employer keep a pesticide handler's training record? 3 CCR 6724, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • How long must pesticide use records be retained under 3 CCR 6624? 3 CCR 6624, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • The operator of a property producing an agricultural commodity applies the pesticides himself. By when must the use be reported to the county commissioner? 3 CCR 6626, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Which of these persons must maintain pesticide use records under 3 CCR 6624? 3 CCR 6624, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15

Enforcement and penalties 14

  • A claimant never files the verified report of loss. What is the effect? FAC 11765, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • A growing crop is alleged to have been damaged. By what point in the harvest must the report of loss be filed? FAC 11762, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • A person alleges loss from a pesticide application. Within how long must a verified report of loss be filed with the county commissioner? FAC 11761, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • A violation of the pesticide use report rules, with no added risk to health, property or the environment, falls in which class under 3 CCR 6130? 3 CCR 6130, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • Besides the reasons in the Food and Agricultural Code, what does 3 CCR 6509 add as a ground to refuse or revoke an applicator license or certificate? 3 CCR 6509, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • The commissioner finds spray equipment being operated by an unqualified person. What may the commissioner order under FAC 11737? FAC 11737, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • On which ground may the director refuse, revoke or suspend a qualified applicator license after a hearing? FAC 12205, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • What fine range does 3 CCR 6130 give for a Class A violation? 3 CCR 6130, California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, current through Register 2026, No. 40, read 2026-10-15
  • What is the fine on conviction for a misdemeanor violation of Division 6 under FAC 11891? FAC 11891, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • What is the most a county agricultural commissioner may levy for a violation that is not Class A under FAC 12999.5? FAC 12999.5, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • When may the director suspend a qualified applicator license before any hearing is held? FAC 12206, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • When the director prosecutes a Division 6 violation civilly, what is the liability for each violation under FAC 11893? FAC 11893, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Who enforces the recommendations and usage article of the Food and Agricultural Code? FAC 12977, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15
  • Within how long of the violation must an action under the Division 6 penalty article be commenced? FAC 11895, California Food and Agricultural Code, on California Legislative Information, read 2026-10-15

How this list was compiled: Our own questions on the California Food and Agricultural Code, Division 6 (Pest Control Operations) and Division 7, Chapters 2, 3, 3.4 and 3.6, read on California Legislative Information (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codesTOCSelected.xhtml?tocCode=FAC), and on the California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6 (Pesticides and Pest Control Operations), read on the Office of Administrative Law's site (https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/, current through Register 2026, No. 40), both read 2026-10-15. Exam facts were also read in the Department of Pesticide Regulation's Examination Information sheet (https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/exam_info.pdf), its Qualified Applicator License and Certificate packets and its Knowledge Expectations for the core exam (https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/apply-for-a-license/study-materials-for-licensing-exams/), read 2026-10-15. Each question names the section its answer was read from and links to it. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site. The statutes and regulations they describe are public law of the State of California.

How it works

This unofficial CA applicators practice test asks 108 questions of our own on California's pesticide laws and regulations: the Food and Agricultural Code and 3 CCR Division 6. It is not affiliated with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Read the full guide

Which license or certificate

DPR issues the Qualified Applicator License (QAL) and Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC). County agricultural commissioners give the private applicator certificate exam. Supervising a pest control business takes a QAL. The Structural Pest Control Board's Applicator license, for work at a structural pest control company, is a different exam and is not covered.

What the exams cover

QAL and QAC applicants pass the Laws, Regulations, and Basic Principles exam and at least one category exam. This bank is the laws and regulations. Federal label and worker protection rules are on the pesticide applicator practice test.

Mock exam length

DPR publishes no question count, so a mock exam here is 40 questions, our number.

  • Most QAL and QAC holders renew with 20 hours of continuing education, at least four on laws and regulations.
  • Use records are kept two years; a pest control business reports agricultural use within seven days.
  • A notice of intent reaches the commissioner at least 24 hours before a permitted restricted material is applied, 48 for soil fumigants.

Questions and answers

Is this the real California applicator exam practice test?

No. It is unofficial practice written for this site from the Food and Agricultural Code and the Title 3 regulations. DPR gives its exams by computer at PSI testing centers, and none of their questions are here.

What score passes the California pesticide applicator test?

70 percent or higher on each exam, under 3 CCR 6504. The private applicator exam also takes 70 percent, and FAC 14094 sets a wait of seven calendar days before a retake.

What is the California pesticide laws and regulations study guide?

DPR's Laws and Regulations Study Guide. DPR's knowledge expectations for the core exam name it, with The Safe and Effective Use of Pesticides, as the suggested study material. This page practices the laws and regulations themselves.

What does a California applicator license exam cost?

Under 3 CCR 6502 and 6505: a $180 application fee for a QAL or $90 for a QAC, plus $115 for each exam, retakes included. The private applicator certificate has no application fee.

Is there a California private applicator practice test here?

Yes, for the law. The bank asks the private applicator certificate rules, among them the three-year certificate and renewal by continuing education or by examination.

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