West Central Florida Regional Pesticide Applicator Trainings and CEUs

If you are looking to take a Private, Core, Ag Row, Pesticide test to obtain a Commercial, Public or Private Applicator Pesticide License, or need CEUs for those licenses.  If you or your agricultural employer needs to obtain a Worker Protection Standard Training Certificate, we have some classes that you might be interested in taking a look at. 

Here is the summary of the upcoming license preparation classes we are offering in the Tampa Bay area.  For more information, click on the individual class links to get the specifics of each program. 

Type                Date            Extension Office        Class link

Core/PRVT    3/24/26        Manatee Co.              Manatee Class

WPS               6/23/26        Manatee Co.              Manatee WPS

Private            6/25/26        Polk County              Polk Private Class

WPS               9/15/26        Hillsborough             Hills WPS Class

Core/PRVT     9/17/26        Hillsborough             Hills Pest Class

EPA's Worker Protection Standard Train-the-Trainer Certificate Class

Do you need to train agricultural workers to comply with the EPA's Worker Protection Standards (WPS) for their employment?  If so, you will either need to have a current Private Applicator License or a WPS Trainer Certificate to properly train them.  UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is offering a WPS Train-the-Trainer Class so you can be compliant with EPA and the Florida Department of Ag and Consumer Services in training agriculture employees. The nice thing about the WPS TTT certificate is that it never requires renewal with CEUs.  Once you have it, it is good for life (or at least as long as there are no changes to the law). The class will be offered on October 28, 2025, at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Office in Seffner, FL.  If you are interested, just click on this link for more information and the registration forms.  WPS -TTT Class Info   Lunch will be included with the class registration. If you have further questions, please call Agent Shawn Steed at Hillsborough County Extension (813) 744-5519.  

Core and Private/Ag Row Pesticide License Preparation Class or CEUS

 

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is hosting a Core and Private/Ag Row Pesticide Exam Training Course on Wednesday, September 16, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Extension Office Location in Seffner, FL.  The cost is $60.00 for the class.

The Core training is needed by all license types.  The Private Exam Prep portion of the class will help you review to pass the Private Applicator Exam.  With both tests passed, you will be able to apply restricted-use pesticides on your property or that of your employers.  This license also allows teaching ag employees the mandatory EPA Worker Protection Standards.

If you have a Private Applicator or Ag Row License, then this class gives you 2 Core CEUs and 2 Private/Ag Row CEUs for your license renewal.  Here is a link below to register and more information. Please call Shawn if you need any special accommodations at the Extension Office.  We will also have a special (one of the last) pesticide license testing days at the Extension Office the next day for those who want to take the exams.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ufifas-hillsborough-county-core-and-private-pesticide-test-preparation-tickets-1245357350359?aff=oddtdtcreator

Worker Protection Standard Train-the-Trainer Class July 22, 2025

 

Do you need to train agricultural workers to comply with the EPA's Worker Protection Standards (WPS) for their employment?  If so, you will either need to have a current Private Applicator License or a WPS Trainer Certificate to properly train them.  UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is offering a WPS Train-the-Trainer Class so you can be compliant with the Florida Department of Ag and Consumer Services in training agriculture employees. The nice thing about the WPS TTT certificate is that it never requires renewal with CEUs.  Once you have it, it is good for life (or at least until the government changes the WPS). The class will be offered on July 22 at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, FL.  If you are interested, just click on this link for more information and the registration forms.  WPS -TTT CLass Info Lunch will be included with the class. If you have further questions, please call Agent Caitlin Sollazzo in Manatee County Extension (941) 722-4524.   

Manatee County Pesticide Training and CEU Opportunity.

UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County is hosting a Core and Private Pesticide Exam Training Course on Wednesday, March 18, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Extension Office Location in Parrish, FL.  The cost is $60.00 for the class.

The Core training is needed by all license types and the Private Exam Prep portion of the class will help you review to pass the Private Applicator Exam.  With both tests passed you will be able to apply restricted use pesticides on your property or that of your employers as well as teach ag employees the mandatory EPA Worker Protection Standards.

If you already have a Private Applicator License, then this class will give you 2 Core CEUs and 2 Private CEUs for renewal of your license.  Here is a link to register. Private License Prep Class Link  

Here are a few more opportunities if you can't make this class.

Private Applicator and Core Test Prep and CEU Opportunity

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is hosting a Core and Private Pesticide Exam Training Course on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 9:00 am at the Extension Office Location in Seffner, FL.  The cost is $60.00 for the class.

