Gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in pesticide management.

CORE Basic Pesticide Training Program

The Rutgers NJAES Office of Continuing Professional Education’s (OCPE) Core Training Program is the first step in training for individuals interested in becoming licensed New Jersey pest control operators and/or applicators. This course meets the requirement for attending a basic pesticide training course for new applicants seeking a state license.

Topics covered during this course include:

• Federal pesticide laws
• The New Jersey Pesticide Control Act
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Minimizing pesticide hazards
• Proper handling, storage, and disposal of pesticides
• Types of application equipment and use

IMPORTANT: This is NOT the CORE exam. This is a training course. You must register for the exam separately through the Rutgers Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Registration (PACER) system. Visit pacer.rutgers.edu for more information.

NJ Pesticide Exams

Visit the Rutgers Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Registration (PACER) system to submit an application, pay, schedule, and take your NJDEP licensing exams online.

Upcoming CORE Courses

September CORE Training (English Instruction ONLY)

September 23, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm | $175* | New Brunswick, NJ

October CORE Training (English Instruction ONLY)

October 16, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm | $175* | New Brunswick, NJ

November CORE Training (English Instruction ONLY)

November 4, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm | $175* | New Brunswick, NJ

December CORE Training (English Instruction ONLY)

December 2, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm | $175* | New Brunswick, NJ

*Multi-Person Discount Fee: $130 per person (Save when you sign up with a colleague!)

*Group Discount Fee: $120 per person (Save when you sign up ten or more people from the same company!)

Continuing Education Credits

This in-person course has been submitted for the following continuing education credits and is pending approval: 

NJ Pesticide Applicators: pending

For the latest credit information, visit our website.

Meet Your Instructor- Mike Reed, Synatek Solutions and Branch Creek Organics

Mike is the Director of Technical Sales and Education for Synatek Solutions and Branch Creek Organics, privately held companies specializing in Turf and Ornamental technologies. His focus is working with companies to find and develop regenerative and sustainable pesticides, bio-stimulants, and fertilizers. He is known for his interactive, engaging, and real-world presentation style. Mike has taught recertification classes in 17 states and holds 5 pesticide category certifications.

Program Questions? We're Here to Help!

We encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or need more information. We are happy to help.

Joe Canzano

Program Coordinator

Office of Continuing Professional Education

(848) 932-7317

For registration assistance, please email our Registration Department or call 848-932-9271, option 2.

Landscape, Turf & Pest Management Courses

2024

September 24: Irrigation 101 Live Online

September 26: Tree Pruning New Brunswick, NJ

Oct 2- Dec 13: Two-Year Turf Management Certificate Program New Brunswick, NJ

October 22: Basic Landscape Integrated Pest Management Live Online

November 12-13: Introduction to Plant Identification New Brunswick, NJ

November 13-15: Lake Management Live Online

November 14-15: Large Tree Climbing and Rigging New Brunswick, NJ

November 19: Snow and Ice Removal for Municipalities and Public Grounds Live Online

November 21: Irrigation Systems: Repair and Maintenance New Brunswick, NJ

December 4: Municipal Shade Tree Management Live Online

December 5-6: Soil and Plant Relationships New Brunswick, NJ

December 10: Best Management Practices for Tree Care Live Online

December 13: Hazardous Tree Identification New Brunswick, NJ

December 16: Caring for Ornamental Plants New Brunswick, NJ

December 17: New Jersey Fertilizer Recertification Program Live Online

December 18: Water Management and Drainage Live Online

December 19: Basics of Turfgrass Management New Brunswick, NJ

2025

Jan. 3–March 14: Landscape Plants: ID., Selection, and Application New Brunswick, NJ

Jan 6- March 19: Two-Year Turf Management Certificate Program New Brunswick, NJ

January 6 OR 7: Simple Repairs for Small Engines New Brunswick, NJ

January 8 OR 9: Shop Repairs for Small Engines New Brunswick, NJ

Jan. 13-31: Three-Week Prep Golf Turf Mgmt Program Online (Live, instructor-led)

January 16: Pesticide Calibration New Brunswick, NJ

January 21-23: Landscape Integrated Pest Management (IPM) New Brunswick, NJ

January 30: Organic Turfgrass Management New Brunswick, NJ

April 10-11: Pond Design, Management, and Maintenance Live Online

General Interest Courses

Online (Live, instructor-led), unless indicated

On-Demand: Botanical Products and Human Health 7-Hours Self-Paced

September 25-26 OR April 2-3: Effective Emergency/Crisis Communications  

September 25 & October 2: Introduction to Project Management 

Oct. 1-31: Bee-ginner’s Beekeeping: The Basics of Apiculture 14 Hours Self-Paced

October 17-November 14: Project Management Certification Exam Prep 35-Hour Course

December 10 & 17 OR June 18 & 25: Expanding Your Supervisory Tool Kit

Computer Courses

Online (Live, instructor-led)

September 25: Microsoft Excel - Level 1 

October 9: Microsoft Excel - Level 2 

October 16: Microsoft Excel - Level 3 

October 23: Pivot Tables 

Lunch and Learn Workshops

Online (Live, instructor-led) one-hour workshop | Held 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT/EST

October 10: SPIN Selling 

Oct.17: Leveraging Assertiveness: Get What You Want without Jeopardizing Relationships

October 24: How to Beat Your Competition Ethically

October 31: Advancing Disability Inclusion Awareness

November 7: Networking: From Chore to Choice

November 14: Tapestry of Tales: The Art of Business Storytelling