Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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

Not registered to test?

If you have not already registered and been issued a Testing ID number or have never tested at a computer based testing center please register now.

It fast and easy. Good luck!

Apply Now!

Already approved to test?

If you have already registered and been issued an PADA Testing ID 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 Pennsylvania. You get directions and print a map.

Click the button to find your location!

Locate

Online CEU's

Metro now offers convenient online Continuing Education Credits in your state! Timely and informative fully approved CEU videos.

Get Started!

Testing Info

Everything you need to know to get started.

Testing "Step-by-Step"

Testing Procedure:

1.You may schedule your exam/s online "HERE" or call Metro Institute at (877) 533-2900.

2. Payment is due at the time of scheduling. Metro Institute accepts Visa, MC, AX, or PayPal.

3. If you cannot make your exam appointment for any reason, you may reschedule at no charge with 24 hour notice. Failure to provide the required cancellation notice will result in the forfeiture of your testing fees.

4. Don't forget: You must bring your Government issued valid (unexpired) photo ID to the testing site. You will not be allowed to test without your photo ID.

5. All exams are closed book.

Schedule a Test Online - Click "HERE"

For Technical Support, Assistance, or Questions call 877-533-2900

Test Study Materials - Click "HERE"

Helpful Testing Skills

1. You will have one(1) hour to take each examination. Most people complete each test in less than one hour. Be sure to take your time and read each question and answer choice carefully.

2. You may skip questions and return to them later. You may review any or all of the test as long as you have time remaining on the clock. If you forget to answer any questions before selecting the "Finish Test" button, you will receive an on screen alert that you have unanswered questions. You may then answer those questions and then click the "Finish Test" button again to get your final score.

3. Most tests have 50 questions and you must answer 70% correctly to pass.

If you have any technical issues or questions regarding the testing interface notify the proctor for assistance. The test proctor cannot discuss test questions or provide any help with test content.

Passed the Test! What Next?

When your exams is complete the proctor will provide you with a printed results page. This page will indicate your overall score on the exam (70% or greater is required to pass).

You must pass your core and category exam to become certified. A certification card will be mailed to you from PDA after you’ve successfully passed the core and category exams.

Reviewing Test Scores

When you complete your test, be sure and print your score sheet. You will be prompted by the computer to do this at the end of your testing period. If you passed your test, the score sheet is your written proof that you have passed that specific exam. Please review the BOLD text on your score sheet for licensing information. If you failed your test, the score sheet will tell you which "Content Areas" you need to study.

Failed the Test What Next?

If you failed any of the tests, you may re-take that exam.

To Reschedule a Test Online - Click "HERE"

For questions, technical support or assistance - Call "877-533-2900"

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!