Other Pesticide-Related Training

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Training

The Worker Protection Standard is a set of federal regulations with the purpose of protecting agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from pesticide exposure. Agricultural employers must train their workers and handlers on WPS protections annually, using EPA-approved training materials. (Certified and licensed pesticide applicators are exempt; they do not require annual training.) Please note that worker training and handler training are different.

WPS trainers must be qualified. You can qualify to deliver WPS training by:

• Being a certified and licensed pesticide applicator, or
• Completing an EPA-approved “train-the-trainer” course.

The WPS is complex. We strongly recommend reading the How to Comply Manual for full guidance on the WPS. For an overview of some of the major requirements, see the Nebraska Extension publication, Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Establishments, EC3006.

WPS recordkeeping forms are also available.

Paraquat Label-Required Training

All paraquat product labels now require paraquat-specific training. Licensed pesticide applicators must pass a paraquat training program to purchase or use (mix, load, apply, etc.) any product that contains paraquat. Training programs approved for this purpose appear below.

Paraquat Training from the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC)

The paraquat training offered by the NPSEC was discontinued in 2025. It is no longer available. The NPSEC will continue to maintain training records until they expire three years after the training was taken.

Paraquat Training from Syngenta Crop Protection

Syngenta offers online paraquat training in English and Spanish. Registration is required. There is no training fee.

• Syngenta paraquat training (English or Spanish)

Additional Information

Successfully completing the training program listed above certifies a licensed applicator to purchase and use paraquat products for three years. Retain your training certificate in your records as proof that you are certified to handle paraquat products.

Please note: The University of Nebraska does not provide paraquat training. If you have problems registering for or completing your paraquat training, please direct all questions to the entity providing the training.