The Core training is needed by all license types and the Private Exam Prep portion of the class will help you review to pass the Private Applicator Exam.  With both tests passed you will be able to apply restricted use pesticides on your property or that of your employers as well as teach ag employees the mandatory EPA Worker Protection Standards.

If you already have a Private Applicator License, then this class will give you 2 Core CEUs and 2 Private CEUs for renewal of your license.  Here is a link to register. Private License Prep Class Link  We will provide a private testing time for the next day for those who would like to take the exam quickly after the class.

Here is a glance at the agenda:

09:00 a.m. Welcome, coffee & snacks

09:15 a.m. General Standards/Core Exam Preparation Class

11:30 p.m. Lunch (to be provided)

12:15 p.m. Private/Ag Row Crop Applicator Exam Preparation Class

02:30 p.m. Review

04:30 p.m. Adjourn

If you have any questions please give Shawn a ring 813-744-5519.

Worker Protection Standard Train-the-Trainer Class

Do you need to train agricultural workers for the Worker Protection Standards (WPS) for their employment?  If so, you will either need to have a current Private Applicator License or a WPS Trainer Certificate.  UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is offering a WPS Train-the-Trainer Class so you can be compliant with the Florida Department of Ag and Consumer Services in training agriculture employees.  The class will be offered on December 13th at the Hillsborough County Extension Office in Seffner, FL.  If you are interested, please view the flyer below.  If you are interested in taking the class, please click this link to register. https://WPSTTT2023Hillsborough.eventbrite.com

Fall Class Schedule - WPS, Private Applicator Pesticide License Training & CEUs

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Agriculture Department is hosting a Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Train-the-Trainer Class on November 9, 2023, at 9:00 am as well as a Core and Private Pesticide Exam Training Course on October 24, 2023, at 9:00 am at the Extension Office Location in Seffner, FL.  The cost is $65.00 for each class.

The Core training is needed by all license types and the Private Exam Prep portion of the class will help you review to pass the Private Applicator Exam.  With both tests passed you will be able to apply restricted use pesticides on your property or that of your employers as well as teach ag employees the mandatory EPA Worker Protection Standards.

If you already have a Private Applicator License, then this class will give you 2 Core CEUs and 2 Private CEUs for renewal of your license.

Here is a glance at the agenda:

09:00  Welcome, coffee & snacks

09:15  General Standards/Core Exam Preparation Class

11:30  Lunch (provided)

12:15  Private/Ag Row Crop Applicator Exam Preparation Class

13:30  Review

16:00  Adjourn

The WPS class will discuss Worker Protection Standards for Agriculture workers and their employees and those responsible for the training and safety of Ag workers.  Taking this class will allow you to train ag employees on WPS topics for your ag establishment.

Attendees will receive a WPS-TTT certificate from FDACS after class completion!

Here is a glance at the agenda:

09:30 : Welcome, coffee, and snacks

10:00 : WPS TTT Part 1&2

12:00 : Lunch (provided)

13:00 : WPS TTT Parts 3, 4, & 5

15:00 : Adjourn

If you already have a Private Applicator License or a WPS TTT certificate, then you can get 4 Core CEUs towards the renewal of your license. 

Here are the registration links if you would like to attend.

AgPesticideTraining2023.eventbrite.com

 WPSTTT2023Hillsborough.eventbrite.com

 If you have any questions about either class, please send an email to ststeed@ufl.edu

Worker Protection Standard Train-the-Trainer Class

Do you need to train agricultural workers for the Worker Protection Standards (WPS) for their employment?  If so, you will either need to have a current Private Applicator License or a WPS Trainer Certificate.  UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is offering a WPS Train-the-Trainer Class so you can be compliant with Florida Department of Ag and Consumer Services in training agriculture employees.  The class will be offered on June 21st at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, FL. If you are interested, please view the flyer below.  If you are interested in taking the class, please click this link to register. https://WPS-TTT-June2023-Hillsborough.eventbrite.com

Opportunities for CEUs or Private Applicator Licensure

If you are in need of CEUs for either Core Pesticide License or Private Applicator License UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County will be hosting an exam preparation class for Private Applicator/Ag Row Crop and Core Pesticide Licenses on June 6th at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm.  You can also obtain 2 Core CEUS and 2 Private, Ag Row, Ag Tree, Aerial, Soil & Fumigation., or Demo & Research CEUs for a total of 4 CEUS towards your licenses.  We will also host a private testing day for those wanting to pass the exams.  Please click on the flyer below for more information.  Here is the link if you are interested in registering.  https://June2023PesticideApplicatorHillsborough.eventbrite.com

Private and Core Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Class and CEUs

 

Greetings from UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County: Upon increasing requests, we are offering in-person pesticide training for those looking to obtain pesticide licenses (i.e., private applicator, and public or commercial applicator with Ag Row category). The training is designed to prepare those applying for General Standards/Core and Private/Ag Row exams. This is also an opportunity for those looking for a refresher training or to obtain CEUs. The training is scheduled for Tuesday the 9th of August with a special exam session for the class attendees on the 10th.   Please share this with anyone who may be interested in this opportunity! Click Here to Register!   Registration deadline - 9 a.m. on Monday, August 8th.    For questions, please contact Wael Elwakil at wael.elwakil@ufl.edu or 813-744-5519 Ext. 54134.

