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West Virginia Pesticide Study Guide

Unofficial practice on West Virginia's pesticide law: every answer names its section of the Act or the rules.

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Licenses and applicator types 19

  • A farmer uses a restricted use pesticide on corn grown on land she rents. Which applicator is she under 19-16A-3? Answer: A private applicator. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-3(39), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • A landlord does general pest control on his own rental property with ready-to-use baits. Up to how many rental units keeps him within the exemption in 61-12B-4.3.b? Answer: Four. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-4.3.b.A, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • A lawn care company sprays customers' yards for a fee. Which business license category in 61 CSR 12B fits it? Answer: Licensed Pesticide Application Business. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-4.2.a, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • A pest control company opens a branch office in a second town. What does rule 61-12B-4.1.d require? Answer: The branch office needs its own license. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-4.1.d, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
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Licenses and applicator types, continued

  • Before a Pesticide Consultant license is issued, what must the consultant meet? Answer: The requirements of a commercial applicator in the category of the recommendations. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-6.2, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How does rule 61-12B-4.3.a describe a Regulated Pesticide Application Business? Answer: A business commercially applying pesticides not for hire. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-4.3.a, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How does the Act treat state agencies and municipal corporations that apply pesticides? Answer: They are subject to the Act and its rules but exempt from its fees. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-11, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • How far ahead of expiration must a pesticide business apply to renew its license? Answer: At least 30 days. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-3.4, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How old must a person be to be certified as a commercial or private applicator in West Virginia? Answer: At least 18 years old. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.5, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • In which category must the commercial applicators employed by a Restricted Use Pesticide Dealer be certified? Answer: Pesticide Storage and Distribution. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-5.1.b, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What does the Act say about county and city pesticide ordinances? Answer: Nothing in the Act permits them. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-2, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • What must a person hold before applying pesticides for hire in West Virginia? Answer: A pesticide application business license. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-7(a), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • When do West Virginia pesticide business licenses expire? Answer: At midnight on December 31. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-3.4, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Which condition is part of the farmer exemption from the business license in 19-16A-14(b)? Answer: He uses his equipment only near his own property, to accommodate neighbors. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-14(b), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Which seller is exempt from the dealer licensing rule under 61-12B-5.2? Answer: A grocery store selling limited quantities of household disinfectants and aerosols. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-5.2.a, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Which two business categories apply to the commissioner with no license fee? Answer: Regulated Pesticide Application Businesses and Regulated Pesticide Dealers. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-3.2, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Which two categories does rule 61-12A-5 set for private applicators? Answer: Agricultural Pest Control and General Fumigation. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-5, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Who is a "certified public applicator" under the Pesticide Control Act? Answer: A licensed applicator employed by a state agency, municipal corporation or other governmental agency. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-3(7), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Who must be licensed as a Pesticide Consultant? Answer: A person commercially recommending the use of pesticides to others. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-6.1, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15

