Hello Jon,

To become a Private Certified Applicator, PCA, study the manuals then you would need to take the Private core exam, which includes the national pesticide standards and the Michigan pesticide standards. These are 2 separate study manuals. If you are applying fumigants; you would also need to have the fumigation standard. The aerial standard is only required for private applicators when they are planning to aerially apply restricted use pesticides. Here is the link to order the study manuals online, visit https://npsecstore.com/collections/msu-additions.

Once ready to take the exams, sign up for an exam session. You can attend a mandatory MSU core review session and take a paper-based exam for the Private core afterward. Only the core, fumigation, and aerial examinations can be taken at these sessions. The fee to attend is $15. Here's the link to sign up for a PSEP training and paper based exam session afterward: https://events.anr.msu.edu/2024RUPInPersonTesting/

All exams, including the categories, can be taken through Metro Institute, either by going to one of their established testing centers around the state or by having the exam remotely proctored online. Metro Institute charges a $55 convenience fee to proctor each exam. Remotely proctored exams require a camera, microphone, stable internet connection, and quite clean space. Metro Institute charges a $65 convenience fee to remotely proctor each exam. Here’s the link to Metro Institute: https://www.metrosignup.com/home.asp

Metro Institute requires an account on their website before signing up for an exam session. Once the account is created, sign up for either in-person or remotely proctored exams. If planning on taking remotely proctored exams, select so when Metro Institute asks for an exam location. Exams can also be scheduled by calling Metro Institute at<personal data hidden>. Please be aware their offices are located in Arizona concerning the time difference.

• Additional certification information can be found on the MDARD certification webpage, www.michigan.gov/mdardpestcert.
• Please visit our PSEP website for other certification information at https://www.canr.msu.edu/psep/
• If you have further questions, you can email me directly at <personal data hidden>

Hope that help!