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NYS DEC Pesticide Exam Practice Test

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For how long is a commercial pesticide applicator certification valid under ECL 33-0905?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Bank checked October 12, 2026.

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All 80 questions

Certification and exams 26

  • A building superintendent applies a general use pesticide in tenants' apartments. Why is this not a "residential application" under ECL 33-0101? ECL 33-0101(41), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • A commercial applicator is certified only in ornamental and turf pest control. May the applicator make termite treatments for which certification is required? 6 NYCRR 325.7(b), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • A dairy farmer applies a pesticide to grow corn on land the farm rents. Under ECL 33-0101, what kind of application is this? ECL 33-0101(38), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • A person has passed the examinations and been certified. What else must the person hold for the certification to be valid? ECL 33-0905(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
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Certification and exams, continued

  • An applicant fails a category examination three times in succession. What must the applicant then retake? 6 NYCRR 325.11(f), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • An applicant fails the core examination twice. What does 6 NYCRR 325.11 require before re-examination? 6 NYCRR 325.11(e), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • An applicant passes both examinations but does not pay the certification fees. After how long must both examinations be retaken? 6 NYCRR 325.11(h), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • An applicant passes the core examination. Within how long must a category examination be passed before the core must be retaken? 6 NYCRR 325.11(g), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • An applicant with a prepaid fee does not attend the scheduled examination session. What happens to the fee? 6 NYCRR 325.11(k), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • For how long is a commercial pesticide applicator certification valid under ECL 33-0905? ECL 33-0905(3)(d), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • For how long is a private applicator certification valid under ECL 33-0905? ECL 33-0905(3)(e), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • How does ECL 33-0101 define "commercial application"? ECL 33-0101(11), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • How must an applicant show knowledge and experience before initial certification under ECL 33-0905? ECL 33-0905(3)(b), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • In which language besides English does ECL 33-0905 expressly authorize the commissioner to provide examinations and training materials? ECL 33-0905(3)(g), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • May a certified private pesticide applicator commercially apply pesticides? 6 NYCRR 325.7(c), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • To which of these do the registration and certification provisions of Article 33 not apply? ECL 33-0905(2), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Under ECL 33-0905, which activities require certification by the commissioner? ECL 33-0905(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Under which general standard of 6 NYCRR 325.18(a) do Article 33 and Part 325 themselves fall? 6 NYCRR 325.18(a)(9), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • What certification fee does ECL 33-0911 set for the initial certified private applicator on a farm? ECL 33-0911(2), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What examination fee does ECL 33-0911 set for each examination? ECL 33-0911(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What is required to purchase, possess or use a restricted use pesticide under ECL 33-0903? ECL 33-0903(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What is the fee for commercial pesticide applicator certification in one individual category? ECL 33-0911(2), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Where must a certified applicator keep the identification card while applying pesticides commercially? 6 NYCRR 325.7(a), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • Which of these is a ground for denying or revoking a certification under ECL 33-0909? ECL 33-0909(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Which two written examinations must an applicant pass to become certified under 6 NYCRR 325.11? 6 NYCRR 325.11(c), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • Within how long must a person bring a court proceeding to challenge the commissioner's order refusing or revoking certification? ECL 33-0909(2), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312

Technicians, apprentices and supervision 8

  • A person who is not certified applies pesticides. Under ECL 33-1301, when is that lawful? ECL 33-1301(8), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Before an apprentice may apply general use pesticides under off-site direct supervision, how much experience and instruction does 6 NYCRR 325.10 require? 6 NYCRR 325.10(a), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • During off-site direct supervision, within what time must the apprentice or technician be able to contact the supervising certified applicator? 6 NYCRR 325.7(d)(5), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • For how long must the documentation of an apprentice's observation and instruction be kept? 6 NYCRR 325.10(c), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • What must a certified applicator provide, before any pesticide application, to individuals who use pesticides under the applicator's direct supervision? 6 NYCRR 325.6(a), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • When on-site direct supervision is required, where must the certified applicator be? 6 NYCRR 325.7(d)(3), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • Which of these may an apprentice never do under 6 NYCRR 325.7? 6 NYCRR 325.7(d)(2), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • Which pesticides may a certified commercial technician use without full certification and, in most cases, without direct supervision? 6 NYCRR 325.7(d)(6), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022