Pesticide Applicator Exam Preparation Classes /CEUs

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is teaching General Standards/Core and Private Applicator Exam Preparation Classes for those looking to pass either the Core section of the Pesticide Applicator License or the Private Applicator Exam or both for those who would like their Private Applicator License.  The Private Applicator license allows you to use restricted chemicals, or you can teach the Worker Protection Standards as a trainer for employees.  The upcoming class will be on May 11, 2022, at the Florida Strawberry Growers Association Headquarters (13138 Lweis Gallagher Rd., Dover, FL 33527.  Core class starts at 9:30, and Private starts at 13:00. If you would like to register for just one of the classes, they are $30.00 each; if you would like both classes, they are $50.00.  

Classes can also be taken for CEUs with the Core class offering 2 CEUs ((either 482 or 487) and the Private class offering 2 CEUs (either Private, Ag Row, Ag Tree, or Demonstration and Research).  If you would like to sign up or for more information please click on the flyer below.

Worker Protection Training Train the Trainer Class

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is offering the Worker Protection Standard Train the Trainer Training Class at the Hillsborough County Extension Office in Hillsborough County in Seffner on May 17.  This class will award a participant with the WPS Trainer Certificate enabling that person to train employees/workers in nurseries, farms, or forests to protect themselves from chemicals. If you don't have a Private Applicator License you need a WPS Trainer Certificate to employ employees/pesticide applicators/handlers at farms.

If you would like more information, please click on the flyer below. 

CEUs2U

If you are in need of a few CEUs (both Core and Private)  here is an online class opportunity for you.  We have available four hours on different topics with a variety of CEUs available.  You can sign up for either the Ag track of the Landscape track.  Here is the registration link   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ceus-2u-registration-156943112073  Please see program details below.

Time: Noon - 4:00pm  - Zoom webinar

CEUs Approved:

Core - 2 in Chapter 487 & 482 (pending)

Landscape Track - 2 in ROW, L&O, LLO, LCLM, O&T,  Nat Areas

Ag Track - 2 in Private, Ag Row, Ag Tree, Forest, Demo & Research 

CCA credits (IPM, crop management)

Total 4 CEUs

Agenda 

Core

Noon - 1:00pm - Modes of Action - Dr. Hugh Smith, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research & Education Center, Dr. Hugh Smith carries out research on managing insect and mite pests of horticultural crops that affect Florida. Chemical, biological, and cultural approaches to pest suppression are evaluated in collaboration with growers and green industry members.

1:00 - 2:00pm - Preventing Heat Stress - Susan Haddock, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension Service, Susan provides educational and diagnostic resources and training to Green Industry professionals regarding urban landscape horticulture, reducing non-point source pollution, integrated pest management (IPM), pesticide licensing and improving industry professionalism.

Landscape Track

2:00 - 3:00pm - Scouting in the Landscape - Michelle Atkinson, UF/IFAS Manatee County, Michelle is the Environmental Horticulture agent in Manatee County and has been serving landscape professionals teaching sustainable landscape practices for over seven years.

3:00 - 4:00pm - Nematodes in the Landscape - Dr. William Crowe, Dr. Crow is the Landscape Nematologist at the University of Florida, specializing in integrated pest management (IPM) of nematodes that damage turfgrasses and ornamental plants. The first stage in IPM is correctly identifying the pest(s) causing plant problems.

AG Track

2:00 - 3:00pm - Scouting - Dr. Lance Osborne, is a Professor of Entomology with University of Florida he specializes in IPM--biological control of insects and mites, and is located at Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka

3:00 - 4:00pm - IPM Strategies for Agriculture Crops - Lisa Hickey, UF/IFAS Manatee County, Lisa is the Sustainable Ag & Food Systems agent working with the Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Producers on Best Agricultural Practices.

You will receive a Zoom link to attend this event the day before the event starts. There will be a separate but quick Zoom registration after you receive the event link. 