Exams and recertification 22

  • A commercial applicator certified in another state wants to work in West Virginia. On what condition may the commissioner license him without a written examination? Answer: The other state similarly certifies holders of West Virginia certificates. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-10.1, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • A license is not renewed by April 1. What does 19-16A-13 require of the holder? Answer: Taking another examination. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-13, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • An applicant fails a category exam on the first attempt. When may the applicant be reexamined in that category? Answer: After 28 days from the first examination. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.3.e, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • At what interval must a certified applicator show attendance at approved workshops or training? Answer: At no greater than a three-year interval. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-7.1, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Before a pesticide application business license is issued, who must pass an examination on pesticide laws, safe use and storage? Answer: The owner, manager, partner or corporate officer. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-7(c), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • By the Department's exam information sheet, how long do passing exam results stay valid for applying for certification? Answer: 12 months. Source: WVDA Exam Information, revised 06/2026, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Exam Information: Pesticide Applicator Examination, revised 06/2026, read 2026-10-15
  • By the Department's exam information sheet, which examination is open book? Answer: The business examination (LPAB). Source: WVDA Exam Information, revised 06/2026, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Exam Information: Pesticide Applicator Examination, revised 06/2026, read 2026-10-15
  • Federal employees are brought into West Virginia in an emergency to control pests. Within how many days must they present qualifying credentials to the commissioner? Answer: 10 days of entering the state. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-11.3, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How long must an applicant wait for reexamination after failing a second or later attempt? Answer: 56 days from the last examination. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.3.e, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How many CCUs must a commercial or certified public applicator accrue for recertification in each category? Answer: At least 20. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-7.2, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How many CCUs must a private applicator accrue for recertification? Answer: At least 10. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-7.3, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How much training earns one continuing certification unit (CCU)? Answer: A 30-minute period, or the greater portion of one. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-7.1, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How stringent may West Virginia's written examinations for applicators be? Answer: No more stringent than the EPA's requirements for such examinations. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-12(f), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • What must a registered technician accrue each year before renewal? Answer: At least 4 CCUs (2 hours). Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-7.4, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What must every candidate for initial certification present at the examination? Answer: A valid government-issued photo identification. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.4.b, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What penalty applies to a person who renews after January 15 but by February 1? Answer: Twenty-five percent of the established fee. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-13, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • What proof must each applicant for examination show under rule 61-12A-3.3.b? Answer: One year of experience, education or training. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.3.b, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What share of the examination questions must an applicant answer correctly to be considered competent? Answer: 70% or more. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.3.d, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Which person is excepted from the certification requirements of rule 61-12A-3.1 to 3.4? Answer: A veterinarian applying a restricted use pesticide to a patient in ordinary practice. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.6.b, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Which reference materials may be used during an examination? Answer: Those approved by the commissioner, provided and collected by the proctor. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.4.h, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Who may proctor a certification examination? Answer: An individual not seeking certification, designated by the commissioner. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.4.a, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Whose employees are exempt from the pre-exam experience, education or training requirement? Answer: Regulated pesticide application businesses. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.3.c, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15

Technicians and supervision 15

  • A 16-year-old may use a restricted use pesticide as a non-certified applicator only under whose direct supervision? Answer: A private applicator who is an immediate family member. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.5.a, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • A product label says the certified applicator must be on site. Which controls the minimum supervision? Answer: The product label. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-8.2, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • An employee has not yet completed approved training. When may that employee apply pesticides? Answer: Only if a certified applicator is physically present at the time and place. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-16, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Before a non-certified applicator uses a restricted use pesticide, what instructions must the certified applicator give? Answer: Instructions specific to the site and the pesticide used. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-8.3.c, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How often must the certified applicator ensure that mixing, loading and application equipment is in proper operating condition? Answer: Before each day of use. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-8.3.d, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Under the Act's definition of "direct supervision", must the certified applicator be physically present? Answer: No, if available when needed, unless the labeling says otherwise. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-3(13), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • What limits a registered technician under the Act's definition? Answer: General use pesticides, unless directly supervised by a certified commercial applicator. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-3(40), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • What may the commissioner not approve as a registered technician training program? Answer: One with no method of verifying attendance or participation. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-6.4.b, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What training must a non-certified applicator working under a private applicator complete? Answer: Annual training as a handler under the Worker Protection Standard. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-8.1.a, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Which restricted use pesticide may a 16-year-old non-certified applicator not use, even under a family member's supervision? Answer: A fumigant. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-3.5.a, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • While a non-certified applicator uses a restricted use product, what must the certified applicator ensure about contact? Answer: The non-certified applicator has a means to contact the certified applicator immediately. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-8.1.b, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Who is responsible for seeing that each non-certified employee completes an approved, verifiable training program? Answer: Each pesticide business. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-6.4.a, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Who may apply pesticides for a pesticide business, whether or not the product is restricted use? Answer: A certified applicator in the right category, or a registered technician under direct supervision. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-7(e), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Within how many days after employment must a licensee register an employee who performs pest control? Answer: Thirty days. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-16, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Within what period must a non-certified applicator have been trained to qualify under rule 61-12A-6.5.a? Answer: The last 12 months. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-6.5.a, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15