Use, labels and containers 11

  • Before an application within a multiple dwelling, to whom must the certified applicator supply the label information, when no single occupant retained the applicator? ECL 33-0905(5)(b), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Before applying a pesticide within or on the premises of a one- or two-family dwelling, what must every certified applicator supply to the occupants? ECL 33-0905(5)(a), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • During pesticide use, what must the certified applicator, technician or apprentice have in their custody? 6 NYCRR 325.2(d), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • For the label notice rule of ECL 33-0905, what is a "multiple dwelling"? ECL 33-0905(5)(d), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • How may a person store or dispose of a pesticide or a container that has held one, under ECL 33-1301? ECL 33-1301(4), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • How must an empty noncombustible pesticide container be cleansed before disposal, when the product required dilution? 6 NYCRR 325.4(a), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • Under 6 NYCRR 325.2, how must pesticides be used with regard to wind and other conditions? 6 NYCRR 325.2(a), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • What does ECL 33-1301 say about a pesticide label? ECL 33-1301(2), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What must equipment that contains pesticides and draws water from any water source have? 6 NYCRR 325.2(c), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • Which use of an empty pesticide container does 6 NYCRR 325.5 forbid outright? 6 NYCRR 325.5(a), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • Who chooses whether the label information is supplied in written, digital or electronic format before an application at a dwelling? ECL 33-0905(5)(a), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312

Lawn applications and notice 12

  • An agency's own lawn applications are not "commercial lawn applications", yet the visual notification rule still applies when the application is how close to a dwelling, public building or public park? ECL 33-0101(46), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Before a commercial lawn application, the applicator must supply the owner with a list of the substances to be applied. What must the list include? ECL 33-1001(2), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • The date in a lawn care contract becomes infeasible. What must happen before the application is made on another date? ECL 33-1001(3), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • For how long after a lawn care contract expires must the applicator or business keep a complete copy of it? 6 NYCRR 325.40(e), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • For how long must the lawn application markers tell people not to enter the property and not to remove the signs? ECL 33-1003(2), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • How high above the ground must lawn application markers be posted? ECL 33-1003(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • How tall must the lettering of the instruction on a lawn application marker be? ECL 33-1003(2), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • In a county that has adopted the local law allowed by ECL 33-1004, how long before a commercial lawn application must written notice go to dwellings on abutting property within 150 feet? ECL 33-1004(1)(b), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What is the minimum size of a visual notification marker for a commercial lawn application? ECL 33-1003(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What must an applicator enter into with the property owner or agent before any commercial lawn application? ECL 33-1001(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Which of these applications does ECL 33-0101 exclude from "commercial lawn application"? ECL 33-0101(46), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Which of these must the written contract for a commercial lawn application specify? ECL 33-1001(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312

Records, reports and registration 11

  • Besides the reported items, which corresponding records must commercial applicators keep for each application? ECL 33-1205(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • By what date must a commercial applicator file the report of the prior calendar year's pesticide use with the department? ECL 33-1205(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • For how long is a pesticide business or agency registration valid under ECL 33-0907? ECL 33-0907(4), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • For how long must commercial applicators maintain pesticide use records under ECL 33-1205? ECL 33-1205(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • How does ECL 33-0101 define a "pesticide business"? ECL 33-0101(36), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What does ECL 33-1301 require of a business that applies pesticides? ECL 33-1301(8-a), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What must a person who sells restricted use pesticides to a private applicator issue to that applicator? ECL 33-1205(2)(a), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What must a private applicator keep records of, at a minimum, under ECL 33-1205? ECL 33-1205(2)(b), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What registration fee do pesticide businesses pay under ECL 33-0911? ECL 33-0911(3), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Which of these is exempt from any fee for registration under ECL 33-0911? ECL 33-0911(3), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Which of these must a commercial applicator's pesticide use record contain for each application under ECL 33-1205? ECL 33-1205(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312

