Are you planning to take a pesticide certification exam this year? You’ll want to plan accordingly on testing day. Be sure to bring proper identification so that you aren’t turned away at the door. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has recently updated their list of acceptable forms of identification to comply with new federal requirements.

When you take an exam, you must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. The Department will accept the following forms of identification:  

• government-issued driver’s license or identification card,
• immigration “green” card,
• passport,
• military identification card,
• and other Department authorized forms of identification.

For the photo averse, in lieu of a photo ID you can present at least 2 forms of identification (one government issued and the other listing a minimum of name and address such as a piece of mail). Examples of acceptable government issued documents include tax bills, tax returns, and government assistance forms. Additionally, please know that the name of the person taking the exam must match the name on each form of non-photo identification.

To check out PSEP program information, ongoing training schedule, and FAQs, visit go.illinois.edu/PSEP.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Michelle Wiesbrook provides subject matter expertise and training in pesticide safety with an emphasis on horticultural weed science. She serves as the Illinois Pesticide Review newsletter editor, collecting and organizing material; and co-coordinates social media information for the PSEP program and ensures its timely publication. Travis Cleveland provides subject matter expertise and training in pesticide safety with an emphasis on plant pathology. Provides diagnostic support the U of I Plant Clinic. Coordinates the Home, Yard and Garden Pest Newsletter.