Records, insurance and equipment 16

  • A business's financial security is dated to expire in August. When does its pesticide application business license expire? Answer: On the expiration date of the financial security. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-7(d), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • A dealer sells a restricted use pesticide to a non-certified customer for application by others. What must the sale record include? Answer: A verification of intent to apply by a certified applicator. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-7.3.b.E, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • A general pest control business uses less than 1 gallon of use dilution spray at each stop. How may it record quantity? Answer: As the total quantity of the product used per day by each applicator. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-7.2.a.B, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • A licensed pesticide business fails to submit records the commissioner requested. What does 19-16A-9 make of that? Answer: Grounds for revocation of the license. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-9, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • For how long must a commercial or certified public applicator keep records of pesticide applications? Answer: A minimum of two years. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-9.1.a, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • For how long must a pesticide business keep the records required by rule 61-12B-7? Answer: At least 2 years. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-7.1.c, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • How many days before a surety bond or liability policy is reduced or cancelled must the commissioner be notified? Answer: Forty-five days. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-8(b), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • On what basis must licensed pesticide dealers keep records of the volume of sales of all pesticide products? Answer: A calendar year basis. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-7.3.a, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What does rule 61-12A-12.1 require of pesticide mixing, storage or holding tanks? Answer: They shall be leakproof, whether on application equipment or not. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-12.1, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What does rule 61-12A-12.2 require at every mixing or loading site for spray equipment? Answer: A mechanism to prevent back siphoning of pesticides into water sources. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-12.2, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What is the minimum financial security for a Licensed Pesticide Application Business? Answer: $300,000 for bodily injury or death and $100,000 for property damage. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-8.2, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What may serve as the application records of a certified employee of a pesticide business? Answer: The records kept by the business. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-9.2, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What must a Pesticide Consultant keep a record of? Answer: Each pesticide recommendation made. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-7.4.a, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • What records must a private applicator keep, and for how long? Answer: Records of the use of restricted use pesticides, for two years. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-9.3, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • When may invoices or bills of lading satisfy the dealer record keeping requirements? Answer: When kept separate from other sale records, readily available and complete. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12B-7.3.c, Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15
  • Which item must a commercial applicator's application record include under rule 61-12A-9.1.a? Answer: The pest against which the pesticide was used. Source: W. Va. Code R. 61-12A-9.1.a, Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A, the Secretary of State's final file effective April 15, 2024, read 2026-10-15

Violations and penalties 17

  • A certified applicator lets another person use his certification. What does the Act call this? Answer: A violation, listed with aiding or abetting a violation. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-21(2)(O), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • A claimant refuses to let the commissioner and the licensee observe the damaged land. What follows under 19-16A-19(d)? Answer: The claim against the licensee is automatically barred. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-19(d), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • A growing crop is alleged to have been damaged. By when must the damage report be filed? Answer: Before twenty-five percent of the crop has been harvested. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-19(a), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • A licensee's advertisement implies that a state agency recommends the firm. How does the Act treat that? Answer: As a violation under 19-16A-21(2)(Q). Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-21(2)(Q), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • A lot of pesticide is under a stop-sale, use or removal order. When may it be released? Answer: When the law is complied with and the commissioner releases it in writing. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-26, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • A pesticide use conformed to the commissioner's rules but damaged a neighbor's land. What does 19-16A-8(c) say about liability? Answer: Conforming to the rules does not relieve the person from liability. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-8(c), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Besides a fine of $500 to $1,000, what may a second offense under 19-16A-22(a) bring? Answer: Up to six months in the county jail. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-22(a), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • The commissioner is denied access to land he seeks to inspect. What may he do under 19-16A-25(b)? Answer: Apply to a court for a search warrant. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-25(b), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • How may the commissioner deal with a minor violation when the public interest is adequately served? Answer: By a suitable written notice or warning. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-27, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • What is the fine for a first offense under the criminal penalties of the Act? Answer: Not less than $100 nor more than $500. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-22(a), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • What is the most the commissioner may assess as a civil penalty for a serious, repeat or intentional violation? Answer: $1,000. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-22(b), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • What must the label of a pesticide highly toxic to humans bear under 19-16A-21(1)(C), besides a skull and crossbones and a statement of an antidote? Answer: The word "poison" prominently in red on a contrasting background. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-21(1)(C), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Which act does 19-16A-21(2) declare a violation by a licensee? Answer: Making a restricted use pesticide available to a person not certified. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-21(2)(H), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Which of these does the commissioner weigh in setting the amount of a civil penalty? Answer: The person's history of previous violations. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-22(b), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Which premises may the commissioner not enter under the inspection power of 19-16A-25(a)? Answer: A dwelling house and its curtilage. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-25(a), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Within how many days after damage occurred must a person claiming damages from a pesticide application file a written statement with the commissioner? Answer: Sixty days. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-19(a), West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15
  • Within how many days of notice may a person aggrieved by an action of the commissioner petition a court for review? Answer: Thirty days. Source: W. Va. Code 19-16A-20, West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, West Virginia Code as the Legislature publishes it, read 2026-10-15