Unlawful acts and penalties 12

  • A person with a culpable mental state violates Article 33 in a matter that does not relate to a general use pesticide. What is the offense, and the longest jail term? ECL 71-2907(3), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • A pesticide contains a substance in quantities highly toxic to man. Besides the skull and crossbones and the word "poison", what must its label bear under ECL 33-1301? ECL 33-1301(1)(c), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • In cities with a population of one million or more, ECL 33-1301 makes it unlawful to use any pesticide containing which active ingredient? ECL 33-1301(11), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • On such a highly toxic pesticide's label, in what color must the word "poison" appear? ECL 33-1301(1)(c), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • To whom may a commercial permit holder sell restricted use pesticides? ECL 33-1301(6), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • Under 6 NYCRR 325.13, how much advance notice of a hearing must be given before a proposed denial, suspension or revocation of a certification? 6 NYCRR 325.13(b), New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation, which gives the text as current through February 15, 2022
  • Under ECL 33-1301, which pesticide is it unlawful to sell or use within the state? ECL 33-1301(1)(a), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What is the largest civil penalty for a first violation of Article 33 under ECL 71-2907? ECL 71-2907(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What is the largest civil penalty for a subsequent offense under ECL 71-2907? ECL 71-2907(1), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What is the maximum fine on a first conviction for an offense relating to the use of a general use pesticide? ECL 71-2907(3), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • What must a person hold to distribute or sell a restricted use pesticide, or possess one for re-sale? ECL 33-1301(5), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312
  • When the use of a pesticide is prohibited, how are several days of use counted under ECL 71-2907? ECL 71-2907(4), New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 in the Laws of New York, current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312

How this list was compiled: Our own questions on Article 33 (Pesticides) and section 71-2907 of the New York Environmental Conservation Law, read 2026-10-12 on the Legislature's Laws of New York site (http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/lawssrch.cgi?NVLWO:, which said the database was current through 2026 chapters 1 to 312; that site has no address for a single section, so each question links to the same section on https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ENV/A33), and on 6 NYCRR Part 325, Application of Pesticides, read 2026-10-12 in the State's online compilation of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (https://govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/, Title 6, Chapter IV, Subchapter A), a public copy that marks its text current through February 15, 2022; the copy at https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-york/title-6/chapter-IV/subchapter-A/part-325 read the same on that day. Outline followed: 6 NYCRR 325.11, which requires a core examination and a category examination, and 325.18(a), which lists the general standards for all categories; this bank is standard (9), State laws and regulations. Exam format facts are from the Department of Environmental Conservation's Pesticide Certification Exam Registration form (https://nform-prod.dec.ny.gov/?FormTag=Pest_Exam_Reg), read 2026-10-12: a $100 fee, the core and category examinations taken in a single testing session, and Article 33 and Part 325 provided within the examination as PDFs. 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 New York.

How it works

This unofficial NYS DEC pesticide exam practice test asks 80 questions of our own on Article 33 of the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 325. It is not affiliated with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Read the full guide

Core and category

6 NYCRR 325.11 requires two written examinations: a core examination and one for the category or subcategory sought. DEC's exam registration form, read October 12, 2026, has both taken in a single testing session. Section 325.18 lists nine general standards for all categories; this page practices only the ninth, laws and regulations.

Which test this fits

Commercial applicators, commercial technicians and private applicators each pass the core examination, so the law questions here fit any pesticide applicator test NY gives. Federal label and worker protection rules are on the pesticide applicator practice test.

Exam mode

Exam mode draws 30 questions, our number, and gives a score with no verdict: neither the statute nor the regulation states a question count, a time limit or a pass mark.

  • Three years is the keeping period for pesticide use records, apprentice training documentation and lawn contracts after they expire.
  • Lawn markers: at least four by five inches, twelve inches off the ground, for twenty-four hours.

Questions and answers

Is this the real NYS DEC pesticide exam?

No. It is unofficial practice written for this site from the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 325. The real examinations are given by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and none of their questions are here.

How much does the NYS pesticide exam cost?

Section 33-0911 of the Environmental Conservation Law sets $100 for each examination; DEC's registration form gives the fee as $100, except when adding or recertifying multiple categories. Commercial certification in one category then costs $450, each further category or subcategory $150.

What happens if you fail the NYS pesticide core exam?

You may retake it. After two failures of the core examination, 6 NYCRR 325.11 requires approved instruction of at least eight credit hours before another try. Three failures in a row of a category examination mean retaking both.

How long is a NYS pesticide applicator certification good for?

Three years for commercial applicators and five years for private applicators, under section 33-0905 of the Environmental Conservation Law. Identification cards run for the same periods, and recertification is by training, workbook or examination.

Is the NYS pesticide exam open book?

For online remote and test center exams, DEC's exam registration form, read October 12, 2026, says no physical books, paper or calculators can be used; the Category Manual, Article 33, Part 325 and other reference materials are provided within the exam as PDFs.

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