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Montana Department of Agriculture

Metro Institute provides online computer-based testing services in Montana for the Montana Department of Agriculture. MTDA proctored testing sites are located throughout the state. All persons desiring to hold a pesticide license with the Montana Department of Agriculture must contact Metro Institute to schedule a computer based exam.

Not registered to test?

If you have not already registered and been issued a Testing ID number or have never tested at a computer based testing center please register now.
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Already approved to test?

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

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Find a Testing Center

Metro has a testing center network with conveniently located throughout Montana. You get directions and print a map.
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Testing Info

Everything you need to know to get started.

Testing “Step-by-Step”

Testing Procedure:

1. To schedule your exam online, click  "HERE"

2. Payment ($58.00 per test ) may be Check, Visa, MC, AX, or PayPal.

3. Mail checks to Metro Institute, 202 East Earll Drive, Ste 180, Phoenix, AZ 85012

4. If you cannot make your exam appointment for any reason, you may reschedule at no charge with 24 hour notice (48 Hour notice for Remote exams). Failure to provide the required cancellation notice will result in the forfeiture of your testing fees.

5.  Don't forget: You must bring your valid (unexpired) government issued photo ID to the testing site. You can't test without it!

6. All exams are closed book. 

A photograph will be taken by the testing center before an exam can be administered.  If you wish to request a religious or other accommodation please contact MTDA at (406) 444-3144. This accommodation MUST be obtained before any exam is scheduled. 

Once an accommodation is obtained from MTDA, a testing candidate or representative must contact Metro Institute by phone (877) 533-2900 to schedule an exam. 

Testing candidates arriving at the testing center without prior accommodation or having scheduled online without notifying Metro Institute by phone in advance, regarding their refusal to be photographed, will not be allowed to test and may forfeit the testing fee. The exam will not be rescheduled until the proper procedure has been followed. 

Testing Policies

  1. Employees of the same company must sit separately from each other;

  2. Exam takers must leave the room when they have completed the exam;

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

Copying answers from another test takers answer sheet; 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.

  1. Permitted Devices Policy: The only devices permitted in the examination room are basic calculators and digital and analog watches. (Stored data calculators are not allowed.) 

Prohibited Devices.

The following devices are prohibited:

Smartwatches;

Cell phones and smartphones;

Audio players, 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.

Schedule a Test Online - "HERE"

Test Study Materials - Click  “HERE" 

Customer Support: 

For Technical Support, Questions or Assistance:

Call: (602) 452-2900 

Toll Free (877) 533-2900

Helpful Testing Skills

1. You will have Two (2) hours to complete each closed book examination. Most people complete each test in less than one hour. Therefore, take your time and read each question and each of the possible answers very carefully.

2. 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.

3. The exams have 35 to 75 questions and you must answer 80% correctly to pass.

4. You may take a practice test as many times as you wish prior to the real exam. This is only a sample to demonstrate the computer based testing experience and no actual exam related content is presented.

If you have any technical issues or questions regarding the testing interface notify the proctor for assistance. The test proctor cannot discuss test questions or provide any help with test content.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you must wait at least 7 days before rescheduling through Metro or MT Dept of Ag.  If you do not pass the second attempt, you must wait at least 15 days to reschedule. Those who do not pass a third attempt must wait until the following January 1 to reschedule {ARM 4.10.203(4a)}.

After the Test! What Next?

To pass an exam, you must answer 80 percent or more of the questions correctly. If you have successfully completed the National Core exam and at least one Category-Specific exam you may qualify for a license however, you must first apply for a license from the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA). The pesticide license application will be sent to your nearest MDA Field Office for approval and then submitted to MDA Licensing for processing.  You must ensure your information is accurate so MDA can contact you upon passing the exam.  If you have any questions about your license, please contact the Pesticide Program at 406-444-3676.

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. If you passed your test, the score sheet is your written proof that you have passed that specific exam. Please review the BOLD text on your score sheet for licensing information. If you failed your test, the score sheet will tell you which "Content Areas" you need to study.

Failed the Test What Next?

 If you failed any of the tests, you may re-take that exam (based on the information that is in ARM 4.10.203.4).

To Reschedule a Test Online - Click "HERE"  

For technical assistance, support or questions call Metro (877) 533-2900  

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!