I85PREP
⌘ K
ND Pesticide Applicator study materials
ND Pesticide Applicator study resources

ND Pesticide Applicator practice questions

One question at a time. Build your ND Pesticide Applicator understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Pesticide Program

Under North Dakota law, which agency holds primary responsibility for regulating pesticide use and enforcing pesticide rules in the state?

  1. The North Dakota Department of Health
  2. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department
  3. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture Correct answer.
  4. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Explanation

North Dakota's pesticide program is administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, which registers pesticides, certifies applicators, and enforces state pesticide law. EPA oversees federal law but delegates day-to-day state enforcement to the state lead agency.

Question 2Pesticide Program

A private pesticide applicator certification in North Dakota is required for a person who applies restricted-use pesticides to do which of the following?

  1. Apply pesticides inside a commercial food-processing plant
  2. Control pests on land they own or rent for agricultural production Correct answer.
  3. Spray right-of-way vegetation for a city government
  4. Treat lawns for hire in a residential neighborhood

Explanation

Private applicator certification covers persons applying restricted-use pesticides on land they own or rent to produce an agricultural commodity. Applying for hire or on public/commercial property falls under commercial or public applicator categories.

Question 3Pesticide Program

Which of the following best describes a restricted-use pesticide?

  1. A pesticide approved only for use on organic crops
  2. A pesticide that can be purchased by any consumer without any certification
  3. A pesticide that may be sold only to and used only by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision Correct answer.
  4. A pesticide that is banned from all sale and use in the United States

Explanation

Restricted-use pesticides carry the federal designation that they may be sold only to certified applicators and used only by them or under their direct supervision. General-use pesticides are available to the public without certification.

Question 4Pesticide Program

What is the purpose of a pesticide product's EPA registration number?

  1. It certifies that the applicator is licensed to use the product
  2. It lists the manufacturer's recommended retail price
  3. It confirms the product has been tested for organic compliance
  4. It identifies the specific product registered with EPA for the uses on the label Correct answer.

Explanation

The EPA registration number identifies a specific registered product and its approved label uses. It does not certify applicators, set prices, or indicate organic status.

Question 5Pesticide Program

Which signal word on a pesticide label indicates the highest level of acute toxicity among the choices?

  1. WARNING
  2. NOTICE
  3. DANGER Correct answer.
  4. CAUTION

Explanation

The signal words rank in order of increasing hazard as CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER, with DANGER indicating the most severe acute toxicity. NOTICE is not a hazard signal word.

Question 6Pesticide Program

The Worker Protection Standard requires agricultural employers to provide which of the following to workers who handle pesticides?

  1. Free personal vehicles for commuting
  2. Annual physical examinations paid by the employer
  3. Pesticide safety training and access to label information Correct answer.
  4. A guaranteed hourly wage increase

Explanation

The Worker Protection Standard requires training for workers and handlers, access to safety information, and protections such as decontamination supplies. It does not mandate commuting vehicles, wage increases, or employer-paid physicals.

Question 7Pesticide Program

Which of the following is the correct action when a pesticide container is empty and ready for disposal under a typical label instruction?

  1. Leave the container open near a water well
  2. Reuse the container to store drinking water
  3. Triple-rinse or pressure-rinse the container and dispose of it according to label directions Correct answer.
  4. Burn the container in an open field

Explanation

Proper container disposal requires rinsing to remove residue and then following the label's disposal instructions and local rules. Burning, reusing for drinking water, or leaving containers near water creates contamination and safety hazards.

Question 8Pesticide Program

A pesticide applicator must keep records of restricted-use pesticide applications in North Dakota primarily because:

  1. recordkeeping replaces the need for certification
  2. the product label requires the buyer to resell the product
  3. state and federal rules require records to verify compliance and support investigations Correct answer.
  4. records are used to calculate the applicator's income tax

Explanation

Recordkeeping for restricted-use pesticide applications is required by regulation so regulators can verify proper use and trace applications when problems arise. Records do not serve tax, resale, or certification-replacement purposes.