Agriculture Worker Protection Standard Online Virtual Class

 The Agricultural Worker Protection Standards (WPS) provides rules and regulations to protect agricultural workers from pesticide exposure from the workplace.  The implementation of these standards and enforcement is done by our local Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service employees.  If you are a employer at a farm, nursery, greenhouse, or forest you will need to give your employees specific WPS training.  You are allowed to administer the teaching if you either have a valid restricted use pesticide license or you have passed the WPS Train-the-Trainer training.  UF/IFAS Extension now offers this class virtually so you can take it whenever you like.  Here is the link to the class if you are interested.  WPS EPA-Approved Train the Trainer Course - Farm Labor Education (instructure.com) The cost is $35.00.  

Online Core and Private Applicator Exam Preparation Classes

If you need either Core or Private Applicator Exam Preparation Trainings before you sit for the exam, we now have them online and you can go at your own pace.  These are the classes you can take if you will be applying restricted use pesticides (RUPs). 

Both classes are designed to highlight exam prep material that you will probably encounter on the exam. 

These classes are also available if you need two CEUs for either the Core or Prvt. Appl. part of your pesticide license.  

Classes are $30.00 each and can be taken at any time.  Here are the links below.

Core Exam Prep Class

Private Applicator Prep Class

CEUs2U An online CEU delivery for Pesticide License Holders

If you would like to receive CEUs without leaving the comfort of your home or office.  We have just the perfect thing for you.  CEUs2U is an online class that will provide you with two Core and two Private Applicator CEUs for your license.  The cost is $20.00.  Our next class is March 11, 2021 at 9:00-13:00.  You pick which track you would like to follow Ag or Landscape.

Here are our topics for the class.

Core presentations

9:00 – 9:50 Reading the Label – Wael Elwakil

            10:00 – 10:50 Pesticide Safety – Steve Robinson

Break outs

Ag Track presentations

11:00 – 11:50 Dr. Chris Marble -  “Identification, Seasonality, and Control of Common Nursery Weeds”

Description: This presentation will cover easy ways to identify common, emerging, and sometimes unusual weed species that can be prevalent in nurseries in Florida. In addition to key identification characteristics, the weeds’ life cycles and biology will be discussed and how this affects which management method is most effective. The presentation will also cover when to expect each weed species throughout the year and how the seasonality of weeds will affect herbicide choices and application timing”

 

12:00 – 12:50 Dr. Johan Desaeger - “Dealing with Crop Nematodes”

 

Landscape Track presentations

11:00 – 11:50 Stephen Brown - Native Plant Problems

12:00 – 12:50  Dr. Chris Marble – “Getting More Mileage out of your Herbicide Applications”

Description: Regardless of whether you are managing pests in turf, planting beds, or other areas of the landscape, weeds are a continual nuisance throughout the year that require an constant integrated management approach. This presentation will cover new herbicides, rotations, application techniques and timings, non-chemical controls, and how weed species and landscape considerations will affect which control options are most effective and ultimately weed management success.

You can get your tickets to this event here

Ornamental Production Virtual Field Day Nov. 5th

Join us on November 5th from 9-13:00 for a virtual field day and production update.  4 CEUs will be offered (2 Core and 2 PRVT)  Get the latest informational updates from UF and industry to help you reduce the cost/risk of producing plants.  Check out the flyer below for more information and register today at bit.ly/36YaU3y for only $20.

Core and Private Applicator License Exam Review Class and CEUS

Do you need prep courses for the General Core Exam (both 487 and 482) and/or Private Applicator Exam?  Do you need two CEUs for Core and/or Private pesticide licenses? Both of these prep classes/CEUs are available on September 17th Virtually!

Please see below for more information about the class and links for registration.  You will need to register through Eventbrite for the class(es).  See the links below.

General Core Prep – September 17th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.  2 Core CEUs available (both 482 and 487).  The cost of this class is $25.00 + processing fee.  

Private Applicator Prep – September 17th from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm.  2 Private CEUs available.  The cost of this class is $25.00 + processing fee.  Exams will need to be scheduled separately.

     The link to register for one of the classes or both is here:

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-private-and-core-pesticide-applicator-training-classes-tickets-89083349697

After you register for the class, a web link will be emailed to you to participate in the live virtual class. 

FTGA CEU Day--Need Your CEUs for Pesticide Licenses?

This is a great opportunity to get any CEUs you may be lacking towards your pesticide license.  Florida Turfgrass Association is sponsoring this virtual field day so we can increase knowledge and get those extra CEUs.  To register online you can go to this link.  https://www.ftga.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1372122 or you can print out the registration page and mail or fax.