Other Certification

If you want to train your own authorized assistants you must be certified as a pesticide applicator trainer.

You can then provide tutorial training on core lessons.

This requirement:

• ensures consistent delivery of core pesticide assistant and applicator training
• provides information directly to trainers. This includes examination statistics, examination blueprints, what areas candidates are not mastering knowledge, exam and text review and schedules.
• provide trainers with background information to help them deliver training
• fosters an on-going working relationship between Alberta Environment and trainers to improve the training course

Certification requirements:

• be a certified applicator
• have 5 consecutive years pesticide application experience
• complete a Pesticide Trainer in-class training course. This course is usually offered during the winter (January/February)
• if interested, contact the pesticide office 1 866 853 8646 or 780 853 8646, email pesticides@lakelandcollege.ca

Notes:

• After successfully completing the course, you will have a pesticide applicator trainer certificate valid for 5 years.
• To renew a trainer certificate, you must attend a trainer recertification class. These sessions are usually offered during the winter (January/February).

New trainer certification

• February 11 - 12, 2025
• Register here

Trainer recertification

• February 13, 2025
• Register here

Authorized assistants are able to apply pesticides under the supervision of a certified applicator without requiring daily on-site supervision.

As well, authorized assistants are able to apply pesticides listed in section 5(11) of the Environmental Code of Practice for Pesticides under the direct supervision by a certified applicator.

For example, an authorized assistant can apply Tordon 101® along a roadway without a certified applicator being present at all times.

To become an authorized assistant you must write a core examination and complete the authorized assistant training checklist with your supervising certified applicator.

The core examination can be taken through one of these ways:

• Complete the Pesticide Applicator core examination administered through Lakeland College. If you are successful, Lakeland College will issue an Authorized Assistant certificate
• Complete a simplified trainer administered exam after completing an in-class training course with the trainer. If you are successful, the trainer will issue an Authorized Assistant certificate. This certificate can't be used as part of the requirements to become a certified applicator.

Notes:

• The authorized assistant certificate is good for approximately 5 years before it expires. Certificates expire on your birthday, so it could be less than 5 years.
• For a new certificate, you’ll have to write another exam through Lakeland College or with a certified trainer.

If your company sells registered pesticides (restricted, industrial, commercial or agricultural) you must have either:

• a valid Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association (AWSA) certificate
• a Pesticide Vendor Registration issued by Alberta Environment

Training teaches you about sales regulations and provides you and your customers with information in the safe handling, storage and disposal of pesticides.

The certification training is a collaborative effort between Lakeland College and Alberta Environment.

About dispenser certification

• You must be 18 years of age to apply to be a Commercial Pesticide Dispenser.
• Training material has been designed specifically to prepare prospective dispensers for the certification exam.
• The home study course has lessons and a study guide. Materials are available year-round and can be ordered on the home study page.
• The course requires about 30 to 40 hours of dedicated study time
• Dispenser certificates are valid for up to 5 years, then the dispenser must apply for a renewal

About dispenser recertification

• The Dispenser license can be recertified by either rewriting the Dispenser exam or completing the online Dispenser recertification course.
• To order the Dispenser recertification course please submit a Dispenser recertification form found on the Forms, Fees and exams page. The Dispenser recertification course will be delivered online via D2L.
• To order an exam please submit the exam request form found on the Forms, Fees and exams page. Exams can be written in Olds, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Vermilion.

Certification Exam Procedures

• To become qualified, you must write a certification exam. Exams are 2.5 hours in length, closed book.
• Exams can be booked by submitting an exam request form. Once received the office will contact you to select a writing location and date. Exams can be written in Olds, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Vermilion.
• For exam request forms can be found under Forms, Fees and Exams.

Commercial Dispenser Reciprocity

• If you have a valid certificate from British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, you can apply for reciprocity.
• Your certificate should have a valid expiry date and you’ll have to pass the dispenser reciprocity exam.
• Submit a reciprocity form to the pesticide office and we will contact you to book an exam writing time at one of the proctor centers. They are located in Olds, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Vermilion.
• Check the home study courses page to order course materials.
• Commercial dispenser certificates expire on your birthday and are no later than the original expiry date of the other province.