WSDA Pest Control Operator (PCO) Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• 1 mile equals how many feet?
• What is the emergency contact phone number listed for chemical spills?
• What is the role of a pesticide applicator's logbook?
• How should you handle clothing and skin contamination from pesticides?
• When filling, rinsing, draining, and cleaning your equipment, what area feature is preferred?
• Which factors influence spray drift control?
• What is the step immediately after removing PPE in the cleanup sequence?
• Which term describes the allowed harvest window after spraying pesticides?
• Which statement best describes cultural pest management?
• 1 mile per minute equals how many feet per second?
• For restricted-use pesticides, records must be kept for how many years?
• How many pints are in 1 quart?
• Which steps should you take during a pesticide spill?
• 1 mile equals how many yards?
• When is the greatest potential for spray drift?
• When using a tree injection system you should...
• What should you consider when applying pesticides near water sources?
• What does FIFRA stand for?
• Which factors are necessary for the development of an infectious plant disease?
• What is typically the first step in an integrated pest management program?
• When is the best time to spray if bees are in the area?
• Which unit is used to express area measurements in the acre conversion example?
• Which program is designed to inform workers about pesticide hazards and safe practices?
• If a pesticide label requires a specific PPE that you do not have, what is the proper course of action?
• How many feet are in 1 yard?
• Which law requires employees be informed of pesticides and other hazardous chemicals in the workplace?
• Which Act regulates the registration, storage, handling and distribution of pesticides in Washington?
• How should you respond if you or a coworker suspects pesticide exposure?
• What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
• Which statement reflects caution near bee hives for certain pesticide formulations?
• Surface water advisory example suggests a buffer between the application area and surface water sources. What is the recommended distance?
• What term describes an individual who applies pesticides for any purpose on property they do not own, rent, or lease?
• What information does a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provide?
• What is the correct action if rain is forecast or occurs soon after application?
• Which section of a pesticide label lists the minimum PPE required to wear?
• Which statement best describes a translocated (systemic) herbicide?
• Which of the following is NOT listed as a pest control method type?
• Which agency serves as the state lead agency for administration of the Washington Pesticide Control Act?
• Which source provides information to determine volatilization risk for a pesticide?
• Why is an IPM plan beneficial for pest control in commercial buildings?
• Why is proper container integrity important in pesticide handling?
• In the mixing sequence, which form is added first after filling the tank and starting agitation?
• What indicates two pesticides are not compatible when mixed?
• What type of nozzle would you use for band application
• Which law administered by OSHA requires that employees be informed of pesticides and other hazardous chemicals in the workplace?
• Which program protects workers' right to know about pesticide hazards?
• How many ounces are in 2 quarts?
• Who bears responsibility for ensuring compatibility when mixing pesticides not specified on the label?
• To be effective against perennial weeds, what type of herbicide is required?
• Who may apply restricted-use pesticides?
• Who is responsible for enforcing the laws that regulate the use of pesticides for structural pest control?
• In a tank mix of Soluble powders (SP), Wettable powders (WP), and Flowable (F), which is added last?
• Which agency administers FIFRA and regulates pesticide use and registration?
• What pesticide properties influence groundwater leaching?
• To calibrate a handheld pump sprayer, which steps should you perform?
• Which weather factors can affect pesticide performance, including efficacy, volatilization, drift, and residue decay?
• What describes serious dermal exposure to pesticides?
• In pest management, what is the overarching framework that combines prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatments?
• What is the purpose of using buffers (utility agents) during tank mixing?
• How many ounces are in 1 pint?
• Which statement best describes how volatilization risk is indicated for a pesticide?
• What term describes intermingling patches of green and yellow on a leaf?
• When beehives or pollinators are nearby, what is the recommended approach?
• Why is pesticide breakdown slower in groundwater?
• In tree injection systems, the pressure setting should be
• Which factor most directly influences pesticide drift?
• How many gallons are in 128 ounces?
• 1 acre equals how many square feet?
• How many feet are in 3 yards?
• When laundering contaminated garments, what is recommended?
• Which outcome is a direct benefit of implementing IPM in a commercial building?
• How do you properly clean your nozzles?
• What is a requirement found on every pesticide label?
• What term describes the point at which the cost of pest control equals the revenue loss caused by pests?
• Which IPM practices best complement chemical controls in pest management?
• Which option represents a biological control method?
• What is the best way to get rid of excess chemical?
• Which agency administers the Structural Pest Control Act which regulates wood treatment and other pests inside houses or other structures in Washington?
• How should you document weather conditions during application?
• Which practices help minimize spray drift?
• Pesticides should be stored in their original containers and kept away from what?
• An Individual who applies pesticides for any purpose on property other than that owned, rented or leased by themselves or their employer is called a
• Which statement best describes the laundering protocol for clothing worn during spraying operations?
• How many cups are in 1/2 pint?
• What does the term pre-harvest interval describe in pesticide labeling?
• How many cups are in 1 pint?
• If a pesticide is highly soluble, what condition increases its leaching potential?
• Which pesticide type must be used with special caution near bee hives because bees may carry it back to the hive and poison the entire colony?
• To purchase a 'restricted' use pesticide you must...
• Which of the following is NOT one of the four life stages commonly used for pest life cycle classification?
• Who enforces the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)?
• Which practice prevents back-siphoning of pesticide into the water supply?
• What type of treatment is most effective against perennial weeds?
• How many ounces are in 1 pound?
• Why should herbicide be stored away from human and livestock areas?
• Wettable powders mixed with water require which action?
• 1 gallon equals how many pints?
• How many legs do mites have?
• What is the recommended method for disposing of contaminated clothing that has been exposed to highly concentrated pesticides?
• Which statement best describes the WA PCO core exam?
• How many pints are in 2 quarts?
• Which set correctly lists the four life stages used in pest life cycle assessments?
• Which nozzle would you use for band application?
• Why must you verify EPA registration when selecting a pesticide for a certain use?
• Which label should be followed for pesticide use to ensure legal and safe application?
• What type of pump would you use if you wanted low flow rates and pressures up to 1000 psi?
• Differentiate restricted-use pesticides from general-use pesticides.
• 1 gallon equals how many quarts?
• Before cleaning pesticide nozzles, what is the recommended action?
• Which common structural pests are often controlled using sanitation and exclusion measures?
• What type of exposure occurs if chemical blows onto an operator's chest?
• Which agency enforces FIFRA?
• Why is pesticide mixing and loading done away from food preparation or storage areas?
• What type of PPE-related information is provided by Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?
• For treatment to be effective against perennial weeds
• Noninfectious plant diseases are typically caused by?
• Which conditions are most likely to result in runoff?
• Which statement correctly describes the factors determining whether a pesticide can be transported in a vehicle?
• Which agency serves as the state lead agency for administration of the Washington Pesticide Control Act?
• What is required to legally apply pesticides in Washington State?
• What statement best describes the difference between drift minimization and zone protection in pesticide applications?
• When applying pesticides indoors, what is a key safety consideration?
• What does a biennial weed do?
• What is the recommended immediate first aid step for pesticide exposure?
• What type of weed germinates in spring, develops a root system, and forms a low-growing rosette?
• When should you not apply low volume sprays (those having smaller droplet size)?
• Who is allowed to purchase restricted-use pesticides?
• What document governs pesticide use and is binding for applicators?
• What is the purpose of a spill kit in pesticide handling?
• Are pesticides labeled for public health use subject to the same rules as agricultural products?
• What are some factors that you should think about before spraying
• How often should you read the pesticide label to determine the stated level?
• What does A.I. stand for?
• How many pints are in 2 gallons?
• Which practice best ensures safe transport of herbicide?
• Why is calibration important in pesticide applications?
• In an application record, which item is used to identify what was being controlled?
• Which storage practice helps reduce environmental contamination?
• Which of the following PPE is recommended when tanking concentrates or highly toxic sprays?
• How should leftover pesticides be disposed of?
• If pesticide gets into the eyes, what is the recommended immediate action?
• Which organization should you contact for chemical spills according to the emergency guidance?
• 1 ounce equals how many tablespoons?
• Which control method category includes government regulations and licensing requirements?
• If you travel at 60 miles per hour, how many feet per second is that?
• What is a major concern of drift?
• Insects are typically characterized by how many pairs of legs?
• Why is it important to keep pesticides in their original containers?
• What are the two main forms of drift that move pesticides downwind to non-target areas?
• If the label does not specify that two pesticides can be mixed, can you mix them?
• Which substance produces gas, vapors, fumes and requires special licensing to handle?
• What term describes the pest population level at which control measures should begin?
• Which approach aligns with IPM principles when managing pests?
• Why is it essential to read the pesticide label even if you are experienced?
• Why should PPE be laundered separately after cleanup?
• Which term describes whether two pesticides can be mixed without reducing performance?
• How many quarts are in 2 gallons?
• How many acres are in 1/2 square mile?
• How many pints are in 3 quarts?
• What is a common drawback of Wettable Powders (WP) in spray equipment?
• What is the term for abnormal swelling in a portion of a branch, leaf, root, or bud?
• If you have 3 pints, how many cups do you have?
• What is misbranding?
• How should you identify the proper product for a given pest and site?
• If bee colonies are within two miles of the area to be sprayed, what should you do?
• Which sources should you check to verify a pesticide's registration status for a specific use?
• What does the term reentry interval (REI) mean on a pesticide label?
• How many ounces are in 1 gallon?
• What type of herbicide is best for perennial weeds?
• Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act require
• Which of the following is a method associated with biological control?
• During calibration, why is weighing the output important?
• What term describes yellowish-green coloration in normally green tissues such as leaves?
• When raising the boom sprayer you...
• Before adding pesticides to the spray tank, what is the recommended initial step?
• Which PPE is recommended when tanking concentrates or highly toxic sprays?
• 1 hectare equals how many acres?
• When laundering clothes that were worn during spraying, which procedure is recommended?
• Which storage security measure is recommended for herbicides?
• Why should you follow label-specific cleanup instructions after a pesticide application?
• How should bait stations and traps be handled in spaces where people or pets are present?
• What influences a pesticide's leaching ability?
• In IPM, when are pesticides used?
• 1 cup equals how many ounces?
• Why are buffer zones and drift barriers important?
• How many ounces are in 3/4 quart?
• What does calibration in pesticide application involve?
• Which description matches a noninfectious disease?
• Which of the following is a key responsibility of the USEPA regarding pesticides?
• If 1 cup equals 8 ounces and 1 cup equals 16 tablespoons, how many ounces are in 32 tablespoons?
• What does a surfactant do in a pesticide spray?
• 1 mile per hour equals how many feet per minute?
• When should the PPE that you wear when applying pesticides be laundered
• Which statement best describes the Precautionary Statement on a pesticide label?
• Under which conditions should you not spray to prevent drift?
• Which action helps reduce pest harborage in a facility?
• How are pesticides labeled for use on stored product pests?
• Which document provides the approved use directions and safety requirements for a pesticide in the United States?
• Which outcome is associated with serious dermal exposure to a pesticide that has penetrated the skin barrier?
• 1 mile per minute equals how many miles per hour?
• After a chemical spill on clothing, which action is recommended first?
• Which factors influence how pesticides may reach groundwater?
• What document should you read before buying and applying a pesticide?
• How many ounces are in 1 quart?
• In an incomplete metamorph insect, which stage is not part of the life cycle?
• What should you do if a pesticide label is damaged or illegible before use?
• What type of nozzle sprays in a cone pattern with droplets throughout?
• How many acres are in 2 square miles?
• An incomplete life cycle consists of which stages?
• How should pesticides be stored to maintain safety and compliance?
• How does the WA PCO core exam interact with category exams?
• In the mixing sequence, what is added immediately after Wettable Powders (WP)?
• Which storage practice is correct for herbicide?
• A biennial weed is characterized by which growth pattern?
• What is the typical sequence for a pest management service call?
• Who do you have to contact if you have a chemical spill?
• IPM aims to avoid adverse effects on which of the following?
• What is a primary consideration when selecting a pesticide for termite control?
• Which of the following groups is not protected by law?
• What is the goal of IPM?
• How many years must records of restricted pesticide applications be maintained?
• LD50 stands for what?
• Which soil property, besides organic matter, influences leaching?
• If you spill highly concentrated chemicals on your clothes, how should you clean them?
• What should you do if you spill chemicals on your clothes
• Which Act governs the registration, storage, handling and distribution of pesticides in Washington?
• What is the proper sequence for cleaning up after a pesticide application?
• What information is typically recorded for a pesticide application?
• What is phytotoxicity and how can it be avoided?
• What is the difference between core and category certification in WA PCO exams?
• How would you determine if a pesticide is prone to volatilization?
• 1 cup equals how many tablespoons?
• What is a major complaint to the Department of Agriculture about spraying?
• What part of a pesticide is responsible for killing?
• What is the purpose of PPE listed on a pesticide label?
• How many acres are there in 1 square mile?
• What is the importance of surface and substrate compatibility in pesticide application?
• What is the purpose of zone protection in relation to exposure during application?