(A) The director of agriculture shall require each applicant for a license under section 921.06 or 921.11 of the Revised Code to be examined on the applicant's knowledge and competency in each of the following:

(1) This chapter and rules adopted under it;

(2) The proper use, handling, and application of pesticides and, if the applicant is applying for a license under section 921.06 of the Revised Code, in the conducting of diagnostic inspections in the pesticide-use categories for which the applicant has applied.

(B) Each application for renewal of a license provided for in section 921.06 of the Revised Code shall be filed prior to the deadline established by rule. If filed after the deadline, a penalty of fifty per cent shall be assessed and added to the original fee and shall be paid by the applicant before the renewal license is issued. However, if a license issued under section 921.06or 921.11 of the Revised Code is not renewed within one hundred eighty days after the date of expiration, the licensee shall be required to take another examination on this chapter and rules adopted under it and on the proper use, handling, and application of pesticides and, if applicable, the proper conducting of diagnostic inspections in the pesticide-use categories for which the licensee has been licensed.

(C) A person who fails to pass an examination under division (A) or (B) of this section is not entitled to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for that failure.

(D) The holder of a commercial applicator license may renew the license within one hundred eighty days after the date of expiration without re-examination unless the director determines that a new examination is necessary to insure that the holder continues to meet the requirements of changing technology and to assure a continuing level of competence and ability to use pesticides safely and properly.

(E) The holder of a private applicator license may renew the license within one hundred eighty days after the date of expiration without re-examination unless the director determines that a new examination is necessary to insure that the holder continues to meet the requirements of changing technology and to assure a continuing level of competence and ability to use pesticides safely and properly.

(F) Instead of requiring a commercial applicator or private applicator to complete re-examination successfully under division (D) or (E) of this section, the director may require, in accordance with criteria established by rule, the commercial applicator or private applicator to participate in training programs that are designed to foster knowledge of new technology and to ensure a continuing level of competence and ability to use pesticides safely and properly. The director or the director's representative may provide the training or may authorize a third party to do so. In order for such authorization to occur, the third party and its training program shall comply with standards and requirements established by rule.

Amended by 131st General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 131, §1, eff. 3/23/2016.

Effective Date: 07-01-2004