NYS PCO NYS PCO Professional Level Exam 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under New York State law, which agency is primarily responsible for regulating pesticide use and certifying commercial applicators?
- Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) (Correct answer)
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Department of Agriculture and Markets
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2
Correct answer: Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
The NYS DEC administers pesticide applicator certification and enforcement under Environmental Conservation Law Article 33.
Question 2: Which part of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) contains the rules governing the application of pesticides?
- 6 NYCRR Part 325 (Correct answer)
- 10 NYCRR Part 14
- 12 NYCRR Part 56
- 6 NYCRR Part 360
Correct answer: 6 NYCRR Part 325
6 NYCRR Part 325 sets out New York's rules for the application of pesticides, including certification and recordkeeping.
Question 3: In New York State, commercial pesticide applicators must keep records of each application for how long?
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 1 year
- 5 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 3 years
New York requires commercial applicators to retain pesticide application records for at least three years.
Question 4: Which statement about restricted-use pesticides in New York is correct?
- They may only be purchased and applied by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision (Correct answer)
- They may be sold to any adult with photo identification
- They are banned entirely in New York State
- They may be applied by anyone if used indoors
Correct answer: They may only be purchased and applied by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision
Restricted-use products require certification because they pose greater risks to people or the environment.
Question 5: 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 (Correct answer)
- Follow the supervisor, because supervisors carry legal responsibility
- Split the difference by reducing the rate
- Call the manufacturer before doing anything
Correct answer: Follow the label, because the label is the law
Using a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its label is a violation of both federal and state law.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'direct supervision' of an uncertified pesticide technician in New York?
- A certified applicator is available and responsible, with contact possible when needed as the label and regulations require (Correct answer)
- The technician works alone as long as the supervisor reviews records weekly
- The supervisor watches every application in person at all times, no exceptions
- Supervision is only required for aerial applications
Correct answer: A certified applicator is available and responsible, with contact possible when needed as the label and regulations require
Direct supervision means the certified applicator remains responsible and available consistent with label and regulatory requirements, not necessarily physically present for every task.
Question 7: New York's Neighbor Notification Law primarily requires which of the following?
- Advance notice to adjacent property occupants before certain commercial lawn pesticide applications in opted-in counties (Correct answer)
- Notification to the EPA after every residential application
- Posting in newspapers before agricultural spraying
- Written consent from all residents within one mile of any application
Correct answer: Advance notice to adjacent property occupants before certain commercial lawn pesticide applications in opted-in counties
In counties that adopt the law, commercial lawn applications require 48-hour advance notice to abutting neighbors.
NYS PCO NYS PCO Professional Level Exam 2
Under New York State law, which agency is primarily responsible for regulating pesticide use and certifying commercial applicators?