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North Carolina Pesticide License Practice Test (Free Core Exam Questions)

Preparing for the North Carolina pesticide applicator exam? In North Carolina, applicator certification and licensing are handled by the state pesticide regulatory agency, generally the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Like every state, North Carolina requires applicators to show competency in the core (general standards) areas set out in federal rules: label comprehension, safety, environmental protection, pests, pesticides, equipment, application methods, laws, supervision, and professionalism. Most candidates also take a state laws section and one or more category exams.

Confirm current exam requirements, manuals, fees, and testing locations directly with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any North Carolina agency.

10 free North Carolina core exam practice questions

1. In the "1/128 acre" calibration method, the fluid ounces collected from one nozzle while covering 1/128 acre equal:

Answer: A. Because there are 128 fl oz in a gallon, ounces collected on 1/128 acre equal gallons applied per acre.

2. A product labeled "RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE" may be purchased and used only by:

Answer: A. Restricted-use products can be used only by certified applicators or by noncertified applicators working under a certified applicator's direct supervision, as the label and rules allow.

3. If a person has swallowed a pesticide, you should:

Answer: C. Some products must not be vomited, for example petroleum-based products. Follow the label's statement of practical treatment and get medical advice.

4. Which soil characteristic tends to HOLD pesticides and reduce leaching?

Answer: D. Organic matter and clay adsorb many pesticides, slowing movement through the soil.

5. The first step in any pest management program is:

Answer: B. Correct identification tells you whether control is needed and which methods and products will work.

6. A systemic pesticide:

Answer: A. Systemics are absorbed and translocated, so they reach pests that feed on treated tissue.

7. A flat-fan nozzle is commonly used for:

Answer: C. Flat-fan tips give a tapered pattern designed to overlap evenly on a boom for broadcast applications.

8. Under federal rules, applying soil or non-soil fumigants or making aerial applications of restricted-use pesticides requires:

Answer: D. 40 CFR 171 requires additional certification for fumigation and aerial application of RUPs (and for sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate predator control).

9. A "Special Local Need" registration that allows additional uses within one state is issued under FIFRA:

Answer: A. Section 24(c) lets states register additional uses for special local needs. Section 18 covers emergency exemptions.

10. A supervisor should explain to noncertified applicators:

Answer: B. Explaining pertinent laws and regulations is a listed responsibility of supervising applicators.
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How to study for the North Carolina core exam

  1. Get the core manual edition your state uses (many states are moving to the 2025 3rd edition national core manual during 2026) and any North Carolina law supplement.
  2. Take a timed practice test to find your weak areas.
  3. Re-read those chapters, then retest until you're consistently above passing.
  4. Memorize the high-yield facts: signal words, first aid, PPE rules, drift and inversions, and basic calibration math.

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