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Washington Pesticide Applicators Exam Study
Guide Questions And Correct
Detailed Answers 2025 (Verified Answers) With
Rationales
- Which agency administers pesticide applicator certification in Washington? A. USDA B. Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) C. EPA D. Department of Ecology The WSDA is responsible for pesticide licensing, education, and enforcement in Washington.
- What is the main purpose of the pesticide label? A. To advertise the product B. To list the manufacturer’s contact information C. To provide legal directions for safe use D. To attract buyers with marketing claims The label is a legal document that provides essential safety, usage, and environmental protection instructions.
- Which of the following signal words indicates the highest toxicity? A. Warning B. Danger
C. Caution D. Poison “Danger” indicates high toxicity and is often accompanied by a skull and crossbones symbol.
- What does a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) require? A. Online purchase B. Certified applicator supervision C. Use only in urban areas D. Application only in greenhouses RUPs can only be applied by or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
- Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is always required when mixing pesticides? A. Apron B. Chemical-resistant gloves C. Dust mask D. Coveralls Chemical-resistant gloves protect hands from concentrated pesticides during mixing.
- What is the purpose of a pesticide formulation? A. To improve packaging B. To make it smell better C. To enhance application and effectiveness D. To decrease regulation
C. Time after application before re-entry without PPE D. When to harvest REI protects workers from exposure by requiring a delay before entering treated areas. 11.A pest is defined as: A. Any animal B. Any insect C. Any organism that interferes with human activity D. Only weeds Pests include weeds, insects, fungi, and animals that interfere with objectives like farming. 12.Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes: A. Only chemical control B. A combination of control methods C. Ignoring pest thresholds D. Spraying weekly IPM integrates biological, mechanical, cultural, and chemical controls for sustainable management. 13.The EPA registration number on a pesticide label identifies: A. Expiration date B. Amount to use C. Product approval and manufacturer info D. Price
This number tracks the product’s federal registration and manufacturer details. 14.If a pesticide spills, the first step is to: A. Call the media B. Contain the spill C. Rinse with water D. Burn the area Containment prevents further spread and environmental contamination. 15.Which is not a method to prevent pesticide resistance? A. Using the same pesticide repeatedly B. Rotating pesticide modes of action C. Using biological controls D. Monitoring pest populations Using the same pesticide repeatedly promotes resistance. 16.What type of formulation is WP? A. Wet paste B. Wettable powder C. Water polymer D. Wax pellet Wettable powders mix with water to form suspensions. 17.Which of the following is a sign of pesticide poisoning? A. Headache and nausea B. Skin rash C. Breathing difficulty
B. Never C. Immediately after emptying D. After freezing Triple rinsing reduces residues and allows safe container disposal or recycling. 22.What is the most common route of pesticide exposure? A. Oral B. Inhalation C. Dermal D. Ocular Dermal (skin) exposure is the most frequent due to contact during mixing or spraying. 23.What is a surfactant? A. An additive that improves pesticide spreading and sticking B. A thickener C. A disinfectant D. A growth hormone Surfactants help pesticides adhere to surfaces and distribute evenly. 24.The "Danger – Poison" label must include: A. Signal word only B. Eye protection C. Skull and crossbones symbol D. Expiration date
This label signals high toxicity and legally must include the skull and crossbones symbol. 25.Which formulation is most prone to drift? A. Dusts B. Pellets C. Granules D. Baits Dusts are light and easily carried by wind. 26.Which federal law governs pesticide use? A. FIFMA B. WSDA Code C. FIFRA D. EPCRA FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) regulates pesticide distribution, sale, and use. 27.What is a pesticide residue? A. Unused pesticide B. Pesticide in its container C. Pesticide remaining on crops or surfaces after application D. Spilled pesticide Residues can persist after application and must meet legal limits on food crops. 28.How long must pesticide records be kept in Washington? A. 6 months
32.When applying pesticides, wind speeds should be: A. Over 15 mph B. Under 2 mph C. Between 3–10 mph D. Irrelevant Moderate wind reduces drift and ensures proper coverage. 33.What is a major risk of back-siphoning? A. Pesticide entering water supply B. Injury from fumes C. Low pressure D. Pump breakdown Back-siphoning can contaminate drinking water supplies if not prevented. 34.What is the best way to prevent pesticide spills? A. Careful measuring and mixing B. Using larger containers C. Wearing PPE D. Applying in wind Proper handling practices reduce the likelihood of spills. 35.How can you tell if PPE is pesticide resistant? A. If it smells like chemicals B. If it's new C. If it is labeled as chemical-resistant by the manufacturer D. If it’s thick Check manufacturer specifications to ensure suitability for pesticide use.
