• 95 questions

Maryland Pesticide Applicator Practice Test

Every answer shows the right choice and the Maryland statute or COMAR regulation behind it.

How far ahead of the scheduled examination date must an applicant apply to the Department?

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Exam mode: 30 questions, no time limit, 21 right to pass (70%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Bank checked October 12, 2026.

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All 95 questions

Certificates and exams 25

  • An applicator's certification was revoked. Under section 5-207.1, what must happen before it may be reinstated or renewed? Agriculture Article, § 5-207.1(b), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • An individual passes the examination but does not complete the other requirements for certification. After how long must the examination be retaken? COMAR 15.05.01.09F, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • An orchard owner uses a restricted use pesticide to grow fruit on land the owner rents. What does Maryland law call this applicator? Agriculture Article, § 5-201(o), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • At least how often must the Department give the certification examination under COMAR 15.05.01.09? COMAR 15.05.01.09B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Besides attending a Department-approved training course, how may a pest control applicator show satisfactory knowledge of pesticide use at renewal? COMAR 15.05.01.08B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • By when must a farmer hold a private applicator certificate under COMAR 15.05.01.07? COMAR 15.05.01.07A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • For how long is a private applicator certificate valid? COMAR 15.05.01.07D, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • How far ahead of the scheduled examination date must an applicant apply to the Department? COMAR 15.05.01.09A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
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Certificates and exams, continued

  • How often must a pest control applicator certificate be renewed? COMAR 15.05.01.08B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • How old must an applicant for a Maryland private applicator certificate be? COMAR 15.05.01.07C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • How old must an applicant for a pest control applicator certificate be? COMAR 15.05.01.08B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • May a certificate, license or permit issued under COMAR 15.05.01 be transferred to another person? COMAR 15.05.01.03B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Over what period is a pest control applicator certificate valid? COMAR 15.05.01.08C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • To renew, a private applicator must take a Department-approved training course within what period before the current certificate expires? COMAR 15.05.01.07E, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Under section 5-209, who may make a commercial application of a general use pesticide? Agriculture Article, § 5-209(b), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • Under the definition of "supervision", must the certified applicator be physically present when a competent person applies a pesticide under the applicator's instructions and control? COMAR 15.05.01.01B(29), Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What does the Department charge a pest control applicator for an initial certification examination? Agriculture Article, § 5-207(c), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the annual fee for a pest control applicator certificate in two categories? COMAR 15.05.01.08B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the fee for a private applicator certificate? COMAR 15.05.01.07C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the fee for each reexamination of a pest control applicator? COMAR 15.05.01.09D, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What late fee applies when a renewal application for a pest control applicator certificate reaches the Department more than 30 days after the certificate expired? COMAR 15.05.01.08D, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What share of each certification examination must an applicant answer correctly? COMAR 15.05.01.09C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which category of pest control covers the maintenance and production of ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers and turf? COMAR 15.05.01.08A(3), Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which experience can meet the requirement for a pest control applicator certificate under COMAR 15.05.01.08B? COMAR 15.05.01.08B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Who is responsible and liable for the application of general use and restricted use pesticides under section 5-209? Agriculture Article, § 5-209(e), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12

Licenses, permits and employees 15

  • A certified applicator is the designated certified individual for a licensee's place of business. For how many places of business may that person serve? COMAR 15.05.01.03E, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • A county highway department applies herbicides along its roads. What must the agency hold each year? COMAR 15.05.01.11A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • A licensed pest control business changes its name and address. What must it do? COMAR 15.05.01.03D, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • A private golf club's own employees apply pesticides to the course, which members of the public pay to play. Which license does the club need? COMAR 15.05.01.10A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • An employee has not yet completed an approved training program. On what condition may the employee apply pesticides? COMAR 15.05.01.04C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • By when must a new employee, other than a certified applicator, complete a Department-approved training program? COMAR 15.05.01.04A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • How tall must the lettering of the business name and license number on a pest control vehicle be? COMAR 15.05.01.03F, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What fee does an applicant for a pesticide business license pay each year? COMAR 15.05.01.10B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the initial fee to register a new employee of a pesticide business? COMAR 15.05.01.04A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the minimum bodily injury liability insurance a pesticide business must carry? COMAR 15.05.01.10C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the minimum property damage liability insurance for a pesticide business license? COMAR 15.05.01.10C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What must a registered employee do with the identification card the Department issues? COMAR 15.05.01.04C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What must appear on each motor vehicle that transports pesticides or devices used in pest control? COMAR 15.05.01.03F, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • When must a licensee tell the Department that a certified applicator is no longer employed? COMAR 15.05.01.03E, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Within how long after an employee who performs pest control is hired must a licensee register that employee with the Department, if not done with the license application? COMAR 15.05.01.04A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12

Use, storage and transport 15

  • A "nonbulk pesticide" is one in containers of less than what size? COMAR 15.05.01.01B(14), Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • A licensee has a pesticide spill. How must the Department first be told? COMAR 15.05.01.03C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • For what may a pesticide container be used, unless the product label states otherwise? COMAR 15.05.01.06D, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • From which of these must stored nonbulk pesticides be separated by at least a physical barrier? COMAR 15.05.01.06A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • How much absorbent material must be kept in a pesticide storage area? COMAR 15.05.01.06A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • The label on a service container of pesticide that needs no further dilution must give the pesticide's name preceded by which words? COMAR 15.05.01.06C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • May pesticides ride in the same compartment as the driver during transport? COMAR 15.05.01.06B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Under section 5-210, what does "the label" include besides material attached to the container? Agriculture Article, § 5-210, Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • Unless secondary containment approved by the Department is used, how far from a water well must nonbulk pesticides be stored? COMAR 15.05.01.06A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What document must be available at the time and place of a pesticide application? COMAR 15.05.01.03C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What may an employer not require of a pest control applicator, as a condition of employment, under section 5-210.3? Agriculture Article, § 5-210.3, Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • What must be placed on the exterior of a pesticide storage area? COMAR 15.05.01.06A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What must be used on hoses or lines that fill or rinse pest control equipment? COMAR 15.05.01.03C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which of these must be on the label of a service container that holds pesticide concentrate for temporary storage or transport? COMAR 15.05.01.06C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which pesticides may a person use or recommend under COMAR 15.05.01.02? COMAR 15.05.01.02B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12

Signs, customer notice and fumigation 15

  • A customer asks to be told before each pesticide application. What must the licensee do? COMAR 15.05.01.16D, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • A lawn care licensee is about to treat a property next door to a person on the Department's list of pesticide sensitive individuals. How may that person be notified by telephone? COMAR 15.05.01.17C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Before applying a soil fumigant within 300 feet of a residence, how far ahead must the certified applicator notify the occupant? COMAR 15.05.01.05B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • By what date each year does the Department distribute the list of pesticide sensitive individuals to ornamental or turf and public health licensees? COMAR 15.05.01.17A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • During a structural fumigation, what must the certified applicator post on the site for the entire fumigation period? COMAR 15.05.01.05D, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • How high above the soil must the bottom of the lawn application sign be? COMAR 15.05.01.15B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • How long must the lawn application sign remain in place? COMAR 15.05.01.15E, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • To whom must the certified applicator give written notice before any structural fumigation? COMAR 15.05.01.05B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What does it cost a person with a documented pesticide sensitivity to register with the Department? COMAR 15.05.01.17B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What must the back of the lawn application sign show? COMAR 15.05.01.15B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What size and colors must the lawn application sign be? COMAR 15.05.01.15B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • When must a licensee who applies a pesticide to a customer's lawn post the required sign? COMAR 15.05.01.15A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which symbol must each fumigation warning sign include? COMAR 15.05.01.05C, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which telephone number, other than the licensee's own, must be in the written information a licensee gives a customer? COMAR 15.05.01.16A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Who is responsible for removing the lawn application sign once the required time has passed? COMAR 15.05.01.15E, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12

Records and dealers 10

  • For how long must a licensee or permit holder keep records of each pesticide application, recommendation or pest identification? COMAR 15.05.01.12, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • For which application may a licensee leave the wind direction and velocity out of the record? COMAR 15.05.01.12L, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • How long must a dealer keep records of each sale or distribution of a restricted use pesticide? COMAR 15.05.01.13E, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • On which pesticide applications must a certified private applicator keep records, and for how long? COMAR 15.05.01.07F, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • To whom may a dealer sell or distribute a restricted use pesticide? COMAR 15.05.01.13D, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the fee for a dealer permit? COMAR 15.05.01.13B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • What must a person who sells or distributes restricted use pesticides hold? COMAR 15.05.01.13A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which form is used to report an inspection for wood destroying insects made in connection with a property transfer? COMAR 15.05.01.14B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which of these must a licensee's application record include under COMAR 15.05.01.12? COMAR 15.05.01.12G, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which weather information must a licensee's application record give for most outdoor applications? COMAR 15.05.01.12L, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12

