Introduction: Pesticide applicators in Michigan may obtain pesticide recertification credits to renew their applicator certification credential in lieu of retaking the certification examinations. Currently the Michigan department of Agriculture (MDA) approves one credit for every two hours of pesticide related training. The MDA requires that the training programs include updated educational information essential to ensure the competence of certified/registered pesticide applicators. The recertification credits are an extension of the public trust that applicator trainees are meeting requirements set by U.S. EPA.

Hands-on activities are approved for one credit for each hour of training, with two credits maximum. Hands-on training may include actual calibration of equipment, problem-solving utilizing charts, specimen I.D., tools, and scenario-type training. This action oriented training must be interactive with trainer and applicators.

To support the recertification effort by seminar attendance, MDA reserve the right to monitor any seminar approved for credits. This ensures program integrity with EPA.

Program Requestors/Hosts: You must check and initial the Request for Seminar Credits form. This will acknowledge that you the requestor/host agree to the following stipulations:

1. You agree to submit the Request for Seminar Credits form at least 30 days prior to the date of the seminar.
2. You agree to monitor attendance and proctor MDA recertification form.
3. You agree to collect, edit and initial all completed recertification forms from attendees and mail them to the assigned MDA regional office with in two weeks after the seminar.
4. You agree to return all unused forms to MDA unless permission is granted to keep them for future seminars.
5. You must agree to allow MDA staff to monitor any portion of a seminar approved for recertification credits free of charge. Refusal to do so will cause MDA to deny or revoke application for recertification credits.

THE SIGNING OF THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE APPROVAL FOR SEMINAR CREDITS.

Who can be a requestor/host: governmental and non-governmental agency, professional associations, accredited school, grower group and others deemed appropriate.

Requesting credits from MDA: Program requestors/hosts must complete the Request for Seminar Credits form and submit it thirty (30) days prior to the date of the seminar to ensure timely approval and mailing of seminar record sheets to the host.

What will not be approved? Sales oriented presentations promoting products do not meet the criteria for credits. However, new product information is appropriate i.e. formulations, packaging, new technologies for safety, equipment, etc. Non- pesticide related topics will not be approved for credits i.e. fertilizer, marketing, irrigation, customer relation, etc.

Use of trainers/speakers: Only people considered to have public recognition and expertise in their area will be approved as trainers/speakers. This includes University /Extension researchers and teachers, governmental and industry/association experts and independent researchers.

Click below to obtain Form/Agenda: