Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Metro Institute provides online computer-based testing services in Minnesota for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. MDA proctored testing sites are located throughout the state. All persons desiring to hold a pesticide license with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture must contact Metro Institute to schedule a computer based exam.

Not registered to test?

If you are not currently licensed/certified or been issued a MDA Item number or your previous testing application is expired you must apply with the MDA. Click the button below to visit the MDA Online Licensing and Payment System.

MDA Online Licensing and Payment System

MDA License Look - Up

Already approved to test?

If you have already applied and been issued an MDA Item number or know your license/certification number and need to schedule or reschedule a test click the Schedule Now button below. It's fast and easy good luck!

Schedule Now

Find a Testing Center

Metro has a testing center network with conveniently located throughout Minnesota. You get directions and print a map.

Click the button to find your location!

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Testing Info

Everything you need to know to get started.

Testing "Step-by-Step"

Prior to registering with Metro Institute for pesticide testing, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) requires all persons, new or existing applicators, to follow these steps.

New applicators must submit an application to MDA at Online Licensing and Payment System Online Licensing and Payment System (state.mn.us), renewing applicators must submit their pesticide license renewal form with required payment to MDA, and existing applicators must submit the application for a duplicate applicator license along with required payment to MDA prior to registration with Metro Institute.

Upon MDA approval of the pesticide license application, applicators can register for testing with Metro Institute. New applicators will use the “item #” as indicated on the online payment confirmation receipt and renewing or existing applicators will enter their MDA pesticide license number to complete registration for testing with Metro Institute.

If Metro Institute could not locate the item # or pesticide license number you cannot schedule and purchase tests on the Metro website, the application may still be under review by MDA, please contact pesticide.testing@state.mn.us for further assistance.

If you know your “item #” or MDA license number follow the steps below

Testing Procedure:

1. Visit Metro Institute at www.metrosignup.com to schedule your exams. For assistance 877-533-2900.

2. Payment are processed by PayPal and Visa, MC, AMEX or PayPal are accepted ($60.00 per test).

3. A 24 hour notice is required to schedule, or reschedule any exam. There is no charge to reschedule an exam with 24 hours notice.

4. Don't forget: You must bring your unexpired government issued photo ID to each testing session.

5. All exams are closed book. No cell phones, electronic devices of any kind, personal calculators (one will be provided), drinks or any other personal items will be allowed in the testing room.

Schedule a Test Online - "HERE"

For Customer Assistance by Phone - Call "877-533-2900"

MDA Pesticide Applicator Licensing Information - Click "HERE"

Helpful Testing Skills

1. The Core, Structural Journeyman, Structural Master and Non-Commercial Structural exams are two hours in duration all other Category Exams are one hour. The average completion time for all exams is approximately half of the allotted time. Therefore, take your time and read each question and each of the possible answers very carefully.

2. You may skip questions and return to them later. You may review any or all of the test questions as long time remains on the exam timer.

3. For Commercial, Non-Commercial, and Structural Pesticide Applicator licenses - you must receive a passing score in category A (Core) and at least one other category to be licensed. When applying for category B (General Aerial), you must receive a passing score in category A (Core), B (General Aerial), and at least one other category. A passing score is 70% or better for Commercial, Non-Commercial, and Structural Pesticide Applicator exams.

• For CAWT license (Site Manager) - you must receive a passing score in at least one of the license categories: Liquid or Solid. A passing score is 80% or better for CAWT exams.

4. When seated for your exam you may take a practice test to familiarize yourself with the testing interface before beginning the actual exam.

5. You will be prompted on screen to agree to the testing rules before your exam begins. Any violation of the rules will result in the immediate termination of your exam and a report to MDA of the incident.

6. At the conclusion of your exam results will be displayed on screen. You will be provided with a printed results page with instructions detailing what to do next.

Pass the Test What Next?

Reviewing Test Scores
When your exams are complete the proctor will provide you with a printed results page. This page will indicate your overall score on the exam. Applicators that meet the requirements below for their license type may use their exam scoresheet(s) as a temporary license, valid for 30 days from the exam date in which all requirements have been met. Applicators must carry all corresponding exam scoresheets during this time as proof of temporary licensure.

For Commercial, Non-Commercial, and Structural Pesticide Applicator licenses - you must receive a passing score in category A (Core) and at least one other category to be licensed. When applying for category B (General Aerial), you must receive a passing score in category A (Core), B (General Aerial), and at least one other category. A passing score is 70% or better for Commercial, Non-Commercial, and Structural Pesticide Applicator exams.