Schools 6

  • A school intends to use space spraying in a school building. How far ahead must it give written notice by universal notification? Agriculture Article, § 5-208.1(j), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • After an emergency pesticide application at a school, by when must those on the pesticide notification list be told? Agriculture Article, § 5-208.1(k), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • For the school notification section, which of these is not a "pesticide"? Agriculture Article, § 5-208.1(a), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • How long before a pesticide is applied in a school building or on school grounds must the school notify each parent, guardian and staff member on its pesticide notification list? Agriculture Article, § 5-208.1(i), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • Weather delays an application on school grounds. After how many days past the planned date must the school reissue its notice? Agriculture Article, § 5-208.1(i), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • Who must a county board designate under the school integrated pest management section? Agriculture Article, § 5-208.1(e), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12

Violations and penalties 9

  • A court awards indemnification to a customer who suffered financial injury from a violation. What is the limit on the amount? Agriculture Article, § 5-211(c), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • A violation of the Pesticide Applicator's Law is a misdemeanor. What is the maximum fine and jail term on conviction? Agriculture Article, § 5-211(a), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • Under section 5-210.2, how is a violation that continues over several days counted? Agriculture Article, § 5-210.2(a), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the cap on the total civil penalties imposed on a person for violations that result from the same set of facts and circumstances? Agriculture Article, § 5-210.2(a), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the largest civil penalty for a first violation of the Pesticide Applicator's Law? Agriculture Article, § 5-210.2(a), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • What is the largest civil penalty for each subsequent violation? Agriculture Article, § 5-210.2(a), Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, read 2026-10-12
  • What must a licensee allow when the Department presents credentials at a reasonable time? COMAR 15.05.01.03G, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • When shall the Secretary suspend a license, certificate or permit immediately? COMAR 15.05.01.18B, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12
  • Which of these is a listed reason for a civil penalty or the suspension of a license under COMAR 15.05.01.18? COMAR 15.05.01.18A, Code of Maryland Regulations, read 2026-10-12

How this list was compiled: Our own questions on the Maryland Pesticide Applicator's Law, Agriculture Article, Title 5, Subtitle 2, sections 5-201 to 5-211, read on the Maryland General Assembly site (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gag&section=5-201&enactments=false), and on COMAR 15.05.01, Use and Sale of Pesticides, Certification of Pesticide Applicators and Pest Control Consultants, and Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, read regulation by regulation in the Library of Maryland Regulations (https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/15.05.01), both read 2026-10-12. Exam format facts are from the Maryland Department of Agriculture: its General Testing Information sheet (https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Documents/Testing%20Information.pdf) and its Pesticide Applicator Certification and Business Licensing Requirements, linked from https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/licensing_and_certification.aspx, read 2026-10-12; the 70 percent passing score is also COMAR 15.05.01.09C. 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 Maryland.

How it works

This unofficial Maryland pesticide applicator practice test asks 95 questions of our own on the Pesticide Applicator's Law and COMAR 15.05.01. It is not affiliated with the Maryland Department of Agriculture or University of Maryland Extension.

Read the full guide

What the Core exam asks

The department's testing sheet, read October 12, 2026, has each applicant pass the Core exam, on basic pesticide information and laws, and one or more category exams. Exams are closed book and multiple-choice.

The laws half

This is a Maryland pesticide applicator core practice test for the laws only. Basic pesticide information comes from the department's Core manual and is not asked here. Federal label and worker protection rules are on the pesticide applicator practice test.

Exam mode

Exam mode draws 30 questions, our number, and marks a pass at the regulation's 70 percent. The department's pages give no question count.

  • Two years is Maryland's record period: licensee application records, private applicator records and dealer sales records.
  • A lawn sign stays up 48 hours; a soil fumigant within 300 feet of a residence needs 24 hours' notice.

Questions and answers

Is this the real Maryland pesticide applicator test?

No. It is unofficial practice written for this site from the Pesticide Applicator's Law and COMAR 15.05.01. The real examinations are given by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and none of their questions are here.

What score do you need to pass the Maryland pesticide exam?

Seventy percent or higher on the Core exam and on each category exam, by the department's testing sheet and COMAR 15.05.01.09C. A private applicator needs the same score on one written, closed book examination.

How much does it cost to retake the Maryland pesticide exam?

Ten dollars for each exam retaken, paid at reexamination; public agency applicators are exempt. The first examination is free under section 5-207 of the Agriculture Article. The testing sheet allows as many retakes as necessary.

Who can take the Maryland pest control applicator exam?

An applicant must be 18 and have one year of experience as a registered employee in the category, a qualifying degree or an approved course, by the department's requirements sheet. The application is due at least one month before the examination.

How long is a Maryland pesticide applicator certificate good for?

A pest control applicator certificate runs July 1 to June 30 and is renewed every year by approved training or reexamination. A private applicator certificate is valid for three years. COMAR 15.05.01.07 and .08 set both.

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