Everblue, a nationally accredited, innovative technology company, is partnering with the University of Florida’s Pesticide Information Office to create a new online testing option for aspiring pesticide applicators.
Going forward, test-takers will have the convenience of testing from home. This will allow applicators the option of testing by themselves, at home, in the office, or virtually anywhere with good internet. There are still options to test in a physical office, but the Everblue exams are available 24-7.
“We know many business owners and licensed individuals are excited about this opportunity,” said Jon Boggiano, Everblue's chief innovation officer. “Licensees can now test and immediately get back to work without having to commute to University of Florida, IFAS (UF/IFAS) extension offices, or other physical locations. The new process saves them time, money, and stress.”
With the online option, candidates will still apply for certification and receive a voucher; however, they will have the convenience of testing from home using their personal computer and will be able to complete their exam without scheduling a specific day or time. Once given their login credentials from Everblue, candidates will have immediate access to the online test portal.
For an overview of how it works, visit our Florida Pesticide Certification Exams page.
The UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office and Everblue began discussing what was possible before COVID-19, but the pandemic showed the need for offering testing like this. Everblue, the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office and FDACS all had to work for months to coordinate and deliver this option. All agreed it was a great fit and partnership to deliver this to the stakeholders in Florida.
Dr. Brett Bultemeier, from the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, said this about the process: “Thank you (to the Everblue team) for being so flexible and responsive. It is not lost on me just how much you and UF IT have had to make massive changes and write brand new systems. This has been a herculean effort. I am glad to have such good partners along the way.”
UF/IFAS championed these process improvements to better serve licensees in the state of Florida. They are clearly passionate about making this process more efficient and more responsive to the needs of business owners and citizens.
“Florida’s move toward online test proctoring opens the doors to unprecedented levels of security, customization, and quality,” said Chris Boggiano, president of Everblue. “Our user-friendly interface offers a better experience for test-takers as well as a faster turnaround time for test results.”
Everblue will deliver, proctor, and score five of the state’s pesticide certification and licensure exams, including the Core, Ornamental & Turf, Right-of-Way, Aquatic, and the Private Applicator Agricultural exams. There are plans to offer even more exams in 2022.
For more information about Florida’s remote pesticide certification and licensure, contact Brett Wells Bultemeier at (352) 392-4721 or email bwbult@ufl.edu.
About UF Pesticide Information Office (https://pested.ifas.ufl.edu/)
The UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office works with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to prepare training materials and exams for pesticide applicator licensing and renewal.
About Everblue (https://www.goeverblue.com/)
Everblue helps create a better world by making organizations more responsive and productive through innovation and technology. Everblue empowers professionals and organizations to achieve success, by offering a comprehensive suite of professional training programs and certification management solutions. Its curriculum includes short-term courses focused on emerging technology fields, such as energy efficiency and cybersecurity. In addition to training courses, Everblue also helps its organizational clients with digital test administration, online exam hosting, proctoring, badging, and association membership management.
