Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Pesticide Operator Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a pesticide label?
• To advertise the product
• To provide instructions for safe and effective use
• To indicate the manufacturer only
• To list pricing information

Rationale: The pesticide label is the law; it provides instructions for

safe, legal, and effective use.

• Which signal word indicates the highest level of acute toxicity?
• Caution
• Warning 1 / 4

• Danger
• Notice

Rationale: “Danger” is used on labels for highly toxic pesticides to alert

users to serious hazards.

• Which of the following is required before applying a pesticide in

Illinois?

• Contacting neighbors
• Obtaining proper certification or license
• Posting signs only
• No requirements exist

Rationale: Illinois law requires pesticide applicators to hold a valid

license or certification before applying restricted-use pesticides.

• What does the term “restricted-use pesticide” mean?
• Can be sold to anyone
• Can only be used by certified applicators
• Is safe for public use
• Requires no special handling

Rationale: Restricted-use pesticides pose greater risk and are legally

limited to certified applicators.

• Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when mixing

and loading most liquid pesticides?

• Gloves and sunglasses
• Gloves, long-sleeved shirt, pants, and eye protection 2 / 4

• Sandals and hat
• Regular clothing is sufficient

Rationale: PPE protects applicators from skin contact and inhalation of

chemicals.

• What is the primary route of pesticide exposure for operators?
• Ingestion only
• Dermal contact
• Hearing
• Vision

Rationale: Most pesticide exposure occurs through skin contact during

mixing, loading, or application.

7. The LD50 of a pesticide measures:

• The concentration in water
• The rate of decomposition
• The lethal dose that kills 50% of test animals
• The cost per acre

Rationale: LD50 is a standard measure of acute toxicity, usually in

mg/kg of body weight.

• What should you do if a pesticide is accidentally spilled on your skin?
• Wipe it off quickly
• Immediately wash with plenty of water and remove contaminated

clothing

• Ignore it 3 / 4

• Wait for symptoms

Rationale: Immediate washing and removal of contaminated clothing

reduces absorption and risk of poisoning.

• Which type of pesticide targets insects?
• Herbicide
• Fungicide
• Insecticide
• Rodenticide

Rationale: Insecticides are designed specifically to control insects.

• Which of the following is a good practice to prevent pesticide

drift?

• Apply on windy days
• Use high-pressure sprays
• Apply during calm conditions with proper nozzle selection
• Increase application speed

Rationale: Drift occurs when small droplets move off target; calm

conditions and proper equipment minimize drift.

11. When storing pesticides, you should:

• Keep them in any household cabinet
• Store in a locked, dry, well-ventilated area away from food
• Keep in the sun
• Mix with fertilizers
• / 4