Michigan State University’s Pesticide Safety Education Program has released a new self-paced online course aimed at Michigan pesticide applicators who need restricted use pesticide (RUP) recertification or who are preparing for the Category 1A applicator exam. The Field Crop Pest Management course is built to align directly with the MSU Field Crop Pest Management Manual and offers flexible access for applicators balancing busy planting and spray seasons. The program positions the course as both a refresher for experienced applicators and a study tool for those seeking certification.
The course content is divided into two modules that mirror key chapters of the manual and emphasize core pest management principles tailored to field-crop production. Instruction covers decision-making under integrated pest management (IPM) practices and gives focused overviews of common field crop insect pests. MSU designed the modules to allow participants to work through material at their own pace and to revisit specific sections as needed for operational decisions in-season.
Upon successful completion, certified pesticide applicators in Michigan may request four RUP recertification credits in either Private Core or Category 1A for the portions of the manual covered by the course. MSU PSEP notes the online course also serves as direct preparation for the Category 1A sections of the Michigan Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam that correspond to the Field Crop Pest Management Manual. The program frames the course as a targeted training option where applicants can focus only on the modules they need.
Course structure and content
The Field Crop Pest Management offering is entirely self-paced and organized around practical topics found in the manual, including pest identification, thresholds, scouting strategies and decision tools. Registration is open to those who create an MSU Guest Account and, after registering, participants receive email instructions to access course materials. The registration carries a $30 registration fee, which covers course hosting and access to module resources.
MSU PSEP says the course is one piece of a broader effort to expand online, self-paced training for Michigan’s agricultural workforce. In addition to the field crop course, the program currently makes a fruit pest management course and a vegetable pest management course available at no cost for applicators seeking additional training or review. The free courses provide extra options for applicators who work across specialties or who want seasonal refreshers.
Additional offerings and access
The Pesticide Safety Education Program intends to continue adding self-paced online options to meet demand for flexible training that fits applicators’ schedules. Participants who want recertification credit must follow the program’s instructions for documenting course completion and submitting credit requests to state pesticide regulators. Participants must create a Michigan State University Guest Account to register.
Image credit: www.canr.msu.edu
