University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) extended its testing hours for Florida pesticide certification exams ahead of major changes to the Florida’s pesticide exam process.
For more than 20 years, UF/IFAS has proctored those exams for test-takers, but that will end in a few months because the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) selected another contractor to take over all pesticide exams in Florida.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, Everblue, an online exam provider, will be the sole provider of the exams, and will offer online and in-person tests. A new fee structure also will apply. Everblue will charge $59 for in-person exams and $32 for online exams.
UF/IFAS exams will remain free until Oct. 1, 2025. UF/IFAS Extension encourages pesticide applicators to register for exams as soon as possible, if they wish to take them at an Extension office, said Brett Bultemeier, director of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office.
During the transition, services will overlap. UF/IFAS will continue testing for free at UF/IFAS Extension offices through Sept. 30, 2025. After Aug. 5, 2025, applicators can register using the UF/IFAS pesticide exam website for in-person IFAS tests only.
Applicators will schedule online Everblue exams directly through the FDACS and Everblue, instead via the UF/IFAS exam schedule platform. In-person exams given through Everblue centers will launch no later than Oct. 1, 2025, and a map of locations will be made available.
UF/IFAS will remain involved in parts of the exam preparation, such as offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs). In addition, it will will continue to serve stakeholders through the County Extension Network and the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, said Dr. Brett Bultemeier, Extension Assistant Professor and Director of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office.
“UF/IFAS will be providing testing up until Sept. 30, and after that, we will continue to serve our stakeholders through recertification, training, preparing for the exam itself, the study manuals for the exam and writing the exam,” Bultemeier added. “This gives us the opportunity to focus on what we do best, which is education.”
About UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
About the Author
Diane Sofranec is the senior editor for PMP magazine. She can be reached at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3793.
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