36.What should be included in a spill kit? A. First aid and food B. Absorbent material, shovel, PPE C. Backpack sprayer D. Label book Spill kits allow quick containment and cleanup of pesticide spills. 37.Drift reduction is achieved by: A. Using low-pressure nozzles and larger droplet sizes B. Spraying faster C. Spraying at noon D. Spraying in high wind These measures reduce the likelihood of spray particles drifting off-target. 38.What is the appropriate way to dispose of a pesticide container? A. Triple rinse and follow label directions B. Crush it C. Burn it D. Reuse it for storage Proper disposal includes rinsing and adhering to all legal requirements. 39.What is chemigation? A. Crop fertilization B. Application of chemicals through irrigation systems C. Cleaning irrigation lines D. Soil compaction Chemigation involves delivering pesticides via irrigation.
B. Applying fungicide C. Rotating crops D. Using insect pheromones Mechanical control involves physical methods like traps and barriers. 44.Which pesticide formulation is least likely to pose inhalation risks? A. Granules B. Aerosols C. Dusts D. Fumigants Granules are solid and heavy, reducing airborne exposure. 45.What is the best response to a leaking pesticide container? A. Pour contents out B. Place it into a secondary container C. Tape it D. Rinse it out Using secondary containment prevents spills until proper disposal. 46.A drift watch program in Washington helps: A. Ban pesticides B. Regulate sales C. Protect sensitive crops and areas D. Fine applicators Drift Watch helps protect specialty crops through awareness and mapping. 47.What is a no-spray buffer zone? A. A crop-free zone
B. A label suggestion C. A required unsprayed area to protect sensitive sites D. A weather condition Buffer zones prevent contamination of nearby water, structures, or sensitive areas. 48.What is the first step in a pesticide emergency? A. Call a lawyer B. Drink milk C. Remove the person from exposure D. Dispose of the product Stopping exposure limits further harm before treatment begins. 49.The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) protects: A. Pesticide manufacturers B. Field supervisors C. Agricultural workers and handlers D. Pesticide registrants WPS sets safety requirements for agricultural employers and workers. 50.What document should be carried when transporting pesticides? A. Company logo B. State tax form C. Emergency spill response plan and product label D. Pest report In case of a spill or emergency, this documentation is essential for safety and compliance.
A. To explain EPA laws B. To provide chemical safety and emergency information C. To advertise the product D. To detail economic benefits SDS provides first-aid, handling, storage, and emergency spill information. 55.The best time to apply a pesticide is: A. In full sun B. At noon C. When wind is low and temperature is moderate D. During rain Ideal conditions reduce drift and evaporation for safe and effective application. 56.The main environmental concern with persistent pesticides is: A. Crop resistance B. Accumulation in the food chain and long-term contamination C. Color change in crops D. Odor problems Persistent chemicals can bioaccumulate and harm ecosystems over time. 57.If you wear a respirator, what must be done regularly? A. Change the straps B. Wash the filter C. Conduct a fit test and medical evaluation D. Wear it all day Fit testing and evaluation ensure the respirator protects you as intended.
58.What must you always read before using a pesticide? A. The newspaper B. The manufacturer's website C. The product label D. The applicator license The label is a legal document with instructions for safe, legal use. 59.The signal word "Caution" indicates: A. Danger to bees B. Slight toxicity C. Severe toxicity D. Extremely toxic “Caution” is the lowest signal word, indicating relatively low toxicity. 60.The purpose of backflow prevention is to: A. Speed up mixing B. Increase water pressure C. Prevent contamination of water supply D. Reduce nozzle clogging Backflow devices stop pesticide-contaminated water from flowing into clean water supplies. 61.A certified applicator must be present during application of: A. General use pesticides B. All fertilizers C. Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs)
C. CDC
D. USDA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates and approves pesticide use. 66.Which is NOT considered a part of PPE? A. Goggles B. Baseball cap C. Gloves D. Respirator Only specialized gear designed to resist chemical exposure qualifies as PPE. 67.Why is it important not to exceed labeled rates? A. It saves money B. To avoid faster pest control C. To reduce risk to humans, crops, and the environment D. To use up leftover product Over-application can lead to residues, resistance, and environmental harm. 68.How should empty pesticide containers be handled? A. Triple rinse and dispose according to label directions B. Burn them C. Reuse for other liquids D. Store with new pesticides Triple-rinsing makes containers non-hazardous for disposal or recycling. 69.Which of the following best prevents pesticide contamination of groundwater?
A. Applying more product B. Avoiding spills and back-siphoning C. Using more pressure D. Increasing nozzle size Proper practices prevent pesticides from seeping into water sources. 70.The best definition of pest threshold is: A. Total pest removal B. Government-imposed pest limit C. Pest level at which control is necessary D. Minimum legal dose Economic or action thresholds determine when pest control is justified. 71.What is the purpose of a nozzle tip in a sprayer? A. To control droplet size and spray pattern B. To store pesticides C. To power the engine D. To hold PPE The nozzle design directly impacts spray effectiveness and drift. 72.A well-maintained pesticide storage area should be: A. Hot and dry B. Secure, labeled, and ventilated C. Below ground D. Unlocked during application Proper storage prevents accidents and chemical degradation.
