Every pesticide business that applies pesticides for the control of ornamental (3A), turf (3B), interior landscape (3C), wood-destroying (7A) or structural (7E) pests and also employs uncertified applicators is required by the Kansas Pesticide Law to have a registered pest control technician training program.
Important notes:
- Businesses in the above categories who hire only certified applicators and do not plan to hire uncertified applicators must state this on the Training Program Checklist or in a letter to KDA.
- Every uncertified applicator you hire must go through your initial training program even if they have been previously trained as a registered technician at another pesticide business. When a registered technician leaves your employ, their registration becomes void and they are considered an uncertified applicator.
All uncertified applicators must be trained within the first 90 days of employment. All training programs must consist of a minimum of 10 hours of classroom training and 30 hours of on-the-job training. If you hire someone to be trained as a registered technician, you must notify the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) within 30 days of their employment using the report of change form. Uncertified applicators may only apply pesticides when a certified applicator or registered technician is physically present.
New Businesses must submit a training program with their Kansas pesticide business license application. Businesses will have 90 days to ensure that their uncertified applicators become certified or are trained as registered technicians.
Renewing businesses must indicate any changes in their training programs for uncertified applicators on their business license renewal form.
REGISTERED TECHNICIAN PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
STEP 1: Select one of the three options listed below for classroom training of your uncertified applicators:
Option 1: Purchase a program from the following sources:
Categories 3A and 3B (For Sale) Mid-America Green Industry Council P.O. Box 419264 Kansas City, MO 64141 (816) 561-5323 | Categories 3A, 3B, 7A and 7E CTN Educational Services P.O. Box 1246 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 829-5114 | Categories 7A & 7E (Member Benefit) Kansas Pest Control Association 212 SW 8th Ave, Ste 202 Topeka, KS 66603 (785) 271-9220 |
Option 2: Send employees to an approved training session
Only for 3A and 3B: contact Mid-America Green Industry Council at (816) 561-5323
Option 3: Develop your own training program
Develop a detailed outline of your training program, indicating the time spent on each topic and the references you will be using for each topic. The references may be books, publications, slides, videos or computer based programs that you wish to use in training. The required topics are listed below.
K-State Research and Extension Certification Manuals (Complete the Initial Program Checklist)
You may develop a program based on the certification manuals if you completely cover the appropriate manuals (General and Category) and review labels & equipment that you will be using for a minimum total of 10 hours of classroom training and 30 hours of on-the-job training. All programs must include the current Statement of Service Requirements handout.
Registered Technician Category 3 Law Requirements
Registered Technician Category 7 Law Requirements
Programs in 7A must also state that they will include termite definitions in K.A.R. 4-13-1 and termite control applications procedures in K.A.R. 4-13-7 & 4-13-26.
STEP 2: Complete the Training Program Checklist or send a letter to KDA stating which program you will be using or include your training outline. KDA will review your program and inform you if any changes are needed in your program.
STEP 3: Train your uncertified applicators and keep detailed records of all their training using the Registered Technician Training Record as a guide. Records must be kept for three years and contain the following:
- Typed or printed name of trainee
- Subject matter covered and type of training, classroom or on-the-job
- Date and duration of each training session in hours
- Signature of the trainee and signature of authorized officer or representative of the pesticide business licensee who administered the training.
STEP 4: Send a completed Registered Pest Control Technician Application and fees to KDA. Fees are $25 per technician if you have previously paid the $15 uncertified applicator fee. Otherwise, the fee is $40.
STEP 5: Identification cards will be provided to the business through the online Portal System, which must be in the possession of the registered technician during all applications. All pesticides, both general use and restricted use, may only be applied under the supervision of a certified applicator. The certified applicator must provide instructions on the handling and application of pesticide being used and be available by telephone, radio or comparable means when the pesticide is being applied. The registered technician must work from the same business address as the supervising certified applicator.
STEP 6: Renew your technician registrations online every year as they expire annual on December 31. The business is responsible for ensuring that each technician receives six hours of training every year before renewal.