On March 10, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration declared a state of emergency due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Administration has advised that gatherings of 10 or more people be discouraged to prevent and mitigate the spread of the COVID-19. Due to the directive of not holding gatherings of ten people or more the Department cancelled the March 13th, March 17th and March 20th exams while it evaluated actions for future exams during this time.
The Department explored the following options:
- Electronic Exams
- Supervision of an unlicensed individual
- Allowing private companies to proctor the exams
Due to current technical restraints and exam security, the Department does not feel that any of those options would maintain the integrity of the exam process. Additionally, due to safety, environmental and enforcement concerns that allowing unlicensed applicators to make pesticide applications raise, the Department does not feel that it is appropriate to allow for this option.
Therefore, at this time the Department has made the difficult decision to cancel all pesticide exams within the next 30-days. The following exams are cancelled:
- April 3rd: Lantana
- April 10th: Lantana
- April 14th: Springfield Technical Community College
- April 17th: Lantana
- April 22nd: Cape Cod Technical High School
- April 24th: Lantana
The Department will develop a plan on how individuals that have had their exams cancelled will be able to take the exam. Until such a time that the administration’s orders are lifted, individuals will not be able to retake or sign up to take exams.
While this is a very challenging time, please know that the Department is committed to serving its’ constituents and stakeholders and will continue to work in the most helpful and supportive manner possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as together, we navigate this rapidly evolving situation.
If you have any questions about this Bulletin, please contact Taryn LaScola-Miner, Director of Crop and Pest Services, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, at taryn.lascola@mass.gov.
Bulletin (.pdf) link: https://www.mass.gov/doc/pesticide-exams-bulletin/download
Updates and more bulletins posted here: COVID-19 Resources for Agriculture