Question 9Pesticide Program

A certified private applicator lets an uncertified neighbor apply a restricted-use pesticide on the applicator's own farm. Under the certification rules, this arrangement is acceptable only when:

  1. the neighbor has prior experience with the same product
  2. the uncertified person is under the certified applicator's direct supervision Correct answer.
  3. the neighbor signs a waiver of liability
  4. the application occurs on a weekend

Explanation

Restricted-use pesticides may be used by uncertified persons only under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. Experience, timing, or a liability waiver does not satisfy the supervision requirement.

Question 10Pesticide Program

Which piece of information on a pesticide label tells the applicator the maximum amount of product that may be applied per acre in a single application?

  1. The precautionary statements section
  2. The use directions section Correct answer.
  3. The EPA registration number
  4. The storage and disposal section

Explanation

The use directions section contains application rates, timing, and site restrictions, including maximum per-acre amounts. The registration number, storage section, and precautionary statements do not state application rates.

Question 11Pesticide Program

An applicator is planning an application near a sensitive area and wants to reduce off-target drift. Which label section is most directly relevant to required buffer distances and wind restrictions?

  1. The physical or chemical hazards statement
  2. The net contents statement
  3. The warranty statement
  4. The use directions and restrictions section Correct answer.

Explanation

Use directions and restrictions include buffer zones, wind speed limits, and other application conditions designed to prevent off-target movement. The other sections address chemical hazards, warranty terms, and package quantity.

Question 12Pesticide Program

Under the Worker Protection Standard, an agricultural employer must provide a decontamination site that includes which of the following?

  1. A soil testing kit
  2. A pesticide mixing tank
  3. Soap, water, and towels for washing Correct answer.
  4. A gasoline-powered generator

Explanation

WPS decontamination requirements call for soap, water, and towels so workers and handlers can wash off pesticide residues. Generators, mixing tanks, and soil test kits are not decontamination supplies.

Question 13Pesticide Program

An applicator mixes a pesticide and notices the label requires a specific respirator. What is the correct approach before beginning the application?

  1. Borrow a respirator from a coworker without checking the model
  2. Select a respirator that meets the label specification and verify it fits properly Correct answer.
  3. Skip the respirator if the wind is blowing away from the applicator
  4. Use any dust mask available in the shop

Explanation

Applicators must use the respiratory protection specified on the label and ensure a proper fit, which may require fit testing. Substituting an unsuitable mask or skipping protection when convenient violates label directions.

Question 14Pesticide Program

An applicator applies a pesticide to a field and then must observe a restricted-entry interval (REI). What does the REI specify?

  1. The time allowed to clean application equipment
  2. The time the product may remain in storage before expiring
  3. The time during which entry into the treated area is restricted unless protective equipment is worn Correct answer.
  4. The time before the crop can be harvested

Explanation

The REI states how long after application workers may not enter the treated area except under specified protections. It is distinct from the preharvest interval, storage life, and equipment cleaning time.

Question 15Pesticide Program

A commercial applicator in North Dakota applies a restricted-use herbicide to a customer's field. Which record must the applicator maintain?

  1. Only the customer's phone number
  2. Only the total invoice amount
  3. The date, location, product, rate, and applicator identification for the application Correct answer.
  4. Only the weather forecast for the following day

Explanation

Restricted-use pesticide records must capture identifying details such as date, location, product, rate, and the certified applicator. Phone numbers, invoice totals, and forecasts alone do not satisfy recordkeeping requirements.

Question 16Pesticide Program

A pesticide spill occurs during mixing. Which action should the applicator take first to protect people and the environment?

  1. Contain the spill and keep people away, then follow the label and emergency guidance for cleanup Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the end of the day to address the spill
  3. Wash the spill into a nearby ditch with a hose
  4. Cover the spill with soil and continue the application

Explanation

Spill response begins with containment and keeping people away, followed by cleanup per label and emergency guidance. Washing the material into a ditch spreads contamination, and delaying response increases risk.

Question 17Pesticide Program

Which of the following is the proper way to store pesticides to reduce accidental poisoning?

  1. In a locked area away from food, feed, and children, with labels intact Correct answer.
  2. In an unlocked shed next to livestock feed
  3. In the passenger area of a vehicle
  4. In unlabeled beverage containers on a kitchen shelf

Explanation

Safe storage keeps pesticides locked and separated from food, feed, and children, with original labels intact. Storing near feed, in food containers, or in a vehicle passenger area creates serious poisoning risks.

