Looking at the October calendar, many NJ licensed pesticide applicators finally realize that their 5-year license is almost at an end, and there’s hardly enough time or programs available to make their credit recertification requirements. Panic starts to set in and hurried calls are made across the state to find any source of recertification credits, whether CORE or in a specific category.

But wait – there’s the internet! Back in 2002, Rutgers Cooperative Extension launched an interactive web site, www.recert.rutgers.edu, to provide training and online licensure recertification opportunities in the CORE area of pesticide safety and storage.  Two CORE credits have been made available from two separate online modules for commercial applicators in NJ, NY, PA, and MD.  The web site features written and narrated script along with digital imagery designed for the general public (non-credit) and licensed professional audiences.  Pre- and Post- questions are also imbedded online to assess user knowledge prior to using the site, knowledge gained following completion, and the overall learning value of the site beyond the licensure credit.

Since 2002, nearly 500 individual licensed applicators have attained nearly 700 CORE credits through this web site for their state recertification needs. In addition, nearly 4,800 general use (non-credit) public views of the web site occur annually.

The NJDEP also hosts a list of approved online providers of CORE and category credits for NJ licensed applicators at www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/bpo-recert.htm.   NJ licensed applicators should have received their annual statement in the mail recently, so you know where you stand and how many (more) credits you need for recertification, whether it expires this October 31 or in the near future.

So get on your computer and spend some quality time online adding to your knowledge of pesticide safety and category expertise (from turf to mosquitoes to trees, etc.), follow each site’s instructions, and avoid missing your recertification deadline. You’ll be glad you did, and so will the NJDEP!