NYS PCO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NYS PCO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When a label requires chemical-resistant gloves, which material is generally appropriate? → Nitrile or other unlined chemical-resistant material
2. A supervisor notices output drops every time two specific tasks are assigned to the same employee on the same day. The most reasonable initial conclusion is: → The combined workload of those two tasks may exceed one person's daily capacity
3. If a certified applicator's license lapses in New York, they must do which of the following to reinstate it? → Complete required continuing education credits and pay renewal fees
4. An applicator experiences pinpoint pupils, excessive salivation, and muscle twitching after using an organophosphate. These are symptoms of what? → Cholinesterase inhibition poisoning
5. Which PPE component protects a PCO from dermal pesticide exposure when working with liquid concentrates? → Chemical-resistant apron
6. A technician finds a pesticide label that conflicts with a supervisor's verbal instructions. What must the technician do? → Follow the label, because the label is the law
7. What does GPM stand for in pesticide sprayer calibration? → Gallons Per Minute
8. The American dog tick is a vector for which disease in New York State? → Rocky Mountain spotted fever
9. Which method of pesticide application is generally preferred in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program because it minimizes non-target exposure? → Targeted crack, crevice, and spot treatments
10. When using a compressed air sprayer to treat cracks and crevices, the recommended internal pressure is → 5 to 20 psi
11. Which cockroach species is the smallest and most commonly found in kitchen and restaurant infestations in New York? → German cockroach (Blattella germanica)
12. Under New York's IPM requirements for schools, PCOs must prioritize which approach? → Non-chemical or least-toxic chemical methods first, with notification before pesticide use
13. Under NYS DEC rules, a commercial pesticide applicator must notify building occupants before an indoor application by: → Providing advance notice as required by the specific pesticide label and state law
14. What is the minimum education requirement to take the NYS Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) exam? → A bachelor's degree (or one expected within 12 months of the exam date)
15. Exclusion, as an IPM strategy, involves: → Sealing entry points to prevent pest access to a structure
16. Which rodent sign BEST indicates a current, active infestation rather than an old one? → Fresh, soft, dark droppings and greasy rub marks
17. What is the maximum civil penalty per violation for an unlicensed person performing commercial pesticide applications in New York? → $5,000 per violation
18. A customer asks a technician to apply a pesticide at a higher rate than the label allows 'to make sure it works.' What must the technician do? → Refuse, because exceeding the labeled rate is illegal
19. Which stage of the cat flea's life cycle is latent until it receives a signal that the host is present? → Pupa
20. A treatment threshold in IPM is best defined as what? → The pest population level at which control action should be taken
21. Which stored product pest creates silken webbing inside grain and flour containers? → Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella)
22. Which document must a commercial applicator consult FIRST before mixing or applying any pesticide? → The product label
23. Which sentence is written most clearly and correctly for a professional report? → The committee reviewed the proposal and recommended two changes.
24. When mixing pesticides, the correct order of addition to the spray tank is: → Fill tank halfway with water → add wettable powder or flowable → then remaining water
25. In the IPM hierarchy, pesticides are considered: → A last resort used only when other methods are insufficient or impractical
26. NYS requires recertification credits (continuing education) for certified applicators on a cycle of every: → 3 years
27. What is the purpose of calibrating a pesticide application equipment before use? → To ensure the correct amount of pesticide is delivered per unit area
28. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Section 8 provides information on: → Exposure controls and personal protective equipment
29. A NY pesticide dealer must obtain a dealer registration from the NYS DEC if they sell: → Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs)
30. What is the primary purpose of a pre-application site inspection before treating a structure? → To identify pest species, harborage areas, and conducive conditions