Question 18Pesticide Program

An applicator reads a label that prohibits application when wind speeds exceed a stated limit. This restriction is best described as:

  1. a recommendation the applicator may ignore at will
  2. a use restriction that must be followed as part of the label directions Correct answer.
  3. a suggestion that applies only to aerial applications
  4. a warranty term about product performance

Explanation

Conditions such as wind speed limits are use restrictions on the label and are legally enforceable, not optional advice. They apply to the labeled uses regardless of whether the application is ground or aerial unless stated otherwise.

Question 19Pesticide Program

A certified applicator's neighbor asks to borrow a restricted-use insecticide for use on the neighbor's own garden. What is the correct response under certification rules?

  1. The neighbor may borrow it because the amount is small
  2. The neighbor may borrow it if they promise to read the label
  3. The neighbor may borrow it if they wear gloves
  4. The neighbor must be a certified applicator or apply only under the certificant's direct supervision Correct answer.

Explanation

Restricted-use pesticides may be used only by certified applicators or under their direct supervision, regardless of the quantity involved. Small amounts, promises to read the label, or gloves do not satisfy certification requirements.

Question 20Pesticide Program

Which of the following best explains why the state certifies pesticide applicators?

  1. To replace the need for product labels
  2. To set the retail price of pesticides
  3. To guarantee that treated crops will be pest-free
  4. To verify that applicators understand safe handling, label compliance, and environmental protection Correct answer.

Explanation

Certification demonstrates that applicators have the knowledge to use pesticides safely and legally, including label compliance and environmental protection. It does not guarantee pest control, set prices, or replace labels.

Question 21Pesticide Program

An applicator is unsure whether a particular use of a product is legal. According to the principle of label compliance, the applicator should:

  1. use the product only for uses specifically listed on the label or otherwise permitted by regulation Correct answer.
  2. rely on a neighbor's past practice as authority
  3. decide based on the product's color and smell
  4. use the product for any pest that seems similar to a listed pest

Explanation

A pesticide may be used only for labeled sites and pests or as allowed by regulation; similar pests or past practice do not authorize a use. Physical appearance cannot establish legal use.

Question 22Pesticide Program

A certified applicator supervises an uncertified handler applying a restricted-use pesticide. Which condition is essential for the supervision to satisfy the rules?

  1. The application must occur at night
  2. The certified applicator must be available and able to direct the work as required by the label and rules Correct answer.
  3. The uncertified handler must have a college degree in agriculture
  4. The certified applicator must be physically absent from the property

Explanation

Direct supervision requires the certified applicator to be reachable and able to direct the application as specified. A degree, time of day, or the certificant's absence does not define adequate supervision.

Question 23Pesticide Program

A product label lists a preharvest interval (PHI) of 14 days for a crop. An applicator applied the product and wants to harvest 10 days later. What is the compliant action?

  1. Harvest at 10 days if the customer approves
  2. Harvest at 10 days if the crop is rinsed after harvest
  3. Wait until the full 14-day interval has passed before harvesting Correct answer.
  4. Harvest at 10 days because the residue will likely be low

Explanation

The preharvest interval is a label requirement that must be observed in full; harvesting early violates the label regardless of assumptions about residue or customer approval. Washing after harvest does not cure an early harvest.

Question 24Pesticide Program

An employer subject to the Worker Protection Standard must inform workers about pesticide applications on the establishment. Which practice meets the notification requirement?

  1. Announcing applications only after the REI has ended
  2. Providing either oral warnings or posted warning signs as specified by the standard Correct answer.
  3. Posting notices only in the employer's private office
  4. Relying on workers to notice application equipment in the field

Explanation

WPS notification requires oral warnings, posting, or both as the standard specifies so workers know to avoid treated areas. Relying on observation or notifying after the REI, or posting only in a private office, does not meet the requirement.

Question 25Pesticide Program

A commercial applicator discovers that a required record for a restricted-use application was never completed. Which statement best reflects the applicator's obligation?