For CAWT license (Site Manager) - you must receive a passing score in at least one of the license categories: Liquid or Solid. A passing score is 80% or better for CAWT exams.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will receive these exam results from Metro Institute. Licenses will be issued for successful applicators within 30 days from the exam date in which all requirements have been met. Licensure information can be found at the MDA license lookup site.

The MDA reserves the right to cancel temporary licensure if it is determined that an applicator has not completed all licensure requirements, for more information on Pesticide or CAWT licenses go to the MDA website.

Failed the Exam? What Next?
If you failed any of the exams, you may visit Metrosignup.com to schedule and purchase a retake; applicators are eligible for a retake exam the day after the failed attempt, testing center availability applies. Applicators may take the exam three (3) times per calendar year.

To Purchase and Reschedule an exam Online - Click "HERE" or Call Metro Institute for assistance or questions (877) 533-2900

MDA resources for Pesticide and CAWT licenses:

• MDA website: www.mda.state.mn.us
• License lookup: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/licensing/license-lookup
• Pesticide Licensing and Certification Unit: pesticide.licensing@state.mn.us or 651-201-6615

What to Expect at the Testing Center

Metro strives to provide a professional and pleasant testing experience for every examinee. Below you find some simple requirements and rules to follow before, during and after your exam. Not everything is covered here and your exam proctor may advise or remind you of the rules to begin and finish your exam. Good Luck and thank you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding testing rules and procedures please call Metro Institute toll free at (877) 533-2900

Photo ID Required

A test candidate must present to the test proctor a government- issued photo identification:

Acceptable ID includes original, unexpired, current photographic identification that clearly depicts the examinee, and is obtained from a governmental agency.

Examples include a state driver’s license, military identification, passport, state-issued identification card, or federal agency identification.

You will not be able to test without a qualifying ID.

Items Not Allowed in Testing Room

Examinee Personal Items

Maintaining exam integrity is one of the primary goals of a proctored exam. One of the ways exam integrity is achieved is by limiting the items allowed in the testing room. The method used to store personal items can vary by testing center. Examples of storage methods are: lockers, storage containers, or asking examinees to leave unnecessary items in their vehicle. All testing centers must provide some form of secure storage for car keys and other small items.

Items Not Allowed in Testing Room:

(This list is representative but is not exhaustive. Other items that are deemed to cause distraction to other examinees or put exam security at risk may be prohibited)

Watches, fitness devices (e.g., Fitbits), cellphone, backpacks, purses, wallets, bags, sunglasses, food or drink, loose change, personal scratch paper, trading aids, pencils, pens, tissues, hats, earmuffs, scarfs, umbrellas, medications (inhalers or diabetic items are exceptions), personal laptops, keys, and work ID badges
Regarding outerwear, coats and jackets should be stored or hung up outside of the testing room. Exception: Some vendors allow jackets to be placed on back of testing chair.

Items to be VISUALLY checked before an examinee is seated

• Glasses - Proctor must visually inspect the glasses of examinee.

• Jewelry - Solid or chunky jewelry must be visually inspected. Items that may cause noise or distraction must be removed.

• Pockets - Pockets of examinees must be emptied with all items placed in a locker or storage area. Examinees must be asked to pat their pockets to show all items have been removed. Some testing centers require that pockets be turned inside out.

(Please note: The proctor should never physically touch the examinee to determine that pockets have been emptied. This should be determined by visual inspection only.)

Other Considerations: • Backpacks - rolling or large bags that do not fit in storage area should be stored in vehicle. If that is not possible, it is recommended that valuables be removed and secured in the locker or storage area. Backpacks must be placed at a designated location with the understanding that the examinee is liable for any belongings. Examinee’s personal belongings must never be stored in the proctor area.

Examinee Disqualifications

All incidents (cheating, distraction, noise, unscheduled breaks etc.) will be reported as defined in processes below. Suspected cheating behavior on exams should be verified by at least two center staff persons whenever possible before action is taken.

• Examinees will be disqualified for cheating.

• Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying questions or answers in any manner, talking with other examinees, referring to any notes while the exam is being administered, or being in possession of any items with documented questions, answers or notes or any other restricted materials.

• When an examinee is disqualified the exam will be terminated and the examinee will be asked to leave the testing center.

• The proctor should collect and retain any evidence or items relevant to the incident such as notes, study material or devices.

Incident Handling: All disqualifying incidents (cheating, distraction, noise, unscheduled breaks etc.) will be reported to Metro Institute and the governing agency.

• Metro will immediately notify the Agency Compliance Officer for incident review, penalty review and penalty enforcement as allowed by rule, regulation and law.

For customer service or technical support call (877) 533-2900

LET METRO HELP MAKE YOUR TESTING EXPERIENCE WONDERFUL AND SUCCESSFUL!