On Thursday, August 11th, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced that it would offer online options for pest control and pesticide program licensing and certification exams. The pest control program and pesticide application programs are administered by the plant industries division of the department of agriculture. In total these programs administer 21 licenses some of which require exams prior to licensure. These exams have historically been administered only in person.
More below:
Arkansas Department of Agriculture
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/11/2022
Contact: Sarah Cato, (501) 529-2689
sarah.cato@agriculture.arkansas.gov
Arkansas Department of Agriculture Announces Online Option for Pest Control and Pesticide Program Licensing and Certification Exams
LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce that Pest Control Program and Pesticide Program licensing and certification exams are now offered online.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s (Department) Pest Control Program is responsible for administering 11 different residential and commercial Pest Control Program licenses and certifications which require applicants to successfully pass exams prior to the issuance of the license or certification. The Pesticide Program administers 10 licenses, two of which require exams prior to licensure. These exams have historically been administered only in person.
The online exams are proctored in partnership with Everblue, a technology company that specializes in digitizing and automating processes. Candidates can register online for state Pest Control Program and Pesticide Program exams and will be immediately enrolled into their on-demand test. Exams proctored through Everblue will have an additional proctoring fee of $30 per exam.
“We’re excited to partner with Everblue and offer these exams online to increase accessibility and efficiency,” said Scott Bray, Director of the Department’s Plant Industry Division. “By offering an online option, those unable to travel to Little Rock can now take the exams at home, expanding the availability of our Pest Control and Pesticide programs.”
In addition to the online exams, the Department will continue to offer in-person certification exams at the main office in Little Rock.
“The Department is responsible for administering a total of 44 different licenses and certifications, 22 of which require exams,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. “We are working to make more exams available online to increase accessibility to all programs within the Department that require a license or certification.”
Learn more about the Pest Control program online examinations at agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-industries/regulatory-section/pest-control. Learn more about Pesticide Program licenses at agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-industries/pesticide-section/licensing-permits/.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/.