CTAGCertification and Training

Assessment Group

Update

Carol Ramsay

Washington State University

CTAG Vice-Chair

Established in 1997 to:

Review previous program evaluations

Explore proposals

Determine changing needs of C&T programs

Provide direction for future of the pesticide applicator C&T program

CTAG

EPA USDA Pesticide State

Lead Agencies Cooperative

Extension Service Tribes AAPCO, ASPCRO,

AAPSE, AFPMB

CTAG is a consortium of professionals to promoting the safe and effective use of pesticides through education, testing and licensing, and enforcement

Board and Workgroups

Five Goals

Reduce risks to the public from pesticide use.

Provide high quality pesticide education and safety training programs.

Improve the certification and recertification programs and processes.

Ensure adequacy and equity of funding.

Improve the efficiency of program organization and operations.

C&T Plan and Reporting

Lead Agency’s Plan and Report website Facilitate current status of plans Mechanism for annual reporting

Plan meets FIFRA and 40CFR171 Administration, authority, conformity, categories,

examinations, supervision, reciprocity

Report exceeds FIFRA and 40CFR171 Applicator totals, category totals, cycles,

recertification, regulatory activities, participation, monitoring, enforcement related to certification

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 18 to become a certified applicator (legal adult)

Ability to supervise others Ability of law enforcement to approach and

deal directly with certified applicator Timetable

Pesticide Operations and Management Meeting - late October

National EPA Region Managers-Nov. Incorporate encouragement for

implementation in FY05 grant guidance

Closed Book, Written, Monitored Exams

Written, closed-book examination for private and commercial applicators

Closed-book = No outside items. Any necessary exam resources will be provided with the examination process

Supplying reference materials for information that should be committed to memory, such as the core knowledge requirements, would be inappropriate

Same stakeholder meeting schedule as Age Requirement

85/15 Match Requirement

EPA funding to state regulatory agencies for certification

Replace 50/50 match requirement with a 85/15 match requirement

FIFRA change

Examination Security and Administrative Guidelines

The Examination

Exam integrity

Specific precautions in the office

Specific precautions/procedures at the exam site

Challenging items

Examination Security and Administrative Guidelines

Exam oversight and controls Pre-registration, scheduling exams, fees Retakes Disqualification, prohibitions Exam environment Proctoring and cheating Grading Notification and/or certification Personnel

Examination Security and Administrative Guidelines

The Candidate

Special need candidates

Information bulletin for examinees

Positive identification required

Positive Identification for Exams, Training, RUP Purchases

Require individuals taking exams to provide proof of identity

Existing documents

Driver’s license, Passport,

Military ID, Immigration green

card

Positive Identification for Exams, Training, RUP Purchases

Advantages

Cause little inconvenience for the

proctor

Incur minimal cost to states

Take minimal effort for retail

dealers to confirm buyer’s identity

Limitations

Some religious groups prohibit

pictures

Large group meetings may

require additional staff

Internet and telephone sales

more problematic

Positive Identification for Exams, Training, RUP Purchases

Certification and Recertification Exams

Verify the positive ID of all individuals

Use existing photo ID documents

Exception: Legitimate photo-averse groups (two forms of non-photo ID documents required)

Positive Identification for Exams, Training, RUP Purchases

Purchasing RUPs

Verify the positive ID of all certified

applicators

Use existing photo ID documents

Exception: Legitimate photo-

averse groups (two forms of non-

photo ID documents required)

Positive Identification for Exams, Training, RUP Purchases

Recertification Training Sessions

Attendance roster signed by all attendees

Written monitoring plan to ensure applicator competency and

program integrity

Positive Identification for Exams, Training, RUP Purchases

Harmonized Concept for Tiered Pesticide Classification

Tiered Classification that relates the hazard of pesticides to the training.

Develop an initial concept for the CTAG Board to review. This work effort is only in its infancy stage and has not yet been considered by EPA administration.

Tiered Classification

Much taken from Canadian proposal

Primary mechanism for mitigating potential hazards associated with pesticide use by: specifying the intended use of the product by the

registrant,

restricting access for use of occupationally-used and hazardous pesticides to only those individuals who are properly trained and certified, when required, and

restricting who can distribute or recommend those products.

Tiered Classification

1) Current1) Unclassified or General Use

2) Restricted Use

2) Short Term1) Home and Garden - ignore

2) General Use

3) Restricted Use Level 2

4) Restricted Use Level 1

3) Long Term1) Domestic Low Risk

2) Domestic High Risk

3) Occupational Use

4) Occupational Restricted Use

PSEP Long-Term Funding

Workgroup being formed

Co-Chairs: Kevin Keaney, Gina

Davis, Win Hock

Participants from EPA, USDA,

SLA's and CES

December 2003 meeting

PSEP Long-Term Funding

Assess/develop future funding mechanisms Keep the existing IAG with USDA, adding more

specific controls regarding timing of distribution, accounting practices and reporting requirements, OR

Establish direct relationships between EPA and state CES through grants, contracts or cooperative agreements, OR

Establish relationships with EPA and the SLA to pass through funds to state CES, OR

OTHER

Other Workgroups

Integrate WPS Training Requirements

Remote Testing

Improve Skills of Trainers

http://pep.wsu.edu/ctag

Issue papers, progress reports, presentations

Board Members (and email addresses)

Kevin Keaney, EPA - OPP Gina Davis, MI Dept. of Ag.Carol Ramsay, WSU Jeanne Heying, EPA - OPP Carl Martin, AZ Struct. PCB Richard Pont, EPA - OPPWin Hock, AAPSE Pres. Elect Jeaneanne Gettle, EPA Reg-4Jack Peterson, AZ Dept. of Ag. Monte Johnson, USDAPat O'Connor-Marer, UC Davis Bill Tozer, AFPMB

Provide comments and feedback to Board members

Certification and Training Assessment Group

Any Questions or Comments?

CTAG