Commercial Nutrient Handler Resources

Becoming a Delaware Commercial Nutrient Handler

Step 1: Attend four Delaware Nutrient Management Certification Sessions. Initial certification sessions for urban horticulture are offered once a year and the exam is offered three times a year.

Step 2: Pass the Delaware Nutrient Management Commercial Nutrient Handler Exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and you have two hours to complete the exam. Study materials are provided below to help you prepare for the exam. There is no fee to take the exam. On the day of the exam, study materials are not allowed in the exam area and you are required to show a photo I.D. prior to taking the exam.

Step 3: Pay a $150 fee to Delaware Department of Agriculture every three years. This fee is only paid after passing the exam.

Step 4: Maintain your certification by acquiring six hours of continuing education every three years.
 

Nutrient Management Program Exam Policy

The Nutrient Management Program will cover the cost of your first two in-person exam attempts.

If you require more than two attempts, you will be responsible for the full exam fee for each subsequent attempt.

● In-person exams: The fee for each attempt is $85.00.

● Online exams: The fee for each attempt is $125.00, which includes the $85.00 exam fee and a $40.00 online proctoring fee.

More detailed information on online exams, can be found here: https://www.sciencesocieties.org/certified-crop-adviser/exams?q=certified-crop-adviser/exams/
 

Exam Schedule

● In-person exams are offered three times a year, usually in March, September, and December.

● Available through CCA, online exams are offered four times a year. They can be scheduled for February, April, August, or November, but you must register at least one month in advance to choose your exam date.
 

No-Show Policy

To avoid a fee, you must cancel your exam appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to do so will result in you being responsible for the fee for your next exam, regardless of whether it is your first or second attempt.

Reciprocity with Maryland

Commercial Nutrient Handlers who are certified in Maryland and in good standing with the Maryland Nutrient Management Program may seek reciprocity by attending Delaware Nutrient Management Certification Session I, passing the Delaware Nutrient Management Commercial Nutrient Handler Exam, and submitting an application to the Delaware Department of Agriculture with a copy of their Maryland Professional Fertilizer Applicator licence.

Delaware Nutrient Management Certification Notebook

• Agriculture Handbook
• Virginia Tech Urban Nutrient Management Handbook

Study Materials

• Nutrient Management Certification Session Homework #1
• Nutrient Management Certification Session Homework #2
• Nutrient Management Certification Session Homework #3
• Commercial Nutrient Handler Calculation Review
• Commercial Nutrient Handler Calculation Review with Answers
• Commercial Nutrient Handler Topic Review
• Commercial Nutrient Handler Checklist

Links

• Delaware Nutrient Management Law
• Water Quality Best Management Practices: Nutrients, Irrigation and Pesticides for Golf Course, Athletic Turf, Lawn Care and Landscape Industries
• University of Delaware Soil Testing Program
  
• Delaware Livable Lawns
• Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law and Licensing
• New Jersey’s Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification and Training (ProFACT)