The director may not issue a commercial or noncommercial applicator's license until the individual who uses or supervises the use of a restricted use pesticide is certified by passing an examination to demonstrate to the director his knowledge of how to use and supervise the use of pesticides under the classifications he has applied for, and his knowledge of the nature and effect of pesticides he may apply under those classifications. The director may limit the license of the applicant to the use of certain areas, or to certain types of equipment if the applicant is only so qualified. A licensee shall notify the director within thirty days of the date of invalidation of a license pursuant to this provision. Payment of this annual fee permits the certification of one individual under any or all of the classifications. A five dollar annual fee is required to certify each additional applicant who desires to be certified in any one classification.
Noncommercial applicators are exempt from all fee requirements.
If a license is not issued as applied for, the director shall inform the applicant in writing of the reasons for the denial. An applicant is eligible for reexamination after thirty days. The South Carolina Pest Control Operator's Association shall recommend the pesticide applicator licensed to operate horticultural ground equipment and two pesticide applicators licensed for structural pest control. The Vice President and Vice Provost of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Clemson University shall recommend the herbicide specialist in public service, the entomologist in public service, and the plant pathologist in public service. The members of the South Carolina Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association shall recommend the member from the agrichemical industry and the pesticide dealer.