(a) The Department in promulgating regulations under this chapter shall prescribe standards for the certification of applicators of pesticides. Such standards shall relate to the use and handling of pesticides, or to the use and handling of the pesticides or class of pesticides covered by the individual's certification, and shall be relative to the hazards involved. In determining standards, the Department shall consider the characteristics of the pesticide formulation such as:
(b) The Department shall classify or subclassify certifications to be issued under this chapter. Such classifications shall include commercial applicators and private applicators, and classifications and subclassifications may include, but not be limited to, pest control operators, ornamental, agricultural or right-of-way pesticide applicators. Separate subclassifications may be specified as to ground, aerial or manual methods used by any applicator to apply pesticides or to the use of pesticides to control insects and plant diseases, rodents or weeds. Each classification shall be subject to separate examination procedures and requirements.