The Assistant Applicator Role
Assistant applicators may perform a number of duties that could include:
- Applying pesticides to a treatment area under the supervision of a certified pesticide applicator;
- Safely transporting pesticides to the work site;
- Taking pesticides in and out of storage; and
- Ensuring security of mobile, temporary and permanent storage facilities.
As an assistant applicator, there are a number of things you are not permitted to do:
- Select the pesticides to be used in a treatment area;
- Determine the method or rate of pesticide application in a treatment area;
- Determine injury thresholds for pests for the purpose of deciding when to use a pesticide;
- Mix pesticide concentrates;
- Calibrate pesticide application equipment;
- Handle or use fumigants;
- Use permit-restricted or restricted class pesticides;
- Use pesticides that have a label indicating that the pesticide must be used only by certificate holder; and
- Conduct pre or post-treatment evaluations.
- If you are considering a job that requires you to do any of the activities listed above, you may require a full pesticide applicator certificate. For more information, please visit our webpage , or contact the IPM Licence Officer at 250-356-0475.
- Note: you do not need to be trained as an assistant applicator before obtaining full pesticide applicator certification.
You can become an assistant applicator by successfully completing the required training on this site, and passing the online course exam with 75% or greater. The course and exam are free of charge and should take you around four hours to complete. There are two options for reviewing the course materials:
- Review the course materials online,
- Download the materials and review without the need for internet access.
Note: You will require internet access to write the final exam.
Your employer is responsible to ensure that you complete the required Ministry training every year. You can provide them with a copy of your statement of course completion. Your employer can keep this record in their files to show that you have successfully met the Ministry training requirements.
Are you an employer? If so, visit the Ministry of Environment site for information about your role.
