Far too often, when a Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) exam proctor asks a test-taker what pesticide exams he/she needs to take the answer is, "I don't know. My boss just told me to show up here today to take some tests."

This common scenario not only sets up your employees to fail, it communicates a lack of concern for their professional development and apathy toward the safe and legal use of pesticides.

Help your employees SUCCEED!

To help employees pass NDA certification exams, an employer should:

1. Recognize that these are professional exams (like a plumbing or electrician license exam) which the average person won't pass without being familiar with laws/codes and some technical knowledge of the trade.

2. Be aware that your employees will need to pass a minimum of two exams. One will cover general topics such as pesticide types, formulations, label format, personal safety, environmental safety and federal and state laws. Other exams are category-specific and are required to issue a license for the type of work done by the applicator. All exams are multiple choice with a 70% pass rate. If only one exam is passed, that score remains valid for 365 days, giving a person plenty of time to complete the second exam. Licenses are issued once both exams are passed and the appropriate licensing fee is paid.

3. Provide employees with copies of study materials. All NDA exams are based on the content in UNL study manuals (General Standards and category) not videos. University study manuals are available through the University Pesticide Extension Office by calling (402) 471-1632 or 800-627-7216. These manuals and sample questions may also be viewed online at http://pested.unl.edu/training.htm

4. Set learning goals and give your employees time to study the extension manuals before scheduling NDA exams. Reading, understanding, and knowing how to apply the technical jargon used in the pest control industry is critical to passing NDA exams and functioning competently once the license is issued.

5. Understand that learning styles vary from person to person. Determine how you can help individual workers learn new information and skills. Set realistic expectations. Employees with low literacy and math skills may not be able to pass NDA exams. Support your employees and encourage them to do their best.

6. Follow-up with employees after they take exams and offer to help them with troublesome subject areas. Many people struggle with the technical terminology and mathematical calculations common in pesticide application work.

7. Show your employees that you value their development and contributions to your business. Help them to be professionals. Then let your clients know how you strive to develop knowledgeable, skilled employees.