How this list was compiled: Our own questions on the West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990, W. Va. Code Chapter 19, Article 16A, as the West Virginia Legislature publishes it (https://code.wvlegislature.gov/19-16A/), and on two legislative rules of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture in the Secretary of State's final files effective April 15, 2024: Certified Pesticide Applicator Rules, 61 CSR 12A (https://apps.sos.wv.gov/adlaw/csr/ruleview.aspx?document=17917) and Licensing of Pesticide Businesses, 61 CSR 12B (https://apps.sos.wv.gov/adlaw/csr/ruleview.aspx?document=17916), all read 2026-10-15. Exam format facts are from the Department's Exam Information sheet, revised 06/2026 (https://agriculture.wv.gov/prerequisites-pesticide-applicator-examination/), 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 statute and rules they describe are public law of the State of West Virginia.

How it works

This unofficial West Virginia pesticide study guide asks 89 questions of our own on the Pesticide Control Act and rules 61 CSR 12A and 12B. It is not affiliated with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Read the full guide

What the state's study packet holds

The Department's exam sheet says its mailed study packet holds the Pesticide Control Act, rules 61-12A and 61-12B and the fee rule for the General Standards and business exams, Applying Pesticides Correctly for the Core exam, and a book for each category.

What this page practices

The law part of that packet: licenses and applicator types, exams and credits, registered technicians, records, insurance and penalties. Federal label and worker protection rules are on the pesticide applicator practice test.

How the real exams run

By the Department's exam sheet each commercial or public applicator exam is 50 multiple choice questions in one hour, closed book except the business exam. Rule 61-12A-3.3.d sets 70 percent to pass, with a retake after 28 days, then after 56.

  • Two years runs through the record rules: applicators, pesticide businesses and private applicators all keep their records at least two years.
  • Keep the credit counts apart: 20 for commercial and public applicators and 10 for private applicators in three years, 4 a year for registered technicians.

Questions and answers

Is there a West Virginia pesticide study guide?

Yes. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture mails a study packet to anyone who calls its Pesticide Services office and asks for one. This page is separate practice on the law in that packet, and nothing here is taken from it.

Is this the real West Virginia pesticide applicator exam?

No. It is unofficial practice written for this site from the statute and the rules. The real exams are given by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and none of their questions are here.

What score passes the West Virginia pesticide exam?

70 percent or more on each exam, by rule 61-12A-3.3.d. The Department's exam sheet says passing results stay valid for 12 months; after that, eligibility to apply for certification expires.

How much does the West Virginia pesticide exam cost?

The Department's exam sheet, revised June 2026, gives a $20 examination fee that covers each exam to be completed, paid with the exam application. The fee is waived for government employees.

Where are West Virginia pesticide exams given?

The Department's exam sheet lists six test sites: Charleston, Parkersburg, Beckley, Morgantown, Inwood and Teays Valley, on certain dates each month. An admission ticket with the date and place is emailed once the application is approved.

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