40 CFR §171.103 — what it says, and how the exam tests it

§ 171.103 Standards for certification of commercial applicators. (a) Determination of competency. To be determined to have the necessary competency in the use and handling of restricted use pesticides by a State, Tribe, or Federal agency, a commercial applicator must receive a passing score on a written examination that meets the standards specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and any related performance testing that is required by the State, Tribe, or Federal agency. Examinations and any alternate methods employed by the certifying authority to determine applicator competency must include the core standards applicable to all categories (paragraph (c) of this section) and the standards applicable to each category in which an applicator seeks certification (paragraph (d) of this section). Certification processes must meet all of the following criteria: (1) Commercial applicator minimum age. A commercial applicator must be at least 18 years old. (2) Examination standards. The certifying authority must ensure that examinations conform to all of the following standards: (i) The examination must be presented and answered in writing. (ii) The examination must be proctored by an individual designated by the certifying authority and who is not seeking certification at any examination session that he or she is proctoring. (iii) Each person seeking certification must present at the time of examination valid, government-issued photo identification or other form of similarly reliable identification authorized by the certifying authority as proof of identity and age to be eligible for certification. (iv) Candidates must be monitored throughout the examination period. (v) Candidates must be instructed in examination procedures before beginning the examination. (vi) Examinations must be kept secure before, during, and after the examination period so that only the candidates have access to the examination, and candidates have access only in the presence of the proctor. (vii) Candidates must not have verbal or non-verbal communication with anyone other than the proctor during the examination period. (viii) No portion of the examination or any associated reference materials described in paragraph (a)(2)(ix) of this section may be copied or retained by any person other than a person authorized by the certifying authority to copy or retain the examination or any…