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Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Metro Institute provides online computer-based testing services in Idaho for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. DACF proctored testing sites are located throughout the state. All persons desiring to hold a pesticide license with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry must contact Metro Institute to schedule a computer based exam.

Not registered to test?

If you have not already registered and been issued a BPC IND number first visit the Maine Department of Agriculture "Here"  and create an account. You will receive a BPC# needed to schedule computer based exams with Metro.

Register Now

Get your BPC IND number HERE

 

Already approved to test?

If you have already registered with the DACF and been issued an BPC IND number and need to schedule or reschedule a test click the Schedule Now button below. It's fast and easy. Good luck!

Schedule Now

Find a Testing Center

Metro has a testing center network with conveniently located throughout Maine. You get directions and print a map.
Click the button to find your location!
 

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Testing Info

Everything you need to know to get started.

Testing “Step-by-Step”

Testing Procedure:

In order to schedule a  computer based exam at a Metro testing center you must first register with DACF and receive a BPC IND number. Click this link to register with DACF or to retrieve your existing BPC IND number:

Maine BPC Online Portal

  • Once you have your BPC IND number visit Metrosignup.com to schedule your exam online.
  • There is no pre-approval to take exams, with exception of the Master’s exam, which will exclusively still be held at BPC offices.
  • All Commercial Exams meaning anything that is not a Private Exam are $65.00 including retakes. All Private exams are $55.00 including retakes.
  • Exam payments are processed by PayPal and Visa, MC, AMEX and PayPal are accepted. It is not necessary to have a PayPal account.
  • 24 hour notice is required reschedule any exam. Failure to provide the required notice may result in the loss of your testing fee. There is no charge to reschedule an exam with 24 hours notice.
  • Don't forget: You must bring and present your valid unexpired government issued photo ID to each testing session.
  • All exams are closed book.  No calculators are allowed in the testing room.

DACF has a zero policy for cheating, meaning your examination will be canceled. Cheating is defined as, but not limited to:

Copying answers from another test taker; supplying answers to another test taker, during exam use of notes; pictures, or audio recordings during exam; use of any device that provides information during exam, etc.

The following devices are prohibited:

Smartwatches, cell phones and smartphones, audio players, earbuds,  recorders, laptops, tablets, electronic reading devices, or any other personal computing devices, cameras, video cameras, or other photographic or video equipment,

any device capable of recording, transmitting, receiving, playing audio, photograph, text, or video content.

Examinees should not leave the testing room until the exam is complete

Examinees takers must leave the room when they have completed the exam;

Exam takers must turn in all scratch paper to the exam proctor before leaving the testing center.

Schedule a Test Online - Click www.metrosignup.com

Schedule a Test by Phone - Call "(602) 452-2900 or toll free (877) 533-2900"

Test Study Materials - Click "HERE"

Find a Testing Location - Click "HERE"

Helpful Testing Skills

  • You may take a practice test as many times as you wish prior to the real exam to become familiar with the computer and testing interface.. The practice exam has no content relative to the actual exam it is only a sample to demonstrate the computer based testing experience.

  • Exam duration is 60 to 120 minutes depending on the exam so take your time and read each question and each of the possible answers very carefully.

  • You may skip questions and return to them later. You may review any or all of the test as long as you have time remaining on the clock. If you forget to answer any questions before selecting the "Finish Test" button, you will receive one warning that you have unanswered questions. You may then answer those questions and then click the "Finish Test" button again to get your final score.

  • An 80% or higher is required to pass an exam, for all exams.

  • You will receive you score onscreen immediately after completing your exam.

  • You will be provided a printed exams results page with instructions

  • You may not use a calculator.

  • Scratch paper and a pen or pencil will be provided. You must return the scratch paper before leaving the testing center.

Note that study materials/manuals for all exams are to be obtained via the UMaine Cooperative Extension at: https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/pesticide-safety/manuals/ 

Phone: 207-581-3880.

Passed the Test! What Next?

All exam results will be forwarded to the Maine Board of Pesticides Control, BPC.

  • If you receive a passing score on the Private Core exam you will be eligible to apply for an Agricultural Basic Applicator license through the Maine BPC.
  • If you receive a passing score on the Private Core exam and a private category exam you will be eligible to apply for a Private Pesticide Applicator license through the Maine BPC.
  • If you receive a passing score on a Commercial Core and category exam you ae able to apply for a Commercial Operator Applicator license through the Maine BPC.
  • If any applicant passes one of either the Core or Category exams, they must retake the exam that was failed until a grade of 80% is obtained.