  1. The applicator should complete accurate records as required, since missing records can constitute a violation Correct answer.
  2. Records may be reconstructed from memory at the end of the year
  3. Records are optional for commercial applicators
  4. Records only need to be kept when a complaint is filed

Explanation

Restricted-use application records are a regulatory requirement, and failing to keep them can itself be a violation. Records are not optional, cannot be deferred to year-end guesswork, and are not contingent on complaints.

Question 26Pesticide Program

Which federal law provides the foundation for pesticide regulation in the United States, including registration and labeling requirements?

  1. The Clean Water Act
  2. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Correct answer.
  3. The Endangered Species Act
  4. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Explanation

FIFRA is the primary federal statute governing the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides. It requires that pesticides be registered with the EPA and that labels carry directions for use.

Question 27Pesticide Program

In North Dakota, which state agency is primarily responsible for administering the pesticide applicator certification program?

  1. The North Dakota State University Extension Service
  2. The North Dakota Department of Health
  3. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department
  4. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture Correct answer.

Explanation

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the state pesticide program, including certifying applicators and enforcing pesticide laws and regulations.

Question 28Pesticide Program

What is the primary purpose of the North Dakota pesticide certification program?

  1. To ensure that applicators use pesticides safely and according to label directions Correct answer.
  2. To restrict pesticide use to licensed commercial businesses only
  3. To guarantee that no pesticide will ever cause harm
  4. To increase the sale of pesticides within the state

Explanation

Certification programs are designed to protect human health and the environment by ensuring applicators understand safe handling, application, and legal requirements. Certified applicators are expected to follow label directions and state regulations.

Question 29Pesticide Program

Under FIFRA, which of the following is a legal requirement for a pesticide label?

  1. It must include the manufacturer's home address.
  2. It must state the product's EPA registration number. Correct answer.
  3. It must provide a money-back guarantee.
  4. It must list the price of the product.

Explanation

FIFRA requires that registered pesticide labels display the EPA registration number, which identifies the product and its registration. This number is a key part of the label's legal information.

Question 30Pesticide Program

What is the difference between a restricted-use pesticide (RUP) and a general-use pesticide?

  1. General-use pesticides require a special state permit for each application.
  2. General-use pesticides are more toxic than RUPs.
  3. RUPs are exempt from EPA registration.
  4. RUPs can only be sold to certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision. Correct answer.

Explanation

RUPs are pesticides that may cause harm to humans or the environment even when used as directed, so they are restricted to certified applicators or persons under their supervision. General-use pesticides are available to the public without certification.

Question 31Pesticide Program

Under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), which of the following must an agricultural employer provide to workers before they enter a treated area?

  1. An oral warning and a posted warning sign, as specified by the label Correct answer.
  2. A medical examination for each worker
  3. A copy of the pesticide label for each product used
  4. Personal protective equipment for every worker regardless of task

Explanation

The WPS requires employers to notify workers about pesticide applications through oral warnings, posted signs, or both, depending on the label requirements. This notification helps workers avoid exposure.

Question 32Pesticide Program

Which of the following is a key responsibility of a certified commercial pesticide applicator in North Dakota?

  1. Avoiding the use of restricted-use pesticides entirely
  2. Applying pesticides only on their own property
  3. Providing free pesticide application services to neighbors
  4. Supervising uncertified applicators and ensuring compliance with label directions Correct answer.

Explanation

Certified commercial applicators are responsible for supervising noncertified personnel and ensuring that applications comply with label directions and state regulations. They may apply pesticides on property they do not own.

Question 33Pesticide Program

What information is typically required on a pesticide label to determine the correct mixing ratio for a given application?

  1. The EPA registration number
  2. The manufacturer's telephone number
  3. The directions for use section Correct answer.
  4. The storage and disposal instructions

Explanation

The directions for use section of the label provides specific instructions on how to mix and apply the product, including rates and ratios. This section is legally binding and must be followed.

Question 34Pesticide Program

An applicator is planning to apply a pesticide near a sensitive crop and wants to minimize drift. Which label section is most likely to provide specific restrictions or buffer requirements?

  1. The physical or chemical hazards section
  2. The directions for use Correct answer.
  3. The precautionary statements
  4. The storage and disposal section

Explanation

The directions for use often contain specific application restrictions, such as buffer zones or wind speed limits, to protect sensitive areas. These directions are legally enforceable.

