Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/96024
TL1301-proof 11/22/12 9:25 AM Page 1 MEMBER SERVICES PESTICIDE APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATIONS PROGRAM FAQS Many WCTA members don't fully understand the BC Pesticide Certificate Recertification program, so we've created this list of frequently asked questions to assist. Of course, you can always contact us directly if you have any questions not covered here. CEC Program Questions & Answers Q. How do I get on the recertification program? A. In order to be part of the Pesticide Applicator Certificate (PAC) recertification program, you need to be a member of the Western Canada Turfgrass Association; or, if you are already a member of the BCLNA, you can register as a BCLNA member. Once you meet that criteria, all that is needed to become part of the recertification program is to fax a copy of your 5-year Pesticide Applicator Certificate to us at 1 866-366-5097. (Note that one year certificates do not qualify.) Becoming a WCTA member: Annual membership dues are $225.00 (+ tax). A WCTA Membership Application form is available on our website at: http://www.wctaonline.com/component/k2/item/183?I temid=176 Please fax or mail the membership application form to us with payment, and a copy of your current pesticide applicators certificate. For further information on membership benefits with the Western Canada Turfgrass Association, please feel free to browse our website at: www.wcta-online.com Q. I'm not sure if I'm on the program or not. How can I find out? A. Contact Leslie Carnell at admin@wctaturf.com if you're not sure. Q. What's the cost to be on the program? A. The recertification program is a complimentary service to all WCTA members. You will be invoiced a $30 renewal fee upon recertification which This program is administered by the WCTA for WCTA & BCLNA members only.Recertification Requirements for BC Pesticide Applicators year certificate, and must have the ability to read and comprehend English pesticide labels and pest management recommendations. Definitions Amount of Training Required for one CEC Recertification is the renewal of a certificate for an additional term. A Continuing Education Program for recertification is where a candidate with a 5year Certificate receives credits toward recertification for attending courses of instruction over a number of years. The credits are referred to as Continuing Education Credits (CEC's). The CEC's are calculated generally on the basis that one CEC is received for one hour of training. General Number of CEC's required to obtain Recertification A minimum of 20 CEC's are required for recertification of an applicator. The 20 CEC's must be taken during the 5 years prior to recertification. Only a maximum of 10 CEC's can be taken in any one year. The Pesticide Control Act Regulation Section 26(1) specifies that certificates for pesticide applicators and dispensers are valid for a maximum of five years. According to Section 25(2), a person can obtain recertification either by passing an exam set by the administrator or by attending courses of instruction acceptable to the administrator. Training Course Content Procedure • pest identification and biology • pest prevention • monitoring methods • action and injury levels • management methods, including pesticide alternatives and decision making • evaluation of results B. Safety and Environmental Protection • pesticide labels and label comprehension • legislation • toxicity • emergency response (first aid, spills, fires) • protective clothing and equipment • effects of pesticides on the environment • safe procedures for storage, transport, mixing, application, cleanup and disposal Options for Recertification A candidate can obtain recertification through: • rewriting and passing the regular certification exam, • taking a refresher or upgrading course and passing an exam acceptable to the administrator, or • obtaining CEC's in a Continuing Education Program acceptable to the administrator. Candidate Qualifications to Participate in a Continuing Education Program To participate in a Continuing Education program for recertification, a candidate must have passed an initial certification exam and obtained a five Training for CEC's can provide new, updated or more detailed information or a refresher on topics covered in the initial certification training. Acceptable topics include the following: A. Integrated Pest Management 24 WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION is the fee we pay on your behalf to the Ministry of Environment. For BCLNA members: Please contact the BCLNA for a recertification program application form. There is an administrative fee of $30/year to be on the program. In order to register, please fax the registration form and your Pesticide Applicator Certificate to us at 1 866-366-5097. When we receive your certificate, you will be invoiced for the complete term from present to the expiry date of your Pesticide Applicator Certificate plus the $30 Ministry fee at time of renewal. Q. How many continuing education credits (CEC's) do I need to re-certify? A. 20 Q. How long do I have to get my 20 CEC's? A. Pesticide certificates are issued for 5 years so if you get on the program at the start of your certificate, you have 5 years to collect points. If you get on the program with only 4 years remaining on your certificate, then you only have 4 years to collect points and so on. Q. What if I don't get enough points to recertify before my certificate expires? A. Without the proper number of points in the right categories, the Ministry of Environment will not recertify you and C. Application Technology • equipment selection • proper equipment set-up, use and maintenance • equipment calibration and pesticide use calculations • pesticide products and factors affecting their use and performance Within the 20 CEC's required for recertification, there should be some training on each of the topics listed above. There must be a minimum in each category of: • 3 CEC's concerned with Integrated Pest Management; • 3 CEC's concerned with Safety and Environmental Protection, and; • 3 CEC's concerned with Application Technology. If you became part of the recertification program before June 2009 your requirements are as follows: • 10 CEC's concerned with Integrated Pest Management; • 2 CEC's concerned with Safety and Environmental Protection, and; • 2 CEC's concerned with Application Technology. Courses dealing with the following types of information will not be recognized for recertification: business aspects of farm or pest management, the mechanics of crop fertilization and irrigation, production varieties (unless pest resistance is the key issue), storage or marketing of commodities. Watch the Turf Line News and the WCTA web site: www.wcta-online.com. for more information on this WCTA initiative and for dates, locations and times for presentations to accumulate CEC's. If you wish to participate, please fax us a copy of your Pesticide Applicators Certificate [1-866-3665097]. you will need to re-take the exam. There is no grace period for picking up credits after your certificate has expired and if you continue applying pesticides that require a certificate, you would be doing so illegally. Q. Can I get all my credits at once? A. No. 10 credits maximum can be collected per calendar year. The program is designed for ongoing education and collecting all points in a short period of time would defeat the purpose. Q. Wait a minute – if only 10 credits are allowed per year and I have less than 2 years remaining on my certificate then there's no possible way to get recertified??? A.. You are correct. If you are just coming into the program and have 1 year left on your certificate, the recertification program won't work for you because it's impossible to get 20 credits in 1 year. If you have 2 years remaining on your certificate, it is possible to recertify but you will have to work really hard! Q. Don't I need a certain amount of CEC points in different categories? A. Yes. There are 3 categories. If you started on the program before June 2009, you need a minimum of 10 points in IPM, 2 points in Application Technology and 2 points in Safety and Environment. Q. What happens if I started on the program after June 2009? A. You will need a minimum of 3 points in each of the 3 categories with a total of 20 credits. Q. How do I get continuing education credits? NOTE - THIS SECTION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT A. CEC's are earned when you complete ongoing education seminars relating to pesticide use that are preapproved by the BC Ministry of Environment. include: • sessions at the WCTA annual conference and trade show • attending the WCTA Travelling Annual Road Show series • attending web seminars through independent providers like Professional Development Solutions (make sure you're taking BC accredited courses) • attending seminars put on by others that have been accredited like the Can-West Hort Show, CGSA Seminar Series, BCGSA meetings, Alberta