Free Private General Applicator Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Private General Applicator Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1An applicator is comparing two pesticide containers and needs the number that identifies the specific federally registered product. Which label item should be used?

   1. A. EPA Registration Number
   2. B. EPA Establishment Number
   3. C. net contents statement
   4. D. manufacturer mailing address

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The manual states, "Most EPA registration numbers include just two sets of numbers, which identify the manufacturer and the specific product." The establishment number instead identifies the producing facility.

   Reference: Epa National Core Manual — Chapter 3, pp. 36-37

2. 2An applicator is evaluating harm that may appear after repeated low-level exposure over months or years. Which toxicity concept applies?

   1. A. physical incompatibility
   2. B. acute toxicity
   3. C. phytotoxicity
   4. D. chronic toxicity

   Answer: D

   Explanation: The glossary defines chronic toxicity as "The ability of small amounts of pesticide from repeated, prolonged exposure to cause injury." The described months-or-years exposure is chronic.

   Reference: Epa National Core Manual — Glossary, Chronic Toxicity

3. 3Small spray droplets remain suspended in a cool layer of air near the ground during a temperature inversion. What is the main concern?

   1. A. The droplets can move off target in a concentrated cloud
   2. B. The droplets can evaporate faster in hot, dry air
   3. C. The pesticide can move with eroded soil in runoff
   4. D. The pesticide can leach through coarse soil

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NDSU states, "Air temperature inversions provide near-perfect conditions for tiny, aerosol-size droplets to drift away from their targets." The stable layer can therefore transport the spray off target.

   Reference: Air Temperature Inversions Causes, Characteristics and Potential Effects on Pesticide Spray Drift | NDSU Agriculture — Inversions and Pesticide Spray Drift

4. 4Leaves are damaged, but the cause could be insects, disease, or herbicide injury. What should happen before a pesticide is selected?

   1. A. Identify the pest or other cause of damage
   2. B. Determine an action threshold before identifying the cause
   3. C. Choose a biological control before identifying the cause
   4. D. Select a pesticide rotation before identifying the cause

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The manual states, "A successful pest management program begins with the proper identification of the pest." Identification must precede selection of a control.

   Reference: Epa National Core Manual — Chapter 1, pp. 4-13

5. 5Scouting confirms that a pathogenic fungus is damaging wheat leaves. Which pesticide type is designed to control that pest group?

   1. A. Fungicide
   2. B. Herbicide
   3. C. Rodenticide
   4. D. Miticide

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The manual states, "Fungicides control fungi." Product selection must still match the labeled crop and fungal disease.

   Reference: Epa National Core Manual — Chapter 4, pp. 49-52

6. 6A pesticide must be placed evenly over an entire field surface. Which application method is being described?

   1. A. Broadcast application
   2. B. Spot treatment
   3. C. Band application
   4. D. Directed spray

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The glossary defines broadcast application as "A pesticide or other material uniformly applied over an entire field or area." That matches full-field placement.

   Reference: Epa National Core Manual — Glossary, Broadcast Application

7. 7What is the minimum age for North Dakota private applicator certification?

   1. A. 16 years
   2. B. 18 years
   3. C. 19 years
   4. D. 21 years

   Answer: B

   Explanation: NDAC 60-03-01-05.2(1)(a) requires applicants to "Are eighteen years of age or older." Therefore the minimum is 18.

   Reference: Nd Admin Code 60 03 01 — NDAC 60-03-01-05.2(1)(a)

8. 8A North Dakota private applicator supervises a competent worker applying a restricted-use herbicide. If called, how quickly must the certified applicator be able to physically arrive at the application location?

   1. A. Within 15 minutes
   2. B. Within 20 minutes
   3. C. Within 45 minutes
   4. D. Within 30 minutes

   Answer: D

   Explanation: North Dakota states, "The certified applicator must be able to physically arrive at the location of a supervised applicator within thirty minutes." Therefore the controlling time is 30 minutes.

   Reference: Nd Admin Code 60 03 01 — NDAC 60-03-01-02(25)

9. 9Which storage practice best protects restricted-use pesticides against theft or unauthorized use?

   1. A. Keeping the storage area locked and controlling access
   2. B. Keeping an accurate inventory but leaving access uncontrolled
   3. C. Posting pesticide-warning signs but leaving the entrance unlocked
   4. D. Keeping original labels but storing containers in an open shed

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The manual directs, "Keep chemical storage areas locked when not in use." Controlled, locked access directly protects against theft and unauthorized use.

   Reference: Epa National Core Manual — Chapter 8, pp. 126-131

10. 10Scouting reveals an insect, but most individuals are in a life stage not susceptible to the labeled treatment. What should guide timing?

    1. A. Treat when the pest reaches the action threshold, regardless of life stage
    2. B. Treat when scouting and labeling identify a susceptible pest life stage
    3. C. Treat at a calendar date used in the previous season, regardless of scouting
    4. D. Treat when weather is calm, regardless of pest susceptibility

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The manual states, "Once the pest is identified, applicators can learn about its life cycle, behavior, characteristic damage, factors that favor its development, susceptible life stage(s), and known control methods." Scouting and labeling should guide timing.

    Reference: Epa National Core Manual — Chapter 1, Pest Identification