Question 35Pesticide Program

What does the restricted-entry interval (REI) on a pesticide label indicate?

  1. The interval between mixing and application
  2. The maximum number of applications allowed per season
  3. The time that must pass before workers can re-enter a treated area without protective equipment Correct answer.
  4. The time required for the pesticide to degrade completely in the soil

Explanation

The REI is the minimum time that must elapse after a pesticide application before workers may enter the treated area without the required PPE. It is set to protect workers from exposure.

Question 36Pesticide Program

An applicator mixes a pesticide and notices the label requires a specific respirator. What is the correct approach before applying the pesticide?

  1. Apply the pesticide only if the required respirator is available and fits properly. Correct answer.
  2. Use a dust mask as a substitute if the respirator is unavailable.
  3. Apply the pesticide without the respirator if the application is quick.
  4. Use the respirator only if the pesticide is visible in the air.

Explanation

The label specifies the minimum PPE required, and the applicator must use the exact type of respirator listed. If the required equipment is not available, the application must be postponed.

Question 37Pesticide Program

A commercial applicator in North Dakota applies a restricted-use herbicide to a customer's field. Which record must the applicator keep?

  1. The customer's social security number
  2. The customer's pesticide purchase receipts
  3. The date of application, the product used, and the amount applied Correct answer.
  4. The applicator's personal medical history

Explanation

North Dakota requires certified commercial applicators to maintain records of restricted-use pesticide applications, including the date, product, amount, and location. These records help with enforcement and traceability.

Question 38Pesticide Program

A certified applicator's neighbor asks to borrow a restricted-use insecticide for use on the neighbor's own garden. What is the appropriate response?

  1. Lend the pesticide if the neighbor promises to follow the label.
  2. Refuse because only certified applicators can use RUPs, and the neighbor is not certified. Correct answer.
  3. Sell the pesticide to the neighbor at cost.
  4. Lend the pesticide if the neighbor is a homeowner.

Explanation

Restricted-use pesticides may only be applied by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision. The neighbor is not certified, so lending the product would violate the law.

Question 39Pesticide Program

An applicator is unsure whether a particular use of a product is legal. According to the principle of label compliance, what should the applicator do?

  1. Proceed with the application if the use seems reasonable.
  2. Ask a neighbor who has used the product similarly.
  3. Apply the product and check the label afterward.
  4. Consult the label and, if the use is not listed, do not apply. Correct answer.

Explanation

The label defines legal uses; if a use is not explicitly allowed on the label, it is illegal. Applicators must follow the label exactly.

Question 40Pesticide Program

A certified applicator supervises an uncertified handler applying a restricted-use pesticide. Which condition is essential for this to be legal?

  1. The certified applicator must provide direct supervision and be available if needed. Correct answer.
  2. The uncertified handler must carry a copy of the label.
  3. The uncertified handler must have completed a training course.
  4. The certified applicator must be physically present at the application site.

Explanation

Uncertified handlers may apply RUPs only under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. Direct supervision means the certified applicator is responsible for the application and is available to assist.

Question 41Pesticide Program

A product label lists a preharvest interval (PHI) of 14 days for a crop. An applicator applied the product and wants to harvest after 10 days. What should the applicator do?

  1. Harvest after 10 days if the crop is washed thoroughly.
  2. Wait until at least 14 days after application before harvesting. Correct answer.
  3. Harvest after 10 days because the PHI is only a guideline.
  4. Apply a different pesticide to speed up degradation.

Explanation

The PHI is the minimum time that must pass between application and harvest to ensure residues are below legal tolerances. Harvesting earlier would violate the label and could leave illegal residues.

Question 42Pesticide Program

An employer subject to the Worker Protection Standard must inform workers about pesticide applications on the establishment. Which method is acceptable for this notification?

  1. Posting a sign at the main entrance only
  2. Announcing the application on the local radio
  3. Providing oral warnings and posting warning signs as required by the label Correct answer.
  4. Sending a text message to each worker's personal phone

Explanation

The WPS requires employers to notify workers through oral warnings, posted signs, or both, depending on the pesticide label. The method must be specified and accessible to workers.

Question 43Pesticide Program

A commercial applicator discovers that a required record for a restricted-use application was never completed. Which statement best describes the legal situation?

