Nutrient Application Technician Licence

We are updating this page to reflect current regulations.

Information on this page about regulations under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and the Environmental Protection Act is out of date. On September 18, 2009 new regulations affecting those applying non-agricultural source materials on agricultural lands were filed. Please visit www.ontario.ca/nasm-omafra for more information.

The information contained in this document is derived from the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and O. Reg 267/03 as amended. Every effort has been made to make it as accurate as possible, but is is not authoritative. Please refer to www.e-laws.gov.on.ca or the official volumes printed by Publications Ontario for the authoritative text of the act.

As of December 31, 2006, individuals who apply nutrients to a phased-in agricultural operation that requires a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) where they are not the owner, operator or employee, can only do so with a valid Nutrient Application Technician's Licence. The licence is issued to an individual and is valid for five years.

Under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, s. 1 a "nutrient" means "fertilizers, organic material, biosolids, compost, manure, septage, pulp and paper sludge, and other material applied to land for the purpose of improving the growing of agricultural crops or for the purpose of a prescribed use".

"Phased-in operations" are those operations that are subject to, or will become subject to, O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, as outlined in Part II, Sections 11 and 12. For further details, please refer to the Regulation, which can be found at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca.

Steps to Receiving and Maintaining a Nutrient Application Technician's Licence

Meet Licence Requirements

Participate in the Course

The required course for this licence, the "Nutrient Application Technician Licence Course" consists of a video and workbook which the participant must complete with a qualified representative.* The course can be completed at the individual's place of work.

This course helps participants develop a familiarity with the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 (NMA), and O. Reg. 267/03, as amended and examines how the Regulations directly affects their job as a technician. Information on materials for the course and fees is available online at www.omafra.gov.on.ca, by clicking on "Agriculture," then "Nutrient Management Information," and "Certification and Training," or by calling the Nutrient Management Information Line at 1-866-242-4460.

* The Technician Course must be delivered by an individual who holds a valid "Prescribed Materials Application Business Licence". This means they have taken the "Prescribed Materials Application Business Licence Course" and passed the exam. It is recommended that the individual also has day-to-day managerial responsibility for field operations, and has extensive knowledge of the company's standard business practices and equipment. Courses will also be delivered by OMAFRA on a seasonal basis.

Pass a test

Writing and achieving a passing grade on a test is required prior to applying for the licence. This open-book test covers materials taught in the course. Licence candidates may attempt to write and pass the test three times. The test can be written at designated OMAFRA locations. If there are language, literacy, or other issues that may affect a candidate's ability to write the test, please contact the Nutrient Management Information Line at 1-866-242-4460 to explore accommodations that may be made. For information about exam dates and locations, call the Nutrient Management Information Line at 1-866-242-4460.

Sign off

The qualified representative who delivers the training will be required to verify that the course has been delivered according to OMAFRA guidelines. These guidelines are clearly outlined in the facilitator's manual for the Nutrient Application Technician Licence course.

Apply for a Licence

Applications for the Nutrient Application Technician Licence are available on the Certification and Training portion of the website. Once you have completed the requirements, print the application and mail the completed form to the address indicated. Original signatures are required on the Licence application. Faxes or copies will not be accepted.

Follow Guidelines for Maintaining Licence

Stay Current in Your Field

Licence holders are expected to keep up to date with the nutrient management legislation and actively pursue additional learning opportunities to remain competent in the field of nutrient management.

Follow Performance Guidelines

A set of Performance Guidelines have been developed by OMAFRA and will be introduced in the training course. Land application business owners, their technicians and other staff are encouraged to follow these guidelines in their daily practice.

Changing Employers

Technicians are expected to learn the standard operating practices and equipment of the new company or employer. New employers may require a Technician to review the training material for the Nutrient Application Technician Licence as a condition of employment, even if the Technician is already licenced.