(1) To qualify for a private applicator license, an individual must pass a private applicator examination that covers areas of competency described in WAC 16-228-15461(1). The examination shall be written and taken without the aid of any materials that contain information relevant to the exam content. Individuals must be capable of independently reading and interpreting exams. Individuals holding valid, passing scores on the laws and safety examination and both of the classifications in WAC 16-228-1545 (3)(a)(vi) and (xvi) are exempt from this examination requirement.
(2) Private applicators applying pesticides by fixed or rotary wing aircraft must obtain the aerial classification described in WAC 16-228-1545 (3)(a)(i).
(3) Private applicators making aquatic applications to water that moves off their own or their employer's agricultural land must obtain the aquatic classification described in WAC 16-228-1545 (3)(a)(iv).
(4) Private applicators applying space fumigants must obtain the space fumigation classification described in WAC 16-228-1545 (3)(a)(xiii).
(5) Private applicators applying soil fumigants must obtain the soil fumigation classification described in WAC 16-228-1545 (3)(a) (xii).
(6) A passing score of 70 percent is established for the examinations required under this section. The department may establish separate passing scores for the examinations if a validated process is used. Passing scores are valid for obtaining a license in the calendar year in which the examination is taken plus the following calendar year.
(7) The department may waive the examination requirements contained in this section for any person holding a valid certification with similar classifications from an EPA or Canadian approved federal, state, or provincial certification program with comparable examination and recertification standards.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 17.21.030(2) and 15.58.040(2). WSR 25-22-065, s 16-228-1546, filed 10/31/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 15.58.040, 17.21.030, and chapter 34.05 RCW. WSR 16-24-052, § 16-228-1546, filed 12/2/16, effective 1/2/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 15.58.040, 17.21.060, and chapter 34.05 RCW. WSR 14-24-031, § 16-228-1546, filed 11/21/14, effective 12/22/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 17.21.060, 15.58.040, chapter 34.05 RCW and 2012 2nd sp.s. c 7. WSR 13-02-024, § 16-228-1546, filed 12/20/12, effective 1/20/13. Statutory Authority: Chapters 17.21, 15.58, 34.05 RCW. WSR 03-22-029, § 16-228-1546, filed 10/28/03, effective 11/28/03. Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. WSR 00-24-013, § 16-228-1546, filed 11/27/00, effective 12/28/00.]