Reviewing Test scores

When you complete your test, be sure and print your score sheet. You will be prompted by the computer to do this at the end of your testing period.

Test Results Printout

If you passed your test, the score sheet is your written proof that you have passed that specific exam.

After obtaining passing exam results, applicator licenses may be applied for and payments submitted on the Maine BPC online portal, or by sending in one of the paper forms below with a check:

  • To apply for an Agricultural Basic Applicator license please fill out and mail this form.
  • To apply for a Private Pesticide Applicator license please fill out and mail this form.
  • To apply for a Commercial Applicator license please fill out and mail this form.

To Reschedule a Test Online  visit- www.metroinstitute.com"

Customer Service toll free (877) 533-2900. Please leave a message and your call will be returned in the order it was received.

What to Expect at the Testing Center

Metro strives to provide a professional and pleasant testing experience for every examinee. Below you find some simple requirements and rules to follow before, during and after your exam. Not everything is covered here and your exam proctor may advise or remind you of the rules to begin and finish your exam. Good Luck and thank you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding testing rules and procedures please call Metro Institute toll free at (877) 533-2900

Photo ID Required

A test candidate must present to the test proctor a government- issued photo identification:

Acceptable ID includes original, unexpired, current photographic identification that clearly depicts the examinee, and is obtained from a governmental agency.

Examples include a state driver’s license, military identification, passport, state-issued identification card, or federal agency identification.

You will not be able to test without a qualifying ID.

Items Not Allowed in Testing Room

Examinee Personal Items

Maintaining exam integrity is one of the primary goals of a proctored exam.  One of the ways exam integrity is achieved is by limiting the items allowed in the testing room.  The method used to store personal items can vary by testing center.  Examples of storage methods are: lockers, storage containers, or asking examinees to leave unnecessary items in their vehicle.  All testing centers must provide some form of secure storage for car keys and other small items.

Items Not Allowed in Testing Room:  

(This list is representative but is not exhaustive. Other items that are deemed to cause distraction to other examinees or put exam security at risk may be prohibited)

  • Watches, fitness devices (e.g., Fitbits), cellphone, backpacks, purses, wallets, bags, sunglasses, food or drink, loose change, personal scratch paper, trading aids,  pencils, pens, tissues, hats, earmuffs, scarfs, umbrellas, medications (inhalers or diabetic items are exceptions), personal laptops, keys, and work ID badges
  • Regarding outerwear, coats and jackets should be stored or hung up outside of the testing room. Exception: Some vendors allow jackets to be placed on back of testing chair.

Items to be VISUALLY checked before an examinee is seated

• Glasses - Proctor must visually inspect the glasses of examinee.

• Jewelry - Solid or chunky jewelry must be visually inspected. Items that may cause noise or distraction must be removed.

• Pockets - Pockets of examinees must be emptied with all items placed in a locker or storage area. Examinees must be asked to pat their pockets to show all items have been removed. Some testing centers require that pockets be turned inside out.

(Please note: The proctor should never physically touch the examinee to determine that pockets have been emptied. This should be determined by visual inspection only.)

Other Considerations: • Backpacks - rolling or large bags that do not fit in storage area should be stored in vehicle. If that is not possible, it is recommended that valuables be removed and secured in the locker or storage area. Backpacks must be placed at a designated location with the understanding that the examinee is liable for any belongings. Examinee’s personal belongings must never be stored in the proctor area.

Examinee Disqualifications

All incidents (cheating, distraction, noise, unscheduled breaks etc.) will be reported as defined in processes below. Suspected cheating behavior on exams should be verified by at least two center staff persons whenever possible before action is taken.

• Examinees will be disqualified for cheating.

• Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying questions or answers in any manner, talking with other examinees, referring to any notes while the exam is being administered, or being in possession of any items with documented questions, answers or notes or any other restricted materials.

• When an examinee is disqualified the exam will be terminated and the examinee will be asked to leave the testing center.

• The proctor should collect and retain any evidence or items relevant to the incident such as notes, study material or devices.

Incident Handling: All disqualifying incidents (cheating, distraction, noise, unscheduled breaks etc.) will be reported to Metro Institute and the governing agency.

• Metro will immediately notify the Agency Compliance Officer for incident review, penalty review and penalty enforcement as allowed by rule, regulation and law.

For customer service or technical support call (877) 533-2900

LET METRO HELP MAKE YOUR TESTING EXPERIENCE WONDERFUL AND SUCCESSFUL!