1A Pesticide Certification Prep Class
2026 1A/Registered Tech Certification Class
Virginia Cooperative Extension is offering a four-day commercial certification prep class for category 1A and Registered Technician. The class will be held Monday, February 16 - Thursday, February 19 at the Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Dept. in Tappahannock (620 Airport Rd., Tappahannock, VA 22560). Classes will be taught by local Extension Agents and the tests will be administered on-site by VDACS.
Agenda:
Monday, February 16 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm): 1A Category Training
Tuesday, February 17 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm): 1A Category Training
Wednesday, February 18 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm): Core Manual/Registered Tech Training
Thursday, February 19 (9:00 am – 3:00 pm): Review and Exams
The core exam must be taken with the 1A exam, even if you are already a Registered Technician.
VCE Registration is $15 for the class (1A or Registered Technician) and will cover snacks, handouts and travel for instructors. Manuals are not provided, but are highly recommended. Manuals can be purchased online at: https://vtpp.ento.vt.edu/index/manuals.html. Online registration with credit card payment is available here: https://tinyurl.com/1A-RegTech-Westmoreland
For the Extension training, complete this paper registration form OR the online registration not both). Registration and payment are due by January 7, 2026. Please note: Extension offices will be closed December 24 through January 1.
IMPORTANT VDACS Registration: In order to take the exams, all participants must have an authorization letter from VDACS on exam day. To ensure a letter of authorization in time for testing, VDACS paperwork must be submitted with fees by January 7, 2026.
Registered Tech applicants and current Registered Techs looking to get a commercial certification who have never tested before may be able to get their letter of authorization the next day when using the online system. Please see the included instructions for help navigating the VDACS online system. The letter of authorization is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If you are using the online system, do not apply for a letter of authorization until after December 1, 2025.
For quicker turnaround and to pay by credit card, use the VDACS online certified applicator page: https://online.vdacs.virginia.gov/
If you prefer to fill out a paper form, complete the proper application form and mail to VDACS with fees:
1A: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/comappa.pdf
RT: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/rtechapp.pdf
For faster delivery to VDACS, use the PO Box 526, Richmond, VA 23218 address. For questions about certification and letters of authorization, please contact VDACS at: 804-786-3798 or opsclrt.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Romelczyk, ANR Extension Agent in Westmoreland County, at 804-493-8924 or sromelcz@vt.edu.