  1. The applicator has violated state and federal recordkeeping requirements and may face penalties. Correct answer.
  2. The customer is responsible for keeping the record.
  3. The applicator can complete the record later without consequence.
  4. Recordkeeping is optional for commercial applicators.

Explanation

Certified commercial applicators are legally required to maintain records of restricted-use pesticide applications. Failure to do so is a violation and can result in fines or certification actions.

Question 44Pesticide Program

An applicator is applying a pesticide near a water body and the label includes a restriction to protect aquatic life. Which action is most appropriate to comply with the label?

  1. Apply the pesticide directly over the water to control pests.
  2. Apply the pesticide only when fish are not present.
  3. Use a higher application rate to reduce the number of trips.
  4. Maintain the buffer zone specified on the label. Correct answer.

Explanation

Labels often specify buffer zones to protect sensitive areas such as water bodies. Applicators must adhere to these distances to prevent contamination.

Question 45Pesticide Program

Which of the following best describes the concept of "direct supervision" for restricted-use pesticide applications?

  1. The certified applicator must provide written instructions only.
  2. The certified applicator must be physically present at the application site at all times.
  3. The certified applicator must be on the same property and within sight of the application.
  4. The certified applicator is responsible for the application and is available to assist if needed. Correct answer.

Explanation

Direct supervision means the certified applicator is accountable for the application and can be contacted or reached to provide assistance. It does not always require physical presence.

Question 46Pesticide Program

An applicator uses a pesticide in a manner that is not consistent with its label. Under FIFRA, this is:

  1. A violation of federal law. Correct answer.
  2. Allowed if the applicator has a valid certification.
  3. Permitted if the applicator obtains verbal permission from the manufacturer.
  4. Acceptable if the application is on the applicator's own property.

Explanation

FIFRA prohibits use of a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. This is a legal violation regardless of certification or property ownership.

Question 47Pesticide Program

Which of the following is a key element of a pesticide label's "directions for use" that applicators must follow?

  1. The color of the container
  2. The product's shelf life after opening
  3. The list of acceptable application sites and rates Correct answer.
  4. The manufacturer's warranty information

Explanation

The directions for use specify where and how the product may be applied, including rates and target pests. Applicators must follow these directions to comply with the law.

Question 48Pesticide Program

Under North Dakota pesticide law, which state agency administers the pesticide certification and licensing program for applicators?

  1. The North Dakota State University Extension Service
  2. The North Dakota Department of Health
  3. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture Correct answer.
  4. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Explanation

North Dakota pesticide applicator certification and licensing is administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, which issues the certification and enforces the state pesticide rules. Other agencies may have related environmental or health roles but do not run the applicator certification program.

Question 49Pesticide Program

A certified private applicator in North Dakota is applying a restricted-use pesticide and wants to know the minimum time that application records must be kept. Which source governs this requirement?

  1. The state pesticide regulations and the product label, which specify retention requirements Correct answer.
  2. The pesticide dealer's invoice terms, which override state requirements
  3. The federal FIFRA statute alone, which sets all state recordkeeping periods
  4. The local county weed board, which sets retention periods for each township

Explanation

Recordkeeping for restricted-use pesticide applications is governed by the applicable state regulations together with any label requirements, and the longer or more specific requirement controls. Federal law sets a framework, but states may impose their own retention periods for certified applicators. Dealer invoices and local boards do not override these regulatory requirements.

Question 50Pesticide Program

A North Dakota applicator holds a certification that is set to expire and continues to make restricted-use pesticide applications after the expiration date without renewing. How is this situation best characterized?

  1. It is a violation because applying restricted-use pesticides requires a currently valid certification Correct answer.
  2. It is permitted because certification only governs the purchase, not the application, of the product
  3. It is acceptable if the applicator completes recertification within the same calendar year
  4. It is allowed if the applicator applies only under the direct supervision of a certified colleague

Explanation

Applying restricted-use pesticides requires a valid, current certification; an expired certification means the applicator is no longer authorized to make those applications. Completing recertification later does not retroactively legalize applications made while uncertified. Supervision by a certified applicator does not cure the lack of a valid certification for the person making the application.